From Classroom to Career: Benjamin Blake’s Launchpad into Ulton

When Benjamin Blake walked through Ulton’s doors for the first time as part of the Vacation Program, he wasn’t just ticking off work experience hours; he was testing a future he’d been quietly considering for some time.

A proud graduate of Bundaberg North State High School, Ben says the program was “an obvious choice to gain early insight into what an accounting career would be like.” Before starting, he admits he had some nerves. “I was worried accounting might have been just spreadsheets all day, but the program proved me wrong in so many ways — there are so many fascinating nuances to all the different departments and assignments you’ll experience.”

Ben first became interested in accounting at school, where he found the subject “very methodical and logical” and realised it was a career path he could pursue successfully.

“On the first day of the Vacation Program I was rather nervous, but I felt very supported and by the end of the day, I couldn’t be more excited to meet the teams.”

Over the course of his placement, Ben rotated through a wide cross-section of the business: Audit, Business Services, Superannuation, Bookkeeping, Tax Advisory, Business Advisory & Insights, Finance, Payroll and even Morgans Stockbroking.

For Ben, the experience was more than just observation. “I was given hands-on experience that goes well beyond anything a textbook could provide; I worked through real problems using specialist software.” The exposure helped him understand not just the technical side of accounting, but the people and processes that make the business function.

“Everyone at Ulton is supportive — they’re encouraging when you aren’t too certain, which made the Vacation Program so much more exciting. During the two-week placement, I was supported through multiple challenges that helped me to understand and reinforce the accounting concepts I had learned in school.”

Following the program, Ben applied for a Trainee role in Ulton’s Tax Advisory team. He explains, “When the vacation program had concluded, I had decided that joining Ulton as a trainee after Year 12 was the best choice to gain valuable experience and begin building a career while studying.”

“It’s exciting, I get to stay in contact with friends and family as well as not having to worry about the logistics and stress of moving elsewhere,” Ben says of starting his career locally.

Today, Ben is looking forward to “learning the ins and outs of tax law and becoming accomplished and competent” and has plans to complete his Chartered Accountant qualification while advancing his university studies to become more capable in the industry.

“If a career in accounting has crossed your mind, applying for the Vacation Program is a no-brainer. You’ll learn a lot about accounting beyond what is taught at school and begin to plan your future studies.”

We’re proud to see local students like Ben take meaningful steps into professional careers, building their futures while staying connected to the community that shaped them.

Interested in following in Ben’s footsteps?

Our next paid Vacation Program intake is now open.

If you’re a high school or university student curious about a future in accounting, advisory or finance, this is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience inside a professional firm and see where it could lead.

Applications close 13 March for placements during the April school holidays.

To apply for this program, click here

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