Cooper Parry

Cooper Parry, a UK-based accountant firm, partnered with Unifrog to host an Insight Day for students – opening their doors to young people who might not otherwise experience the professional world up close. The event gave local students a deeper understanding of careers in accountancy, challenging their perceptions and showing them the paths available to get there.

‘It’s not just about recruitment – it’s about inspiring young people’

Katherine Gibbins, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Lead at Cooper Parry, explains the purpose behind the day:

‘It’s not just about recruitment for us. It’s about giving students a deeper understanding of what a career in accounting can be, and inspiring them to take their next steps towards it.’

Together with Unifrog, Cooper Parry invited students from three local schools — including Archway Learning Trust — many of whom come from backgrounds where access to professional networks is limited. Katherine adds:

‘The insight day was attended by three schools in our local community with a high percentage of students who would be classed as disadvantaged. So this is a really important chance for them to see what it’s really like.’

For Stephanie Morris, Cooper Parry’s Talent Acquisition Director, the partnership was a clear success:

‘Through our partnership with Unifrog, we’ve been able to motivate and connect with young people and show them how varied and exciting our industry is. Unifrog had the pre-existing connections with the schools and set everything up. That kind of support is crucial.’

A meaningful connection for schools

For Mrs H Suffolk-Adams, Strategic Careers Lead at Archway Learning Trust, the benefits of the day were far-reaching:

‘We decided to get involved because it brings a really meaningful encounter with the workplace to a lot of our students who might not otherwise get the opportunity.’

She sees this kind of experience as vital, especially in a climate where school career services are under-resourced:

‘If we look at the careers sector across the UK, the one thing we know it’s short of is major investments. So by working with Cooper Parry and Unifrog, it’s meant we could take almost 50 students along to an Insight Day. It’s enlightening, it’s life-changing — and I really hope Cooper Parry and other industries keep investing in young people. They are the future.’

A lasting impact for students 

For the students who attended, the experience was eye-opening:

‘The Insight Day taught me a lot more about what accounting is and how to get into the industry,’ said Yiwan. ‘And if I were to apply for Cooper Parry, what the benefits would be.’

For Daoud, the day changed his view of what working in finance could look like:

‘I used to think accounting was all about quiet, corporate office jobs. But Cooper Parry gave me a lot more insight. Their office is colourful, vibrant – a really communal space.’

The visit gave Prince a stronger sense of confidence and direction:

‘Going to the Cooper Parry Insight Day made me feel really confident about working as an accountant. I understood there’s a clear path to get there, and what to do.’

And the message from the students to their peers? Don’t be afraid to try.

‘Everyone has their own assumptions about jobs,’ said Prince. ‘Even if you think it’s all office-based, just go and see – it might totally change your perception.’

‘Don’t be scared to take your first steps,” added Yiwan. ‘Just apply.’

Want to show young people what it’s really like to work in your industry?

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your early careers pipeline or give back to your community in a meaningful way, Unifrog makes it easy to connect with schools and students who’ll benefit the most.

Head over to our employer page to learn more about how a partnership with Unifrog works.

Got a question? Get in touch with us on info@unifrog.org or book a demo here.