This month we sat down with Ray Gordon, our latest Secondee from Scotland to find out how he’s found the experience.
Why did you decide to become a secondee?
I’ve always loved traveling and Australia has always been on the agenda as somewhere I’ve wanted to visit. I was aware of the Secondment program and thought it would be a great opportunity to be able to spend some time here and explore the country. I had a catch up with my Partner back home and expressed that should the program relaunch I’d be interested. Then everything kind of just fell into place and here I am.
What did you expect your experience would be like and how has the reality compared?
To be honest, I had high expectations. Everyone I know who has come here has loved it. I spoke with a previous secondee, and they only had good things to say. I’d say everything has definitely lived up to it, I’ve had so many brilliant experiences that I wouldn’t be able to have anywhere else. I’ve loved it so far.
What has the experience been like?
I couldn’t have asked for much more, every week there’s been something to do or see. I’ve had so many new experiences in the short amount of time that I’ve been here. I had my first ever Melbourne Cup, I tried Yum Cha for the first time, I even gave Vegemite a try. Though I don’t think I’ll ever touch that one again. The experiences I have gained through ESV have been great, from working with different types of clients to seeing how a different firm operates. I’ve only worked for one other accounting firm in the past, so it’s been great being exposed to different ways of doing things. Plus working under Partners, Travas and Tim has not only been beneficial to my development but also a lot of fun too.
How have you found Australia/Sydney?
I’ve absolutely loved it; the lifestyle has been massively different to what I was living back in Scotland, very much an active lifestyle here. Coming from a small country town to moving to a busy city with so much going on, it’s been such a stark contrast. Sydney has a bit of everything, from city life to quiet beaches. I love that aspect of it, it’s a nice balance of both.
What has been a highlight for you? (Career/personal)
Honestly there’s been so many incredible moments I’ve had whilst I’ve been here. I arrived just in time for the End of Financial Year celebration, which I thought was amazing. Then I was able to join the Corporate Games team and compete in table tennis, I completed the City2Surf, which was not like anything I’d ever done before. I recently got to climb the Harbour bridge, which was insane. I went up for sunset and it was definitely something I will remember.
What advice would you give for anyone thinking about doing this?
Go for it, definitely do it. Be open to new experiences and give everything a go. Although it may be a great distance from home – your family and friends are always just phone call away. It’s such an amazing experience to explore not only a different country but also experience another firm’s way of doing things.
What’s something you’ve experienced that you didn’t expect?
I never used to be one to care for views or sunsets – but being here you just get drawn to it and now I can’t get enough of sightseeing and doing the touristy things. I’ve become a typical tourist and I really didn’t expect that.
How have you found ESV?
It has a real family feel, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with the whole office, not just my team. I feel like I’ve been able to take an active role in the team and have worked with people across all levels from cadets to Partners. ESV has been incredible with all the events and experiences on offer. From the moment I arrived everyone has been so welcoming, and I’ve been able to make some lifelong friends.
