Toby, who is now a partner at Mazars LLP and UK Head of Accounting and Outsourcing, talked to the students on how they could build on this experience for their future careers. His visit was part of a programme of talks and activities designed to prepare students for the industrial placements that they will be doing in the next year of their degrees.

As a LUMS graduate, Toby was able to relate directly to the student audience and to exemplify a graduate success story – someone who was in the same position as them a few years ago and who has built on that experience to forge a successful career.

His presentation was delivered with humour and included insights from his own career as well as tips from students currently on placement with Mazars LLP.

The benefits of collaboration

When asked what he sees as the benefits of a strong relationship with LUMS, Toby explained that as an international partnership delivering audit, tax and advisory solutions, Mazars LLP recruits students into both placement and graduate positions. Through regular contribution to careers initiatives at LUMS, he is therefore keen to raise the profile of Mazars LLP with the School’s high-calibre student body and to promote opportunities within the firm.

He also believes that universities can play a pivotal role in helping companies develop themselves and therefore is keen to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Mazars LLP and LUMS.

On a personal level, Toby sees the relationship as an opportunity to further his own intellectual development, through engagement with the School’s leading academic and entrepreneurial colleagues.  He also explained that “it has been very enjoyable to spend more time in Lancaster and to reintroduce myself to the reasons why I had such a great time here first time around”.

Rory Daly, LUMS Placements Manager, commented on Toby’s input: “It is always a pleasure to welcome Toby back to LUMS. His professionalism and personal integrity is obvious to the students and he shares key messages with them by continually reflecting on his own career development. He is a proud ambassador for Lancaster and we are very grateful for his continued support.”