At ESV we welcome employee secondment through our TIAG alliance network. We believe that the temporary transfer of an employee from another organisation can enrich an employees’ skills and benefit an organisations’ alliances and reputation.

We sat down with our very own Vicky Fortune, a secondee all the way from Dublin Ireland, to hear a first-hand account of the experience.

So Vicky, what led you to pursue a secondment in Sydney, Australia?
Vicky: As a member firm, the opportunity presented itself to me. Having practiced for 10 years I wanted to challenge myself, work on different types of engagements and learn from the management team here at ESV. Of course, visiting a beautiful part of the world while earning money didn’t hurt. I wanted to travel and experience the Aussie lifestyle and weather!

How has ESV helped you grow your career?
Vicky: Working at ESV has made me more confident, getting to work so closely with the Partners and learning from them will help to advance my career.

What have you learnt at ESV that you will take back home with you?
Vicky: I got to work with a couple of different Partners on projects that were not my area of expertise back home. The skills I learnt being thrown completely out of my comfort zone will be so valuable to my firm when I get home. The deadlines in Australia are also much tighter than back home so I have improved my time management.

What were the highlights of working at ESV?
Vicky: Well you could never be bored with the team I was on – I met some amazing people. The End of Financial Year Party was such fun and the social nights out really helped me feel like I belonged.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Vicky: Having no contacts here was tough – I am so proud of myself for doing it. I love my family so missing them was hard – I couldn’t FaceTime my mum because I knew we’d both get too upset!

Can you share any words of advice for those who would like to pursue a secondment?
Vicky: 100% just go for it. The support you get from ESV is amazing, Sydney is an amazing city to live and the opportunity to travel is not to be passed up.

For further information on best practice for secondment arrangements, contact our HR advisors on 02 9283 1666.