Newcastle University

Newcastle University Business School alumnus Andrew Fenby has recently made his debut in professional rugby by scoring a winning try for the Newcastle Falcons.

However, rugby is not Andrew’s full time career and on the Monday morning after his victory he was back to his ‘day job’ working as a Senior Associate in the auditing department of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Newcastle

Andrew graduated from Newcastle University Business School’s ‘Flying Start’ programme last year. This programme is a collaboration between Newcastle University, PwC and the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). The course is the first of its kind in the UK and offers students a unique combination of gaining paid work placements with PwC whilst studying for their BA (Hons) Business, Accounting and Finance degree. Students on the course are also offered accelerated progress to the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification. This is an opportunity that Andrew has benefitted from and in November last year he gained his chartered accountant qualification.

Andrew’s recent progression to professional rugby means having to train in the morning before going to work in the afternoon, which means working through lunch and adding extra hours at the end of the day. However, Andrew is determined not to let his new found success get in the way of his career.

"Ultimately I’m employed by PwC and I’ve got to get the work done on time", said Andrew whilst at the Kingston Park training ground.

Andrew has his sights set on competing with the club next season and is currently discussing the opportunity of taking a short career break with PwC. Nevertheless, he is immensely proud of his academic qualifications and is determined not to give up on the bright future he has as an accountant. After his playing days are over, Andrew hopes to resume his career and work as a full time accountant overseas, preferably in New York.