From Manila to Manchester: Janica Looks Back on Her Journey of Growth

This holiday season, Janica reflects on her transformative secondment experience at Grant Thornton UK.

 

6,766 miles—that’s the distance from the Philippines to the United Kingdom. It’s the exact distance I traveled during my secondment of two years—a period of personal and professional growth.

Since joining P&A Grant Thornton back in 2018 as an Audit Associate, my career has been nothing short of productive. I have participated in a diverse array of audit assignments, ranging from small businesses to large, publicly listed companies. 3 years into my career, I was selected to join an outsourcing team that would collaborate closely with GT UK audits—at the time, I embraced this opportunity, as I was keen to explore a whole new aspect of auditing. Soon after, I prepared to relocate to Manchester.

Secondment has always been an appealing opportunity for me: my experience with GT UK outsourcing truly helped me build the confidence and drive to pursue it.. I felt more excited than nervous about it, as I eagerly anticipated traveling, embarking on new adventures in the UK, and meeting my colleagues in person rather than just virtually. 

While I missed being back home with my family, I was able to stay connected with them through messaging platforms, which proved to be incredibly helpful during our time apart. My experience in the UK not only shaped me professionally but also personally. It taught me to be more open and respectful of differences while also boosting my confidence in tackling various challenging aspects of audit work.

At every step of the way, P&A Grant Thornton provided tremendous support, offering assistance and guidance from the initial planning stages. During my secondment, I stayed in touch and had the opportunity to catch up with my partner coach to discuss my progress and plans for my return. The Firm also helped  to facilitate a smooth transition  as I got back to work upon completion of the secondment.

As we reflect during this holiday season, consider adding secondment to your wish list or bucket list for 2025 and envision the exciting adventures that await you!