Why Join S&DCASS? Insights from Chair Korresia MacGregor
Our recent Inc Consulting X Sheffield and District Student Society Social at Club de Padel went exactly how we’d hoped. The event sold out in minutes, with 60 aspiring accountants and finance professionals from across Sheffield coming together for an evening of padel, pizza, and a break from the day job and studies. We had attendees from a wide range of firms across the region - meeting others going through the same journey, building relationships, and none of the usual awkward networking.
Since the event, we’ve had a lot of interest from both Partners and ACA students asking the same thing: what is S&DCASS, and why should my team or I get involved?
So, we sat down with Korresia MacGregor, Chair of the Sheffield & District Chartered Accountants Student Society (S&DCASS), to get her take.
You’re relatively new into the role of Chair - what does it involve, and how have you found it so far?
The role involves leading the committee by setting the overall direction, organising key activities throughout the year, and acting as the main point of contact.
Stepping into it was very different from anything I’d done before, and being pushed into a leadership position initially felt quite strange. However, after a few months in the role - and navigating a fair number of challenges - I’ve found it incredibly rewarding.
It’s helped me develop new skills, adapt quickly, and reflect on my experiences in a way that I know will benefit me going forward; experience I wouldn’t have had the chance to gain through my day-to-day role. Plus, event planning is genuinely great fun!
What types of events and activities does S&DCASS currently offer to its members?
We offer a wide range of events, with most being social-focused. In the past we’ve run bowling nights, quizzes, karaoke, dinners, and even BBQs. There’s plenty of variety, and we typically host an event roughly every two months.
Are there any new initiatives or events you’re particularly excited about this year?
Yes - we introduced an additional event into the calendar this year to keep momentum going between February and June. That’s where the Pizza & Padel night came in. Padel is extremely popular at the moment, so we thought we’d join the rush. It’s also a bit different for us - we don’t usually run many sport-focused events - so it’s a nice change of pace.
We’re delighted to be partnering with S&DCASS - why are partnerships like this important?
Working with organisations like yours is really valuable to S&DCASS. It allows us to pool skills, share knowledge, and give members access to advice from individuals with broad industry experience.
That helps students feel more confident and supported throughout their qualification. Financial support also plays a key role, enabling us to continue delivering high-quality events that support both personal and professional development.
Not everyone studying their ACA in the region is an active member - what are they missing out on? Students who don’t get involved miss out on the opportunity to build connections and take a break from the constant cycle of studying and exams. It can be difficult to find balance, and these events give people the chance to switch off, reset, and spend time with others going through the same experience.
For those interested in joining, how can they get involved?
It's simple, when you see an event advertised, get in touch and book a place.
We have representatives across a number of firms who share events internally, and we also promote everything on Instagram and LinkedIn. Anyone can reach out directly.
If your firm doesn’t currently have a representative, you can nominate someone - or put yourself forward to join the committee!
We’re really pleased to be working with S&DCASS and supporting the next generation of finance professionals in the region. When you’re working towards your ACA, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle - work, study, repeat. What S&DCASS offers is something outside of that. It’s a chance to meet people at the same stage, build your network early, and take a step back when you need it.
If you’re interested in joining S&DCASS, please contact Korresia on korresia.macgregor@shorts.uk.com
Or if you’d like to hear about our next event collaboration with S&DCASS, you can register your interest here: https://tinyurl.com/ym9fetuh
