New Beginnings: Fresh Perspectives from Our Rising Stars

In celebration of Knowledge Day and the new academic year, our talented Tax Consultant Assistants - recent graduate Margarita and current student Romualdas -extend their heartfelt congratulations to all students diving back into the world of learning. In a special interview, they discuss their experiences balancing work and study, the advantages of gaining professional experience while still studying at university, and the importance of setting clear personal and career goals. Additionally, as recent joiners at Rödl & Partner Lithuania, they provide an overview of their impressions, sharing their thoughts on integrating into the workplace and how it complements their academic pursuits. Their reflections offer valuable insights and practical advice for students navigating their educational and professional journeys.

In your first months at Rödl & Partner, what aspect of the job or work culture has positively surprised you?

Romualdas: One aspect that has positively surprised me during my first few months at Rödl & Partner is how supportive and collaborative the team is. I have been genuinely impressed by the willingness of everyone to help each other out and share their knowledge. The culture here is not only about getting the job done, but also about growing together as a team. It is refreshing to be part of an environment where people are approachable, understanding and committed to both individual and collective success.

Margarita: Harmony. Over the past year, balancing work with writing my thesis caused a significant amount of stress. However, joining Rödl & Partner has been a delightful change, thanks to the friendly, supportive, and uplifting team.

What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned in your first months at the firm, and how do you plan to apply it during this academic year?

Romualdas: Key lesson I have learned in my first months at the firm is the importance of effective time management. Balancing multiple tasks and deadlines has taught me how crucial it is to prioritize my work, stay organized, and make the most of the time available. This will apply as well as during the academic year by setting clear goals, breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks, and allocating specific time for focused work.

What piece of advice you would share with new students or trainees about balancing work and studies effectively while staying motivated?

Margarita: Find your rhythm by breaking tasks into manageable chunks, celebrating small wins, and always reminding yourself why you started - it is the fuel that keeps you going.

Romualdas: My advice to new students is to stay organized and stick to a plan. It is easy to feel overwhelmed but by setting clear priorities and breaking tasks into manageable steps you can balance work and studies more effectively. Consistency is key, so take the things one step at a time.

Looking forward to this academic year, what is one thing you hope to focus on or prioritize to have a more fulfilling “new season”? Is it a mindset, a habit, or a skill you think it would be beneficial to adopt?

Romualdas: Coming to this academic year, I really want to focus on believing that everything is going to be okay. I have found that worrying about every little thing can be nerve wracking, so I am trying to remind myself that even if things do not go perfectly, it is all going to work out in the end. Embracing this mindset will help to stay relaxed and focused, making it easier to handle challenges and enjoy the year.

What unique opportunities do you see in combining your academic knowledge with real-world work experience at our firm? How do you plan to leverage this combination to achieve your personal or professional goals this year?

Margarita: Combining my economics studies with practical experience at Rödl & Partner allows me to transform theory into real-world solutions. This year, I am eager to harness that momentum to drive innovation and accelerate my growth as an economist.

Romualdas: By combining academic knowledge with real-world work experience I see a unique opportunity for growth and innovation. Integration of theoretical insights with practical application can lead to more informed decision making and problem solving. I plan to leverage this combination by actively engaging in projects that align with my academic strengths and the firm’s objectives. By doing this I aim to become a specialist that can drive impactful results and contribute to the organization’s success.

If you had to choose a personal motto that captures your approach to personal development, continuous learning and gaining practical experience, what would it be?

Romualdas: My approach to personal development involves maintaining a clear and structured plan and staying with it. I believe that having a well defined plan allows for focused and purposeful progress, while staying organized ensures that I can efficiently manage my tasks and priorities. This balance helps me to steadily advance towards my goals, adapt to new challenges and leverage opportunities for growth. Thus the motto would be “Follow the plan“.

As the new academic year begins, what is one piece of advice or encouragement you would like to share with students to help them make the most of this “new season” and achieve their goals?

Romualdas: My wish for all students is to embrace a mindset of resilience and curiosity. Remember that growth often comes from overcoming challenges and exploring new perspectives. Learn from every experience, whether it is a success or a setback. Set clear goals but also be flexible and willing to adjust your approach as needed. Most importantly, believe in your ability to make meaningful progress and contribute to your field. With determination and eagerness to learn, you can transform this academic year into a time of significant personal and professional advancement.

As a recent graduate, how has the transition from being a student to a working professional been for you? What advice would you offer to current students about preparing for this change?

Margarita: Transitioning from being a student to a working professional was smooth for me, as I began working in my field during my final year of studies. My advice to current students is to start gaining experience in your field as early as possible - it not only enhances your understanding of what you are studying but also builds valuable experience that will set you apart when you graduate.

With your academic journey now complete, how do you plan to apply your university learnings to your role at our firm? What skills or knowledge do you consider most important to carry forward into your career?

Margarita: Now that I have completed my economics degree, I am eager to apply what I have learned to address real-world challenges at Rödl & Partner. I plan to focus on leveraging my data analysis skills, deriving actionable insights, and applying economic theories to support informed decision-making.

Happy Knowledge Day!

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