A note from America – Amy Burton, RSM

Amy Burton, Tax Associate Director at RSM in Birmingham has embarked on a 6 month secondment to the USA working in RSM’s Minneapolis office. Amy took the time to share her journey with us and how the secondment will benefit her long-term career.

For me, internal networks are just as important as external networks and an international placement like this is a great way to grow an internal network.

I've met hundreds of new people from across RSM during the last few months. As part of the selection process, I also had the opportunity to meet a large number of the most senior people in RSM UK, who I may not have got to know otherwise. 

You learn so much when you put yourself out of your comfort zone. I've been asked to give presentations to US colleagues with around 30 minutes notice which I might have thought I was not capable of doing before, but I did it.

In today's world, knowing only about doing business in one country is not enough, businesses and clients are global. I have learnt so much about businesses expanding overseas and advising our international clients which I wouldn't have learnt just from the UK. Hopefully this will allow me to better service my clients when I'm back home.

Doing this secondment and having this experience gives me a real USP on my CV. I have experienced so much in such a short space of time, the exposure and knowledge I have built-up will hopefully help me to further my career.

Last but not least, it's good fun! In 6 months I have been to 12 different US cities and I usually try and plan my visits so that I can have a weekend there to sightsee. I've immersed myself in US culture celebrating a 4th July, a Thanksgiving, attending baseball and US football games and I've made new friends.

To anyone considering a similar opportunity, I definitely recommend it!

Amy