From Sullivan to Success: Rachael McGinty’s Apprenticeship Journey with PwC

We are delighted to feature former Sullivan pupil Rachael McGinty, who left the school in 2024 and has already made an impressive start to her professional career. Rachel joined PwC on a Higher Apprenticeship in Management Consultancy, combining workplace experience with professional qualifications to fast-track her development in the industry.

Since leaving Sullivan, Rachael has completed her Certificate in Business Accounting (CIMA), gained valuable hands-on experience with clients and projects, and has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Management Consultancy Association (MCA) Apprentice of the Year Award. She is also set to receive a promotion in September.

Rachael credits much of her success to the strong academic foundation and support she received at Sullivan, particularly from the Business Studies department during the apprenticeship application process. Passionate about helping young people explore the full range of opportunities available after school, Rachael is keen to raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage students to consider the pathways that best suit their strengths and ambitions.

In this Q&A, Rachael reflects on her journey from Sullivan to PwC, shares insights into apprenticeship life, and offers advice for students considering their next steps.

Can you tell us about your journey since leaving Sullivan in 2024 and joining PwC?
In August 2023, I completed a week-long insight programme in PwC Belfast, which gave me my first real exposure to the different school and college leaver pathways available. What really stood out to me was that the sessions were run by people actually on the programmes themselves – you could really see the passion they had for what they were doing, which made it feel a lot more real and achievable.

I remember speaking to someone on the Business Management Flying Start Programme, where they combined university with placements. From that point, it became really clear to me that I wanted a route where I could gain experience alongside studying. I then spent time exploring all the programmes PwC offered to find the best fit, and that’s when I came across the Management Consulting Apprenticeship. It felt like the perfect combination of practical experience and structured learning, so I applied and was fortunate enough to secure a place.

What made you choose a Higher Apprenticeship rather than a university route?
For me, it came down to how I learn best. Throughout my time at Sullivan, I realised that I developed much more when I was applying what I’d learned in a practical setting rather than through purely academic study.

The apprenticeship route meant I could start building real experience from day one, while still working towards a professional qualification through the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. The fact that I could earn a salary, gain hands-on experience, and avoid student debt made it a really attractive option. It genuinely felt like the best of both worlds.

What have been some of the highlights of your apprenticeship so far?
It’s honestly been difficult to narrow it down because the last 18 months have been such an incredible experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of initiatives that I wouldn’t have expected so early in my career.

Some highlights include organising a business development day for over 300 early-career colleagues across Consulting, which involved a lot of coordination, stakeholder engagement and logistics. I’ve also facilitated multiple training sessions for apprentices, particularly on Microsoft platforms, which has helped me build confidence in presenting and leading sessions.

Another highlight has been co-designing and delivering a three-week training programme for new graduates, focused on building core consulting skills. Alongside this, I’ve facilitated several client workshops, including one with over 80 attendees, which was a great opportunity to develop my communication and facilitation skills in a real client environment.

How have you balanced gaining professional qualifications alongside your work?
Balancing work alongside studying for my CIMA qualification definitely hasn’t been easy at times, especially during busier project periods. However, the time management skills I developed at Sullivan have been really important in helping me manage both.

I learned early on how to prioritise my workload, break things into manageable chunks and stay organised, which has translated directly into how I approach balancing study and client work now. I’ve also learned to be realistic with my time and ask for support when needed, which has been key in maintaining that balance.

What does being shortlisted for the MCA Apprentice of the Year Award mean to you?
Being shortlisted is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not just a recognition of my individual achievements, but also the wider impact I’ve been able to have through championing junior talent.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve been really passionate about creating opportunities for others, whether that’s through training, mentoring or developing initiatives. To have that recognised externally is really rewarding, and it motivates me to continue building on that impact.

In what ways did Sullivan help prepare you for your apprenticeship and career?
Sullivan played a huge role in preparing me, both academically and personally. One of the biggest influences for me was being part of the Young Enterprise team, where I developed skills like teamwork, problem solving and commercial awareness, all of which I still use on a daily basis.

How did the Business Studies department support you?
The Business Studies department were fundamental to my application. Two teachers in particular supported me the whole way through the process, from helping me prepare for interviews and assessment centres, to building my confidence.

They were always available to offer guidance, answer questions and challenge me to think more critically. Having that level of support made a huge difference and played a big part in me being successful.

What would you say to students considering an apprenticeship?
I would say it’s definitely something worth seriously considering. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain real experience, develop practical skills and earn a salary, all while working towards a recognised qualification.

You get exposure to real projects and real clients from early on, which helps you build confidence and understand what you enjoy much faster. It’s also a great way to build a strong professional network early in your career.

What misconceptions about apprenticeships would you challenge?
A common misconception is that you miss out on the “university experience”, but that really isn’t the case anymore. Many apprenticeships now include a degree element, meaning you still get that academic experience alongside working.

You also meet a huge range of people through your work, training and wider networks. In many ways, you come out of an apprenticeship with both the social experience and the added benefit of real work experience, which puts you in a really strong position.

What are your future career aspirations?
At the moment, I’m really enjoying my career in consulting and the variety of opportunities PwC has given me so far. In the short term, I’m focused on continuing to develop in my role and working towards my promotion later this year.

Looking ahead, I’d like to complete the Chartered Management Consultant accreditation and continue building a career where I can have a meaningful impact on clients and teams.

How would you like to support current Sullivan students?
I’m really passionate about supporting students who are exploring their options after school, particularly when it comes to apprenticeships. I’d love to get involved in mentoring, speaking at events or sharing my experiences to help students better understand what’s available to them.

I think it’s so important that students feel informed and confident in their decisions, and I’d be more than happy to support that in any way I can.

On behalf of the Sullivan Alumni Association, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Rachael for taking the time to share her experiences and insights. Her journey is a fantastic example of the many pathways available to our students, and her achievements since leaving Sullivan are a credit to her hard work and determination. We wish Rachael every success in her future career and look forward to following her continued accomplishments in the years ahead.