It’s funny looking back at the last six months’ and just how quickly they have gone. After my first month I was feeling excited and confident to progress and that translated into the 5 months that followed.

In my first month I picked up fundamental skills which enabled me to navigate the firm’s case management system, whilst furthering my knowledge on Powers of Attorney and Wills. The team at The McKinstry Company were all so patient and helpful and I really think this supporting environment set me up well for the months that followed. It allowed me to feel confident in what I was doing and that no question is a silly question, even though I’m quite sure some of them definitely were. 

After my first month, I was then exposed to a greater variety of work starting with executry matters. Having been introduced to this in my Diploma, it was time to put my knowledge into working practice. Since then, I have been involved in initial meetings, to contacting institutions where a deceased individual held assets, liaising with clients, ingathering funds and winding up an estate. Although it took some time (and plenty practice), having the hands-on experience of being directly involved and carrying out the work, has allowed me to pick up a variety of skills and expand my knowledge. 

The McKinstry Company (TMC) have not only provided me with direct experience but have promoted and encouraged my learning through online seminars and training days. This continuing promotion of my learning is really helping to provide me with the key skills and knowledge required to be as successful as I can.

Executry matters are not the only type of work I have been involved in, in the past 6 months I have also drafted the constitution of a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), worked on a guardianship application, and helped manage the administration of a financial Power of Attorney. 

I have also been given more responsibility with my workload and have gained an understanding of the importance of client communication. The past six months’ have really facilitated in refining my client communication, ensuring that I am communicating the right message in a way that clients can understand. Whilst this may seem an easy thing to do, it can be quite challenging at times when dealing with bereaved clients. Plenty of practice and guidance is shaping my abilities to effectively communicate and provide a better service. 

Whilst not every day has been easy, each day has been a learning experience which has provided me with more knowledge and confidence in problem solving. Every day really is a school day at TMC!

I’m sure the next 6 months will pass just as quickly as these have. I am looking forward to putting my new skills to practice and seeing how far I have come.