Consilium’s star student goes for gold at Birmingham 2022
On the eve of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Consilium trainee and netball star Beth Goodwin shared her thoughts on representing Scotland and how she balances work, study and international competition.
The challenge of juggling work and studies is common to all CA trainees. For Beth Goodwin – a graduate trainee with Consilium – that seemed just a little too easy. While fellow students are spending their spare time studying, Beth will be representing her country and going head-to-head with the best in the world.
Heading to the 2022 Commonwealth Games (with a little help from Consilium)
When asked how she manages it all, Beth laughs: “I’ve been doing that since my teens, so I guess I’m used to it.” After winning a first international cap at 16, Beth has become a key player for her club, the Strathclyde Sirens and cemented her place in the Scotland squad.
“It is tough to manage all of it but Consilium have been super supportive”, she explains.
“David (Audit Partner David Holt) and my managers have been amazing. I don’t think I could do this with any other accountancy firm.”
A young Scotland team with big ambitions
At the age of 23, Beth is heading to Birmingham to participate in her second Commonwealth Games. Having made her debut on the Gold Coast in 2018, Beth is part of a young Scotland squad with big hopes.
“We’ve had a really good build-up to the Games, and I’m excited to get on the court” explained Beth. “We are heading to Birmingham with confidence that we can put in performances we can be proud of.”
To borrow footballing parlance, Scotland’s draw for the 2022 Games can be described as the group of death: “We’ve got a really tough group” she says with a knowing smile.
Beth and her teammates will face world number ones Australia in Group A, and top-five ranked Jamaica and South Africa. But the 23-year-old retains a steely confidence: “If we can replicate what we’ve been doing in training we know we can perform at a high level; no matter who we are playing.”
Taking lessons learned on the court into business
Though the worlds of international netball and accountancy might seem far apart, Beth believes her burgeoning Audit career benefits from lessons learned on the court.
“Netball is unique in requiring players to fulfil specific roles. For example, Goal Attack (GA) and Goal Shooter (GS) are the only players able to score. Therefore, to win you need to play as a team and excel in your specialist role.”
Beth continued: “In Audit, the best result requires the team to work together but as individuals, we all need to play our part.”
Representing country, family and friends
As our time comes to a close, Beth shares what she thinks will be going through her mind as she hears the Scottish national anthem at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“You are out there for your country and yourself. But also, for all the people who helped you get there”, she explains. “The sacrifices and support from family and friends have been crucial, so you are doing it for them as much as yourself.”
Scotland will play their first match on Saturday 30 July 2022 at noon against Australia.
Keep an eye on the Consilium Chartered Accountants News pages for updates from Beth direct from the Athletes Village throughout the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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