Firstly, welcome to the business, it’s great to have you on board!
Now that you’ve had a month or so to settle in, we would like to ask you a few questions to share a bit about your background with our professional network, so they can get to know who they may be working with in the future.
Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing before joining our M&A team?
I am Szymon Mizera, originally from Poland and moved here when I was around 6 years old. Before joining AJ Chambers I studied Astrophysics at the University of Portsmouth, completing my Bachelors after 3 years. After University I joined Enterprise-Rent-a-Car graduate scheme, completing the course within 10 months.
What is your main work focus? What regions and practice areas are you covering?
I work in the M&A division, working closely with our M&A consultants with a focus on both the Accountancy and Legal markets. My role is to support the consultants in assisting our clients in the best possible way, via administrative tasks, communication and ensuring our market data is up-to-date and relevant.
How do you feel your past experience will help add value to our clients?
I have obtained a lot of customer service experience in recent years, as well as marketing activities while working in my previous role. I believe this provides me with good base skills to help our M&A offering to clients, building our presence and strengthening existing relationships.
What does your role consist of on a daily basis?
I speak with practice owners and ascertain their position and plans for their business moving forward. I can then understand their motivations and obtain a headline overview of their practice, before scheduling further discussions with our specialist consultants. In order to ensure we have the latest market information, I am constantly researching and gathering data. The part I enjoy is growing our network and reach to build ever greater presence.
Which of our company values (Integrity, Curiosity, Collaboration, Urgency) do you believe is most important, and how does it relate to your work?
Integrity is the most important one to me as it is the thing that aligns with our moral compass and “keeps us in check” so to speak. Everything we do in life, has to have integrity behind it, you have to be confident in doing the right thing every time and not just when it’s easy.
What do you find is the most challenging aspect of the job?
For me personally, the most challenging aspect is the technical knowledge around the legal and accountancy sector, where I have no previous background or experience. To develop in this area I will be shadowing the team, learning from them and absorbing their knowledge, as well as conducting research and studying myself.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether it is playing sports, beer gardens, hiking or bike rides. I love to spend time with my family and friends and also play video games (more-so in the winter).
What are 3 things on your bucket list/goals for the future?
I want to be a home-owner, run a marathon and take an extended endeavour around Asia.
How would your friends describe you?
Smart, articulate, caring and wise.
If you would like to discuss your M&A options for sale, merger, exit or retirement, please contact our Head of M&A, James Gosling: james.gosling@aj-chambers.com
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Helpful External Resources:
Accountancy: ICAEW | Accountancy Age | Accounting Web
Law: Law Society | Law Gazette | Legal Futures