Samantha Frost

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Think Consulting Pty Ltd

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

When I left Exeter I joined KPMG in public sector audit & assurance. After 4 years (and qualifying as a CA), I moved to Sydney, Australia where I joined PwC in their internal audit department. After 2 years, I joined Macquarie Group’s internal audit team, where I spent 8 years focussing on the corporate banking side of the business. Following the birth of my second child, I decided to have a career change and became self-employed in order to have more flexibility around my work hours. Since 2013 I have been a self-employed management consultant, providing risk and audit services across retail, insurance, manufacturing and banking clients. In the last year, I have become increasingly focussed on corporate wellbeing, and now sit on Boards to advise on mental health and wellbeing related issues.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I initially chose to study for a CA as a way of ‘future proofing’ my career ie making sure I always had something to fall back on. I knew that working for the Big4 and having a CA would open doors for me, and therefore keep my options open in terms of choosing what I wanted to do as I progressed. I have steered more towards corporate wellbeing over the past year or so as I feel that organisations (and Boards in particular) need support on this highly topical subject. I love knowing that I am making a positive contribution to the strategic direction of a company.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of ‘RAG’ during my 2nd year; a hugely fun experience!

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I really enjoyed studying something so topical i.e. I could understand what I heard on the news! The best part was the people I met, many of whom have become life-long friends. My year abroad in Spain was a fantastic life-experience, teaching me many inter-personal skills and developing a resilience I carry to this day.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Exeter is a beautiful place to live and study. Going back for my 20-year reunion reminded me of how lucky I had been to spend that chapter of my life there.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I was keen on the course but, more importantly, I loved the feel of the place when I went to look around. Nowhere else felt like ‘home’ on the open days.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Working across multiple industries has been invaluable for upskilling me in terms of dealing with people from all walks of life, across different industry sectors. Being self-employed means you have to focus on delivery every single day; you have to consistently prove your value to the client.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Whatever you choose to do, do it with integrity. Be known as someone who always does their best without having to be pushed.

What are your plans for the future?

To develop my Board level presence, and position myself to make ever greater impacts. To keep learning and growing!