How joining a student society will matter to your Chartered journey

Joining your student society doesn’t just help you network or give you a leg up in your career; it can also give you a sense of belonging and fun, writes Amy O’Callaghan

Starting a training contract with Chartered Accountants Ireland is an exciting and significant step in any accounting career. While technical knowledge and exam success are essential, making the most of this opportunity requires much more than passing assessments. Building a strong network, developing commercial awareness and having the right support system around you are just as important. That’s where the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI) plays a vital role.

CASSI exists to support Chartered Accountants students throughout their training contract by creating opportunities to connect, learn and grow together.

At its core, CASSI is about bringing students together, whether that’s through social events, professional development initiatives or simply providing a space to meet others who are navigating the same journey.

What CASSI does

Every year, CASSI organises a wide range of events specifically designed for Chartered Accountants students across Ireland. These events give students the chance to network with one another outside the workplace and build meaningful connections with peers from different firms, backgrounds and locations.

This sense of community is especially important during exam periods, when having people who truly understand the pressures of study can make a huge difference.
Beyond social connection, CASSI also offers practical support. Through collaboration with Chartered Accountants Ireland and Barden, students can access guidance on exams, career progression and recruitment.

Whether it’s advice on preparing for upcoming exams or insight into future career paths, CASSI helps students feel supported at every stage of their training contract.

Upcoming CASSI events

A few of the highlights of the student calendar are the range of events organised by CASSI and the regional student societies. These events give students the opportunity to socialise and strengthen their networks in a fun and welcoming environment.

Upcoming events include the Chartered Accountants Students Society Dublin Ball on Friday 27 March at The Gibson Hotel. This much-anticipated evening brings students together from across the region.

Also on the calendar is the Chartered Accountants Students Society Ulster Quiz Night on Friday 13 March at The Tipsy Bird in Belfast, offering a fun and competitive opportunity to connect with fellow students.

Each year, CASSI also hosts the popular Weekend Away in October, providing a great way to meet new people and build friendships that often last well beyond training.

Looking ahead to November, the Women in Business event offers students the chance to hear directly from professionals who have progressed through the training pathway and built successful, rewarding careers.

Support from Chartered Accountants Ireland

CASSI works closely with Chartered Accountants Ireland to ensure students feel supported both professionally and personally. This includes access to development workshops delivered in partnership with Barden, as well as wellbeing initiatives run alongside Thrive.

These resources are designed to help students manage the pressures of exams, demanding workloads and long-term career planning.
Knowing that support is always available, whether through official channels or fellow students, can make the training experience far more manageable and enjoyable.

The benefits of being part of a student society

Joining a student society offers benefits that extend far beyond events.

It provides a chance to meet new people, broaden your professional network and build friendships outside work and existing social circles.

Being surrounded by others who are in the same boat creates a strong sense of belonging and reassurance, particularly during challenging exam periods.

Student societies also give you access to peers who may be further along in their exams and training, offering valuable insight into how to prepare effectively and perform well.

Most importantly, your student societies create a space for fun. They remind students to enjoy the journey, not just focus on the end goal.

For students from all backgrounds, getting involved in CASSI can transform the training experience. By joining a student society, you’re not just attending events, you’re becoming part of a community that supports you to connect, grow and thrive throughout your Chartered Accountants journey.

Amy O’Callaghan is a Risk Assurance Associate at PwC and Secretary of CASSI