Thinking about applying for Vacation Work, but not quite sure what to expect?
Moving from university into a professional workplace can feel like a big step. What kind of work will you actually do? How much will you be expected to know? And what is the team really like?
To give you a better idea of what to expect, we asked students who have completed the Hall Chadwick WA Vacation Work Program to share their experiences.
From gaining hands-on experience across Audit, Tax, Consulting and Corporate to learning from the people around them, their testimonials give a first-hand look at what Vacation Work can be like.
Here’s what Kyle, Rebekah and Louis had to say.
From university to hands-on experience
One of the biggest opportunities Vacation Work offers is the chance to step outside the classroom and experience how things work in a professional environment.
For Kyle, two weeks across Hall Chadwick WA’s Tax and Consulting teams gave him the chance to explore accounting in a way he hadn’t experienced at university.
“I got to learn more about accounting knowledge which I rarely get exposed to at university, especially since I take Finance as my major.”
It wasn’t just technical knowledge that stood out to Kyle. The practical side of the experience helped him understand more about day-to-day professional work.
“I learned more practical stuff at Hall Chadwick compared to uni, which allowed me to understand how the professional work setting looks and get to directly contribute to the company’s daily operations.”
He also came away with some very practical new skills:
“I now understand more about accounting rules and structures, as well as how to structure a professional report and PowerPoint.”
For Louis, hands-on experience meant developing skills in areas including valuations and financial due diligence:
“During my Vacation Work with Hall Chadwick, I developed financial analysis skills, particularly in valuations, financial due diligence and performance rights valuations. I also improved my Excel and research capabilities.”
It’s this practical exposure that gives Vacation Workers the opportunity to build their skills and start exploring where their interests might take them.
What’s the team actually like?
Starting in a professional environment isn’t only about the work. There’s also the question of what the people are like.
That came through clearly in the students’ testimonials.
When we asked Rebekah how she would describe the Hall Chadwick WA team and culture, her answer was simple:
“Multicultural and kind.”
For Louis, it was the team’s willingness to help that stood out:
“The team culture was professional, collaborative and very approachable. All of the staff were willing to make time to answer questions and provide guidance, which created a supportive environment that encouraged learning and growth.”
Kyle also reflected on the role his mentor played during his two weeks:
“I couldn’t have completed this program successfully without the help of my Hall Chadwick mentor. They helped me a lot in navigating how to finish all my given tasks.”
Different experiences, but a similar message: there are people around you to learn from, ask questions and get to know along the way.
You might discover something you didn’t expect
Vacation Work can also give you the chance to experience areas you may not know much about yet.
When we asked Rebekah what she had learned or gained from the program, she pointed to a change in how she viewed Tax:
“I changed my perspective on Tax. I learned a lot about how Tax works and the overall process.”
Kyle’s experience was different but had a similar element of discovery. As a Finance student, working across Tax and Consulting introduced him to accounting knowledge he hadn’t previously had much exposure to.
That opportunity to explore is an important part of Vacation Work. While you’re still at university, you can start getting a feel for different areas of professional services and where your interests might lie.
Beyond the work
Not every memorable part of Vacation Work happens at a desk.
For Rebekah, one of the highlights was simply lunchtime — spending time with fellow Vacation Workers, buddies and team members and getting to know the people around her.
Vacation Workers also enjoyed team lunches, beach volleyball and a day on the Swan River, cruising from Fremantle to Elizabeth Quay. These activities offered plenty of opportunities to connect with others across the firm, celebrate the program and enjoy a Perth summer along the way.
What would you say to someone considering Vacation Work?
We asked our Vacation Workers exactly that.
Rebekah:
“Apply. It’s a great experience that helps you develop practical skills and meet many people.”
And Louis had this advice:
“I would strongly encourage them to apply. It was an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build practical skills and learn from experienced professionals in a supportive environment.”
His tip for getting the most out of it was equally straightforward:
“If you’re someone who is proactive and keen to learn, you’ll get a lot out of the program.”
For Kyle, the experience was something he was grateful to have been part of:
“It was a very good two-week experience with Hall Chadwick for me, and I’m happy to be part of this journey.”
Thinking about Vacation Work?
If you’re considering where your studies could take you, the Hall Chadwick WA Vacation Work Program gives you the opportunity to experience professional life for yourself.
Build practical skills, learn from experienced professionals, meet people across the firm and get a first-hand look at where a career in professional services could take you.
Summer 2026/2027 Vacation Work Program
Applications close 23 October 2026.
