By AAT Comment CommunityHow students kickstarted a remarkable year with accelerAATe3 Feb 2025 We were pleased to produce another successful student conference, and to see so much of the community turn out.Our award-winning student conference returned this January to motivate and inspire students, and connect them with their peers. The three-day online conference consisted of six AAT-led sessions and three sponsored digital showcases.Students listened to and learned from tutors, industry professionals and past AAT students on all kinds of areas. They were able to ask questions across topics and think about their future.Find the right apprenticeship for youWe’ve launched the UK’s only dedicated accounting apprenticeship job board, where employers post listings for all sorts of qualifications and career goals.Search nowBenefits of attendingSo why do students keep coming back, year after year? At accelerAATe, they can:learn about the support we offer studentshear from qualified AAT accountants about where their designations took themlearn study tips from past students and membersbuild confidence and help themselves stand outconnect with community to network and get advicelearn the technical skills needed to build a successful career.Building a communityAs a self studier with no teachers or peers, sessions like these inspire connection and motivation with others and also myself in my own studies, not to mention how valuable this is to my current role.AAT Student Natasha HaleOne of the most significant intentions when we put together accelerAATe was to address isolation amongst our students, giving them a sense of community.One attendee (and 2024 panellist), Emma-Louise Waple, found “Studying at home has been rewarding but often lonely. While my husband and daughter have been incredibly supportive, it’s not quite the same as connecting with others who share the same journey.“After attending the AAT Student Conference in 2024, I was inspired to create a Facebook group. The conference was fantastic, offering plenty of opportunities to connect through the chat box, but once it ended, so did the communication. I launched the group to keep those connections alive. What started as a small initiative has grown to over 1,200 members in just a year, including students, tutors, authors, and honorary AAT members.“As someone starting fresh in a new career after having a child, community is crucial. The Facebook group offers a space for learners to connect, share advice, and support each other. I also attend webinars on accounting topics—even those unrelated to my current studies—because I believe in learning broadly and building connections. I use LinkedIn to stay in touch with people I meet through these events, as I value the power of networking.“I never imagined myself in accounting. I used to think accountants were men in suits who were maths whizzes – an image I couldn’t relate to. But that stereotype isn’t true. Technology and software make the work accessible and rewarding. I enjoy the challenge of learning something new, and AAT makes accounting approachable for everyone, whether you’re a mum like me, someone with learning difficulties, or anyone looking for a fresh start.”Find the right apprenticeship for youWe’ve launched the UK’s only dedicated accounting apprenticeship job board, where employers post listings for all sorts of qualifications and career goals.Search now AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.