Business Insight Student Review

During Business Insight Week, my responsibilities included attending client meetings and conference calls, analysing a claims and elections record, interviewing a director practicing in Deals, resolving a client request, completing an Assessment Centre Day consisting of in-tray and psychometric tests along with a group exercise, and shadowing an associate in Tax and a senior manager practicing in Business Recovery Services (BRS).

As well as enhancing my commercial awareness and team working skills, in having the opportunity to undertake some real client work, I learned the importance of close collaboration within a professional services firm, especially when building upon a loyal client base.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme, in particular enhancing my understanding of the company and culture of PwC. However, I felt a week wasn't enough to gain a real feel for the work PwC does, especially given the first day was allocated to an induction and the last to the assessment centre, which left only three for working in the office. Two or three weeks would be a significant improvement to the experience.

I felt highly valued as a work experience student at PwC from all the members of staff I encountered throughout the programme. However, I would have liked the opportunity to get involved in more tasks or projects over the course of the week.

The programme was overall very well-structured. Along with an induction which explained what the week would entail, I was allocated a buddy that guided and supported me throughout the week.

Any problems that I encountered over the week were quickly and effectively dealt with, and all members of staff were very willing to support me.

I was allocated a buddy for my time at the office, which made all forms of support accessible and meant any problems I faced could be easily resolved.

The salary was substantial in comparison to other work experience programmes on offer for my age group. However, travel allowance did not cover my travel expenses, and this was something I was not made aware of before I applied to the programme.

I feel the experience could have been improved by ending the week with a formal presentation and networking session. This would not only give the opportunity to build upon communication skills, but share our experience with others.

Yes

PwC is highly-regarded in the professional services sector, and undertaking work experience at PwC will enable you to demonstrate to potential employers that you have a real commitment to developing yourself as a young professional.

Ensure that you keep up-to-date with current affairs in the business sector, as this will be expected of you at interview, and undertake practice tests before the assessment centre. Like anything, the experience is what you make of it.