Associate Review

Role involves going out to clients and providing internal and external audit services; meeting with contacts to understand key risks and carrying out/designing procedures to test systems, financials, and general internal processes. Work at a range of clients from FTSE 100 to local libraries, get to meet a lot of varied people from all over business and government and working in large (sometimes huge) teams as well as working by myself.

Massively developed my understanding of financial systems and processes, as well as in a broader range how businesses operate and perform their activities. Built on my communication, teamwork and leadership skills through working in a range of environments allowing me to be part of big teams working towards a deadline or leading smaller ones (so far!). Overall, technical and soft skills have built up greatly especially with the ACA and range of work provided.

Programme is good because people are great - PwC has very talented and creative people from all walks of life and to get to work with them on a daily basis is great. It can be pressured at times to meet a deadline or deliver work but this aids a lot in the speed and breadth of learning I have undertaken as a result.

PwC is a large organisation, but the feedback structure and fact you regularly work in a range of teams allows you to build good relationships with people that really value the work you do; and in turn you value completing the work for them. Only downside is in such a large company it can be difficult sometimes to feel heard about "out-of-the-box" matters, but people manager and wider support network are a great resource.

Overall it has been well organised with a close knit peer group across the country and structured training and college throughout the life of the apprenticeship, with objectives and goals well tailored to what you do. Could be more awareness of the programme in the broader world of PwC but there are a relatively small number per department.

Training provider was very supportive and helped a lot of the apprentices adjust to working in a very professional culture rapidly, as well as keeping in touch once the programme was complete which was very supportive.

PwC had an understanding work environment balanced with high expectations; however people are generally very supportive and understanding of personal circumstances and issues and can factor these in/accommodate these in a really positive manner.

Package for apprentices is (relatively) low for London but better for the regions - although I am a bit older than most apprentices and so have different expectations. Would be tough to live on if not at home, but rapidly increases once aligned with graduate pathway with some bonuses.

Many people of the same age - regular graduate intake per year means there are always a range of people. Multiple socials every month with team, department, industry etc etc and loads of groups and networks.

Yes

Great people, exciting opportunities, lots of learning and development, working with really interesting clients, doing complex work and being able to push yourself to deliver more and learn more.

Focus on making sure you know why you want to apply/where you want to work and being comfortable speaking to lots of people - being social and professional is the biggest help, not just having the technical know how.