Flying Start Associate Review

The job title at PwC is as a Flying start associate. Working in teams to audit companies of various sizes from small local companies to FTSE 100 firms. The course is 4 years long including 3 placements during uni term time of 3-4 months (In years 2,3 and 4, 1 semester is spent at uni, one at PwC). 12 professional qualifications are taken at uni.

Excel skills are developed a lot as the work is predominantly performed in excel. Due to working in teams most of the time, relationships, team building and leadership skills are built on. During later placements there is also the opportunity to start to coach the new associates. There are week long training sessions before each placement to ensure that you are prepared for the placement which run in line with the professional; qualifications already taken.

I enjoyed the program. It was well structured so that I was able to enjoy a full year at uni during my first year, and still got the normal university experience for half of the next three years. While on placement it can be at times fairly time pressured, however there is a good support system and everyone on placement is very friendly.

I felt valued by PwC. There were very few days where I felt that I had little to do. After every job you receive feedback from the in charge / manager on what you did well / areas to improve. On larger jobs there are often team lunches or dinners to reward the team for their hard work.

The programme is very well structured. We are given a plan for all 4 years at the beginning of the programme outlining what exams we will be taking and when the placements will be. During placement, you are given a buddy (a second year graduate), a people manager and your university tutor. There are 3 people manager meetings each placements as well as a call with the university tutor.

Before all of the 3 placements, there is a training course to bring everyone up to speed. It includes a mix of online learning and face to face to teach us about the new auditing standards and how to approach testing that may be new to us. The training weeks are provided by PwC employees and are very laid back, with plenty of breaks and interactive activities.

During placement, you are given a buddy (a second year graduate) and a people manager. There are three people manager meetings each placements however you can approach them at any time. Whilst on jobs, as a junior member of the team, there will always be someone there to help you with any issues you have. The general attitude is very supporting.

The salary is the same as that of a trainee associate, however, if you are not living at home or with family/friends, then PwC provide accommodation while on placement. Therefore there is no need to rent. All travel associated with working further than the office can be expensed - especially if in a regional office (outside London).

There are plenty of work socials. At my placement office there are after work drinks on the first Friday of each month (paid for as part of the social budget) as well as plenty of other socials during the year including bowling, quiz nights and bubble football. There are also a few days where you can participate in voluntary activities around the local area.

Yes

There is a good friendly support system within the program. Lots of similar age people within the firm. It was well structured so that I was able to enjoy a full year at uni during my first year, and still got the normal university experience for half of the next three years.

Research thoroughly about the course as it can be quite tough. Ensure that you have had some practice with interviews and psychometric tests as they are part of the application process. Also note that you are not guaranteed to get your first choice placement office so keep that in mind when applying. But overall. it is a great experience and allows you to start your graduate job 2 years ahead of your peers.