Flying Start Degree programme - FS3, Birmingham Review

I am an auditor. I travel to client site mostly, so work in lots of different locations. I work within a team, sometimes as a team member and sometimes in charge of the team below manager. I interact with client staff and perform review of their accounts and financial statements.

I have developed my ability to interact with a wide range of different professional people, both within my team and also with the client. I have developed my technical ability by having to perform challenging tasks within a short deadline, which have pushed me out my comfort zone in a positive way

I enjoy my programme quite a lot. The balance of going to university and working within the same year works well. Although it is intense, it pushes you to learn a lot of valuable and transferable skills which will be very helpful when I move to take on a full time job.

It is very well structured. It gives you enough time to gain valuable work experience, whilst also having enough time at university to do your exams and also feel like you get the university experience. It is really good that when we leave the programme there is only one more year to complete before we are chartered accountants.

I receive lots of support from a wide range of different people. I have a career coach/people manager in the firm, and a flying start champion. I also get support from my group leader. W have a contact from the firm that works with the university which is also helpful.

We have really good lecturers who teach us for our exams. I feel the support we get through this is better than what you would get doing the qualifications just solely in industry. We are provided with a lot of useful learning materials and we have continued communication whenever needed with our lecturers.

It makes me understand my role better. It gives me the technical skills to be confident in my ability in my job. When dealing with difficult challenges, the training helps me know the approach to tackle it. The training also covers most aspects of my role, not just one area.

There are plenty of social activities. Within my group in the office, we have had social events such as a christmas quiz. I have also got involved with the office netball team, which plays every week against other local team. I believe there are also football teams and other sports.

Yes

It is a good company to work for. The atmosphere in the office is really positive and friendly for a young professional. You build a large network and work with many different people. You learn lots of different skills you will be able use within your career wherever you move.

I would say to research a lot about the company and work out which area suits you best, as there are lots of different options. I would say have confidence and also try to show all aspects of your personality, as the most successful people at PwC are those with lots of different skills.