Flying Start Placement 1 Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I was a junior member of the audit team. I had to document testing, rollforward workpapers, communicate with the client and team daily, whilst receiving coaching from senior members of the team.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have gained a greater knowledge on how an audit works and the amount of work that is involved. I have also enhanced my Excel abilities, as well as the PwC software that is used and the software that the client uses to communicate documents with the team.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy the mix of placement with university learning, as it enables me to put into practice the skills that were previously only theoretical knowledge. The placement also gives motivation for the exams, as you can see first hand the job that you are aiming for post-degree.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well structured- the 4 years involve a 3/4 month placement in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, which allows continual development of skills and application of knowledge learned in university. The exams are also structured so that, upon graduation, you will have 12/15 of the professional exemptions.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There is less support from PwC during the periods students are in university, however whilst on placement, we have several contacts within PwC (career coach, team buddy) as well as our team members that are on hand if we require them.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The university are the primary supporters during times of exams, as PwC mainly act as support during placement.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

You are not permitted to be a trained auditor without being a chartered accountant. I would say only certain exams are relevant to the job, however they give a good grounding knowledge of the general business environment.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are social events that I participated in, such as pub quizzes and team gatherings.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because there are a vast range of opportunities within the firm and the experience gained with PwC will stand anyone in good stead for any future roles they should wish to pursue.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

In my experience, the main focus is not on your knowledge, but on your attitude towards work and how you interact with the team.