Audit & Assurance placement year student Review

I completed an 11 month professional placement year with PwC, as part of my university degree. I completed this within the audit & assurance business unit, and also completed 7 ACA exams during this time.

I completed 7 ICAEW ACA exams during this time. We had college time and study days booked in to be able to do this. We also had mandatory internal training days in the beginning weeks of the placement and throughout.

This placement was very intense, as you have to study and pass exams alongside learning and doing your day to day job. There is a lot of travel to client sites involved, and during busy season (Jan-March) there is also a lot of overtime hours expected. I found it difficult at first to balance everything, but you adapt quite quickly to the fast paced environment.

It was very organised, we all attended an induction in London in the first week and then we had training and college time for the first few months of the placement.

I learnt a lot as I was there for almost a year. You are always working within different teams so you get to know a lot of people in the office quickly. It is a very friendly environment, everyone is approachable and supportive.

It has helped me realise that I would like to come back and complete my ACA exams and pursee a career in finance.

Yes I was paid a monthly salary, plus reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

Bristol is a very social office, everyone is friendly and there are monthly office drinks in which you can continue getting to know more people. There are also lots of social events planned throughout the year.

Yes

It is a great work experience as you learn a lot quickly, and you are given the responsibility to complete actual work.

Be confident and personable. Show that you have good communication and networking skills.