Flying Start Degree programme Review

The role title is associate. The day to day work involved working in an audit team and being delegated work by senior associates in your team and working through them to completion. This involved testing client information as well as interacting with the client to get an answer that satisfies your criteria as an auditor.

This Job has significantly strengthened my computing skills, excel in particular. As well as this it has given me an insight into how an audit is carried out practically. Also management is really great at explaining to you the theory and reasoning for why tasks are being done and how important they are.

As I was working from home for the entire length of my placement I did find a sense of being distanced from my team and on occasion feeling alone or unsupported. This was due to sometimes not getting a response to my questions for a while and being lost. However when I was involved in a larger team I enjoyed it a lot more. THe people you work with have a huge impact on your level of enjoyment.

The programme is very well structured and balances studying and working very well. There has not been a point so far where I have felt overwhelmed by both studying and working as they almost feel separate. Also the staff you work with are very aware that you have no prior practical experience and don't expect you to have a lot of prior knowledge.

You receive so much support as you have a variety of connections to ask questions to. Your buddy is there to help you with generic workplace questions. Your career coach is focused on your development and is always there. Also your team members are always on hand for technical work questions.

The lecturers at the university are always available by email and have open office hours for walk in questions. I have never felt like there is a question I can't ask them and they are very understanding of the learning to work split and are very good at catching you up when you return from your placement.

As the first year doesn't involve a placement and is all studying it gave me a great introduction to accounting and assurance so that a had a great base level of knowledge that I could build on through my practical work. I didn't feel out of my depth despite never working in audit previously.

While at the university there are 100+ societies to get involved in from sports to hobbies which I highly recommend checking out. While at work it was more work oriented and there wasn't much socializing outside of work. However the networking sessions were a fantastic way of getting to know people around the office and making connections for when we return in the next placement.

Yes

It is a fantastic way to get both academic and practical knowledge of the world of audit. You start work in the busy period of the year but that does not mean people are too busy to help you and allow you to develop. I can say that I am a much more professional and skillful person now then I was prior to joining this programme.

When you have your group assessment exercise/interview do not be afraid to start the conversation and throw around ideas. Being silent is the worst thing you can do as you are not showing the thought process you have. While at work introduce yourself to as many people as you can and make yourself known around the office so when you leave your placement they wish you could be around all year.