Discovery Week Virtual Work Experience Review

The programme was 2 days worth of virtual events to help school leavers and graduates find out more about what it’s like to work at KPMG, the application process, and the programmes that are offered to get their career off to a brilliant start. Sessions included: Networking sessions, Corporate Responsibility and presentations on the different programmes available.

Each session included a task and polls that we had to complete as part of the experience, which was hosted by KPMG. I gained a deeper insight into the many careers available with KPMG and learned how to analyse data, how to network and gained an insight into the culture at KPMG.

Really enjoyed the experience because there were many opportunities to speak to different graduates/ apprentices who work at KPMG, from Accounting, to Consultancy, and ask them about how KPMG has helped shape their career. The technology KPMG had used to build the experience was substantial, there were many quizzes, virtual games, and tests.

The virtual work experience was only two days, but it was very well organised. It was hosted by via Microsoft Teams, and an itinerary (as well as several reminder emails) were sent out in advance. There were plenty of breaks and enough time for Q and A at the end of each session.

A huge amount was discovered, form what KPMG had done to promote equality in the workplace, to how they aimed to improve diversity and inclusion through a variety of outreach projects and accessibility programmes, for which they have received many awards, including being "Disability confident". They have strong values at KPMG.

It definitely helped me to gain a greater insight into what working in a Big 4 company is really like. It was beneficial in helping students to find employers or companies find apprenticeships that taught or provided the CIMA/ACCA/CTA qualification. We were also introduced to different employee perspectives in how completing these qualifications at KPMG had benefited them in their role.

No, I was not paid or reimbursed for the KPMG Discovery Virtual Work experience (insight event) , because it was not a paid placement. Instead it was an insight into the roles within business. There were no travel costs, or meal costs, or social costs. The location was online via Teams.

Definitely opportunities for networking, because there were two separate sessions. Firstly, to meet the Senior Panel, and secondly, to meet current Apprentices and Graduates. in each session we were introduced to different employees from various sectors including Tax and Consulting. We were able to ask questions regarding their roles and how they felt completing their qualifications at KPMG had helped them to succeed and we could also connect with them via LinkedIn.

Yes

Working at KPMG means there are many different subjects or career paths to choose, from accounting and finance, to Tax or Consulting. Also learned about soft skills (teamwork, communication skills) that are needed to be a knowledgeable member of any organization. Although completing an apprenticeship and a qualification can be a challenge, everyone is well supported to succeed, and there are many opportunities to travel abroad or to try secondments.

Have a look at KPMG's website and register for job alerts for when roles open because they recruit on a rolling basis. KPMG has a huge range of resources that can be used in order to decide which roles to apply for, as well as the application process. As of 2021, the whole application process is virtual. Also practice situational judgement tests and numerical reasoning tests online.