Flying Start Degree programme - Intern/Trainee at London EP Review

Role: Audit Intern//Trainee. Daily tasks included testing evidence, liaising with clients to obtain evidence and get queries answered. There was plenty of documentation of the steps performed and why. Daily interactions included communicating with my team to understand what I needed to achieve, when to do this by, and the purpose of doing it. There was plenty of focus around "WHY" I was performing a task and how it would contribute.

I developed confidence in speaking to people professionally, as well as how to manage various situations such as miscommunication or time pressure. I learnt to think about the purpose or rationale behind each task, so moved away from a "tick the box" mentality. I also developed audit skills that will be useful for my exams to come.

I found that people in the office are kinder and more open than society outside the office. People are willing to help and give their time to ensure you understand what you are doing. I was able to connect with different people, which was encouraging, especially at times where the work may have been tricky.

The programme for Reading is structured decently, with the first three months dedicated to study, the next 3 months dedicated solely to work (and putting what you have learnt into action!), and the final three months for revision. It takes a lot of pressure off that would have otherwise been felt if we were expected to study and work at the same time.

Support was available throughout the placement, from my wonderful and bubbly Career Coach to my first Manager on my first booking who was always patient (always grateful for!). The Flying Start Champions were very open to help too, which helped a lot at the start. The programme has a wide range of support available depending on what one needs.

The support available includes the ICAEW and the University contacts, such as lecturers and module convenors, as well as those leading the Programme. They are all readily available and open to solve whatever one may be struggling with. Although I did not require these during placement due to the other support available, it was nice knowing that these two were available too.

It's beneficial both ways as you learn before undergoing placement. This learning allowed me to come back to the theory when I did not quite understand what I was doing. Furthermore, when starting placement I did not feel thrown into the deep end, due to this foundational knowledge I already had from uni.

PwC had plenty of socials, ranging from drinks to monthly industry breakfasts, as well as team "fun time" where one would play online games with their team. There are also plenty of societies to get involved with, depending on what you are interested in. They also throw Christmas parties, as well as celebrate the end of busy season.

Yes

As a student, it is a good company to work at. The offices have a good environment, the people are open to help. There are plenty of opportunities to socialise, so you do not feel like you are missing out at uni. Furthermore, this programme offers perks such as getting paid, having your textbooks paid for, and reduced tuition fees.

Be the best version of yourself. Research the company thoroughly beforehand but also remember their core values, and ensure that your responses align with those. Do everything early so that the stages are not in the back of your mind constantly. Apply to as many of the universities that offer it, so you have an increased chance of receiving an offer from at least one of them.