Scholar Review

I work in the audit department so am typically involved in testing the support behind figures in companies' accounts and verifying the accuracy of these. I usually work from client site and have worked on a number of both listed and private large companies in varying industries.

Teamwork skills have definitely been further developed as a result of this programme, since I am always working in teams. I have also improved my time management skills and dealt with deadlines effectively. I have also learnt professional scepticism and to challenge work and the client's claims a lot more. Problem solving skills have also been improved.

The first few weeks were difficult adapting to new experiences and it had been a job I'd never known much about before so I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. But as you work more, you get to know what's going on and feel far more comfortable with what's expected of you and how to do the work, as well as getting an understanding of what the point of what you're doing really is. I've had some projects that haven't been the most enjoyable, but I've also requested to be on loads of clients that really interest me and they makes the experience all the better. I've even considered switching to the 5 year programme and staying with Deloitte because I've enjoyed it so much, especially as you start to find your feet more later in the year.

You're obviously going to be the most junior member of the team when you join and it's hard not to feel that, but the team around you have all been in that position too so on the whole they will support you and tell you how what you're doing is useful and how grateful they are for your help etc.

The scholar programme involves going to college with your intake then doing mock exams. It would be better if we could sit the real exams towards the ACA, but there is less stress this way. Also, the rest of the year, you work in the same way as the graduates.

Kaplan provide college tuition and for the two sessions that I have been involved in, they have been most helpful and monitored progress really well. There are online tests and mocks to do to support your understanding, as well as great study resources.

Other members of the team (usually in the year/2 years above) always ask new recruits how they're getting on and offer support to them in terms of how to do the work and are always really helpful in ensuring you're on the right track.

Since I live at home it comfortably covers my costs and allows enough money to save for travelling. The £1,500 travel bursary for Scholar scheme participants means I have plenty of money for the rest of my gap year!

The graduates are always organising nights out and there are frequent team meals. Office drinks are every first Friday of the month and there are socials to get to know other years in the first few months. Hours can be quite long in busy season (January - April/sometimes longer) so finding a work-life balance is really important or you could easily get quite downbeat.

Yes

It's a great company to work for and a great name to get on your CV. You can ask to tailor your schedule to clients that interest you and in the vast majority of cases they will try to honour this request. The exposure to such large and successful clients across such a wide range of industries is something that you can't get in all jobs, and it's what makes the job more interesting. There are loads of other big company benefits as well, plus you always feel proud to work here. It's great to get experience working in an industry like this as it will help you tremendously going forward, not just in terms of technical skills but in terms of different approaches you witness and in terms of the transferrable skills you inevitably pick up.

Don't be too scared by the fact the company is so huge - it's a great place to work and really well reputed but people are compassionate here and will always be friendly/try to help and support you.