BrightStart Review

My daily tasks have varied between the different projects I have been involved with. However, typically I am responsible for tasks such as keeping the Project Tracker Excel Spreadsheet up to date, taking minutes in meetings, as well as a wide variety of other tasks specific to the client, set by the analyst I am working alongside.

I have learnt an unbelievable amount of IT skills, particularly using Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint; such as how to automate actions on Excel using certain formulas and macros, as well as how to produce a presentation on brand and to client standard. I have also learnt many personal skills, such as how to be confident presenting to others and how to create a valuable network.

The BrightStart Programme has far exceeded my expectations. It offers real life, hands on work experience in an environment that allows you to learn both practically and academically at the same time. Not only has it provided me with the foundations of an amazing career, but also confidence in my own abilities despite not having a degree and an amazing network of friends and colleagues.

The fact that I am a BrightStart does not put me at any disadvantage to someone joining as Graduate for example. I feel as though I am a valued member of any team I have been involved with and the BrightStart Scheme is one which I feel is continually being positively recognized within the firm and increasingly promoted.

Internally within Deloitte the programme is very well structured and I feel fully supported in both my career and my progress on the scheme. Regular check-ins and progress reviews are organised so that I feel supported both within my department and on the scheme as a whole. My only criticism of the scheme as a whole is that communications are not always clear from BPP, our external apprenticeship training provider. This is probably due to it being a fairly new scheme - however things such as the grading of our reflective statements as part of our JMC apprenticeship are unclear.

In terms of learning the content for CIMA, our professional qualification, the support is amazing from BPP, our training provider as they provide additional revision after we have attended the initial college learning which has been an enormous help in preparing me for my exams. However, with regards to the JMC reflective statements, the completion guidelines and grading criteria have not been made explicitly clear and it would be useful if these were outlined to us.

Deloitte provides me with an amazing amount of support. I have been provided with an extensive support network, including a Coach, Dean, Guide and Buddy, who regularly check in with me to ensure I am happy in what I am doing and am sure of my objectives in the firm.

I am still living at home so my salary covers my living costs, however my daily commute is over an hour each way so travel takes up a large percentage of my monthly salary. Based on the salary I am currently earning I would not be able to afford to move away from home, however I am happy with my current financial situation despite this.

Deloitte organizes a wide range of frequent social events which I love to attend, and I am very happy with all that Deloitte has to offer outside of work. I have the opportunity to join a number of different societies which I will definitely look to join now I feel fully settled into the firm.

Yes

Deloitte's BrightStart Scheme offers a route into a professional career that, in my opinion, seriously rivals the traditional University route. I tried University and quickly realized it was not for me, but felt I would not be able to get a good job without a degree. Deloitte proved me wrong, and I feel like I am a valued employee and am recognized for my talents despite not having a degree.

My main piece of advise would be to prepare well for each assessment stage, particularly the presentation in the final Partner interview. But, don't get overly stressed about the process because it is important to be yourself as well as be calm in the interviews. The interviewer is as interested in finding out about you and whether you fit the role as you are interested in being offered a job at Deloitte.