KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

I am on a rotational programme so I work in different areas of the business for 6 or 9 month placements at a time. Due to this, work varies dramatically depending on what team I'm in, but at the minute I am working on audit work which includes testing and interviewing the client to ensure their financial statements are a true and fair representation of the company.

I have developed my presentation skills, and feel much more confident speaking to larger audiences. I have completed training courses surrounding Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint which have helped me with my day to day activities. I have also developed my written communication skills so that my emails sound professional.

I have rotated in two teams so far, and both teams have been a pleasure to work with, easy to talk to and have all been supportive when I have questions. I was worried that due to being an apprentice we would be given the filing/photocopying/admin work, but this very much hasn't been the case, I am involved with work as much as anybody else in the team which makes my time here much more enjoyable.

I feel valued as a KPMG employee, my performance manager is very supportive and we have regular meetings to discuss my progress and how well I am doing within the firm. We are provided with feedback from our teams which so far has all been positive with some constructive criticism to help develop me further.

The rotational programme is an excellent idea, however not every body gets their choice of department to rotate into which can be frustrating at times. The support provided is excellent, however it can sometimes be tough studying for exams whilst having to balance a full-time job at the same time.

The support provided by our training provider is good, we are supported quite a lot when we are being taught the content in college/during a live study session, but when it comes to the end of the course and we need to revise in our own time, the support doesn't seem as good as before.

The support received from KPMG is excellent, especially from my performance manager who is always there if we need support. In my team there is always somebody available to answer my questions and we are normally provided with a buddy who will be a grade higher than us who can answer questions we may not be comfortable asking a manager.

The salary is quite decent considering we are on an apprenticeship. However, I have to travel from Essex to London every day which does add up every month. However, after paying rent, travel expenses and my phone bill, I still have money left to socialise with friends at weekends and treat myself every now and again.

We are encouraged to volunteer externally so I have been back to my sixth form to talk about the programme that I am on, and it's always nice to see the teachers. I haven't been to any external company events, however I have attended quite a few internal events which are still interesting to go to.

Yes

The salary is good for an apprenticeship programme, the support we receive is excellent especially from our performance manager. KPMG also have really great values and encourage volunteering, and you feel valued as an employee as we are given tasks that really help our professional development.

Be yourself! KPMG encourage us to bring 'our whole selves to work' and they encourage diversity. Don't try to be somebody you're not just because you want the job, of course, you may need to act more professionally during the interview but don't change your whole personality. And be confident - confidence gets you a long way :)