KPMG360 Apprentice Review

As a KPMG360 Apprentice, our roles vary considerably based on the department we are located within. So far I have been involved in a number of tasks including test work, budget tracking, reviewing policies/letters and creating presentations. I have regular interaction with colleagues of all grades and have also attended client meetings and presentations to feedback on our work.

I have greatly developed my computer skills in particular with excel. I feel that I have also developed my professional communication skills both verbally and written and have learnt new skills regarding processes needed to complete tasks and using the firms software.

All of the teams I have worked with on placement have been incredibly welcoming and great to work with. They take the time to explain new content and ensure that I am happy with my work but will also challenge me to push myself and develop. The KPMG360 programme itself is a great opportunity to experience different areas of the business so that I can specialise where I know I have a passion.

The whole KPMG community have been very supportive. Our 360 management are keen to ensure that we are thriving at work and the business values are all developed to put people at the heart of the firm. I have never felt like people took my presence for granted or thought they could walk over me because I am a more junior member of the firm. I have always been treated with respect.

The pace of the program is slightly slower than I would ideally choose. That being said, this makes it easy to be able to balance studying for exams, work and having a life! Our qualification training is very well structured and we have a clear support network for if we are struggling. Given it is a rotational program there sometimes seems to be less structure to how our next placements are allocated.

The tutor who delivers our modules is available until we sit our exams to help with any questions or queries we may have. We also have a support team who we can email at any point and forums to discuss content with other apprentices. Within the firm we then have a additional contact who we can go to if we feel necessary regarding personal circumstances or any issues that are not related to course content

The firm seems very supportive of the programme. My performance manager is always happy to meet if there is anything that is causing an issue and if necessary (or if we don't feel comfortable going to the PM) we can escalate this to our People Leader. Within placements my teams have all been very supportive of any study leave that I have and have been conscious not to push my overtime hours past the prescribed limits set.

I currently live outside of London and so commuting in takes a reasonable chunk out of my salary, I do not pay a considerable amount of rent compared with what it would be in London so at the moment have chosen this option to try and save. It believe it would be possible to live in London and live on my salary alone at present however there would not be much left over for leisure or social costs.

My first placement held monthly socials to encourage networking and relaxing outside of work. The programme management also arrange quarterly forums for us to meet regional apprentices on the program. There are a number of networks that employees can join and we are given 6 volunteering days a year to take off from work and take part in a project.

Yes

I think that for a Big Four firm KPMG values its employees. Everyone that I have worked with has been very friendly and welcoming and appreciative of the hours and work that sometimes have to be put in overtime in order to get the job done. There are also good incentives involved in the benefit scheme.

At the assessment centre ensure that you present yourself as you are and don't try and fit into what you think a corporate entity would be looking for - they value real people! Once you arrive get to know people as fast as you can and attend all networking/social events possible so that people remember you (for the right reasons!)