Associate Review

As an associate at PwC you are automatically expected to take on tasks and responsibilities associated with each of the clients you are assigned. In the department of audit it would entail such as testing certain aspects of the clients business or communicating with the client and audit team to ensure any questions remain answered and the audit trail is left complete. You interact with the team members that are assigned to the client. This can include the senior associates (who you work below), managers, directors and partners. You have to also interact with the client and their staff in order to collect the information needed. A task plan is drawn up at a meeting before work on each client starts and there you are assigned tasks to complete. Although there is a lot fo pressure earlier on, the responsibilities you are given enable you to develop.

I was working whilst undertaking a professional level accountancy exam and therefore working on the job has helped me to learn better and put my knowledge into practice. As soon as you start your first day at PwC you are given e learns to complete and thorough on the job coaching in order to develop as a person and auditor. As well as learning on the job specific knowledge I have gained an understanding of the financial industry as a whole and how to communicate and integrate into the corporate working world

Although it is very hard work and a lot of effort and motivation is needed, it is very rewarding going through each year of the programme. It combines working on placement in the real world to completing exams at university gaining the perfect balance. The university team itself is very supporting (University of Nottingham) as well as the team at PwC (programme administrators, people managers). PwC is one of the largest accountancy firms and this is providing valuable experience for my future. It is the people at PwC that makes working there great. I have enjoyed my placement at PwC as I have met new people and learn new skills. It has developed my confidence and social skills.

There is a lot of recognition of my programme (Flying start) at PwC and therefore a lot of respect and trust are given to us. PwC treats every one of its employees equally and juniors are not looked down upon, rather they are helped. My people manager has praised and monitored my progress throughout

y programme reaches the perfect balance between studying at university and concentrating my exams to gaining experience at PwC. There is a lot of study support available. We also undergo training each year at the start of each 3 month placement. We have flying start champions and buddies who have been through the same programme as us and therefore are fully qualified to help and provide support.

Our training is provided by the university and therefore the lecturers and programme co ordinator are well equipped in ensure we have the most up to date learning and teaching experience. We are given support in our exams and any circumstances outside of the academic life. We are free to approach our lecturers with any problems we have.

There is lots of support available in terms of we have a flying start champion/buddy at the office who is our mentor and also a people manager who supports us and guides us in terms of our portfolio. It is easy to raise any concerns. Our seniors are always on hand to help and ensure our placement is going well

We are given an allowance if we live at home during the duration of the placement which covers our living costs. In terms of travel, only the travel to the office from client sites is covered. During some social events our costs are covered (but not for all). In terms of increasing travelling expenses the salary cost is just right.

There are many social events that take place in order for us to interact with people in the company and beyond. Such as the 'women in finance' networking event. There are also days where you can do some volunteering work and this counts as a working day. The company have also started social classes e.g. running club.

Yes

It is a great place to gain some experience and looks good on your CV. They through new starters straight into the deep end via giving many responsibilities and tasks ensuring a steep learning curve and therefore development is pursued. Although challenging, it pushes you as a person and worker.

In terms of the application process, ensure you adjoin well with the companys' corporate values and ensure the application puts your best foot forward. In terms of the interviews, thoroughly research the format beforehand and talk to others who have been through this stage - mainly be confident. Furthermore, ensure you are open minded, there are many fields at PwC and a lot more room to manoeuvre between different career choices.