Business Insight Week Review

During the time I spent at PwC for their Business Insight Week Programme, I was assigned a 'buddy' each day. My buddy could've been in any of the various departments in the office I was based; a range from audit, assurance to deals, consulting or actuarial, or even technology. I spent time with my buddy and explored what kind of activities they endeavour on a day to day basis. I was also given opportunities to participate is varies projects that the employees were working on.

During the Insight Week Programme, we were given a few talks on how to improve presentation skills. We then implemented the knowledge we had gained by doing a presentation on a pre-chosen topic which we presented in groups of. Also, I would say my networking skills have vastly improved. It was very refreshing being surrounded by like minded people and I intend on staying in contact with some of the people I did the programme with. In addition, some of the buddies who I shadowed, gave me their business cards so I can contact them if I needed help with anything, especially with my university application.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent during the insight business week programme. It was very true to its name as i found it 'insightful'. I was given the opportunities to really explore the various aspects of how the company operates and what kinds of clients they are involved with (ranging from small start-up companies to high net worth firms or even high-income individuals). The programme gave me the chance to see what career I could pursue within the company and what kind of things I could potentially be doing on a day to day basis.

I felt extremely valued by PwC. I must admit, the environment was a lot more relaxed than I initially imagined. Everyone was very friendly and willing to answer any questions I had, whether it was directly related to PwC or their job role or something completely off topic. On one of the days, I had the opportunity to visit a client off-site with one of my buddies who worked in the risk assurance team. I was essentially treated like an employee at PwC as I was able to help to do actual work that contributed to an audit.

The programme was very well organised in my opinion. I always had lots of activities to take part in. Although, I rarely completed any of the jobs I was given because I always had lots of questions to ask the employees. However, sometimes I was difficult to directly partake in the real work the employees were doing. This is because some of the work was complex and I would've needed certain qualifications to understand. Also, most of the work that was being done, was long projects that had started months ago hence it would've been difficult for me to contribute without context.

Any employee of PwC is easily accessible and can be contacted via email (more formal) or via google hangouts (more informal). Any guidance with problems, I could easily ask my buddy or the organiser of the business insight week programme. Everyone I spoke to, was very much willing to speak about their role in the company, how they got the job and what was their previous education like.

I found that many of the employees were eager and friendly enough to answer any kind of question I had (they were also keen to insight there is no such thing as a silly question!). I also received some support in terms of my own academics. I had various conversations with employees about university and different post-education paths I could follow.

I was surprised to find out that the week long Business Insight week work experience programme by PwC actually included a salary. I have done numerous work experience programmes with accountancy firm RSM and commercial bank HSBC but PwC is the only company to pay me. Also, the company generous to offer reimbursements for any travel costs. I also received a comfy red hoodie as well as other merchandise (e.g pens, sweets, a bottle... etc). The PwC offices were also very accessible, and they offered different locations depending on where you live. I live in Wiltshire so I went to the office in Bristol.

As far as the Business Insight week goes, there were some leisure activities during lunch times. I played pool with some of the students who were doing the programme along side me. I also played pool with some of the employees, this was a good opportunity to socialises with different people from different backgrounds. they were able to converse with me and answer any questions that I would not feel comfortable asking in a work environment.

Yes

PwC is a fantastic company and an even better place to work. With a friendly and relaxed environment, it is almost impossible to be stressed. Often, there is a misconception that PwC is an accountancy firm. I can confirm that PwC is much more than that, in fact, there are many various aspects of the professional services industry that you can explore within the company (Actuarial, Assurance, Audit, Consulting, Deals, Tax, Technology and many more). The Business Insight week programme is a real opportunity to explore in depth the plethora of knowledge and opportunities that are available within the company.

I must admit the application process to join PwC (not just for the business insight week programme but for any job role) is relatively rigorous and competitive. I would advise any applying for a role at PwC, to research the company so they understand the various thing that the company does. Also, it is vital that you understand the job role you are applying for. In addition, there are some tests needed to pass in order to proceed to the interview stage. I would advice practising for the psychometric tests online. It would also be helpful to sharpen up on interview skills as well as teamwork and presentation skills.