Associate Review

I was an associate within PwC's audit assurance division. I was given a reasonable amount of responsibility from day one. Daily tasks varied enormously from team to team. I worked for a number of differing teams and conducted a variety of different roles throughout my placement. Examples of some activities include: traditional audit testing, talking to clients, printing and getting audit reports and statutory accounts ready to sign, reviewing minutes etc.

The entire time I am building chargeable hours in order to become an ICAEW chartered accountant. I am also gaining professional exam exemptions through completing the majority of exams (all but the 3 finals) whilst at University. I also increased my computer literacy and my skill with PwC's own software as well as Microsoft Excel.

I enjoyed it immensely. The people I have met at University are some of my best friends. The work at a lower level is fairly dull but the teams you work within brighten it up and you meet some great people at PwC. Anyway it's all to become a chartered accountant. The company culture was flexible but hard working. They do treat you well though.

I feel reasonably valued by PwC. They give you quite a good level of responsibility from early on, but they do expect you to put some hours in - especially during busy season (January-March). PwC have feedback systems in place which allow you to see how other people value your work.

Fairly well. We are given training before each placement. Support networks are always available to us for all manner of things. We are assigned 'buddys' who are a friendly face around the office as well as a help for more basic questions. Audit team hierarchy is clearly structured but also quite flat in it's nature - allowing you to get help from a range of employees of different grades.

We are provided with personal tutors. Support is easily accessible. We are given sufficient guidance with problems and in general there is a good attitude towards supporting us.

Quite a good amount. PwC has tried and tested support networks and formula to help new employees to settle in and these were evident to me. Support was easily accessible and the general attitude towards supporting you is good. You are provided with good guidance towards problems.

Reasonably well. We were provided with accommodation whilst on placement (although we still had to pay for accommodation at University). The salary is quite low though and could be problematic sometimes in covering all of your travel and living costs.

Plenty. There are many socials, drinks events, volunteering opportunities, sports clubs etc. PwC is very good in regards to this.

Yes

It is a good company to work for. It is forward thinking and it employs a lot of good people. The opportunity to build your networks is great.

Be chatty, confident and be sure to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. It doesn't matter what background you came from, you just need to demonstrate that you'll represent the company well and have a reasonably high level of intelligence coupled with a desire to learn.