Trainee Associate Review

I work within Risk Assurance and we work with different businesses, helping them deal with any risks they face. Every business faces different risks which means the work we do is very varied and no engagement is the same. Engagements I have worked on include internal audits, compliance reviews, and controls testing.

The main client I have worked on is a large insurance firm where I have been performing a controls effectiveness audit. This has been very interesting and I have learnt so much about how the world of insurance works. You are expected to attend client meetings during your engagements, which has developed my communication skills, which has in turn helped with my confidence.

They are very focused on your development and you are provided with excellent training throughout your apprenticeship. I would highly recommend the school leaver program to anyone who is interested in a career in audit/business/finance. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at PwC so far, and am looking forward to my future here!

There's a set structure to the programme in terms of your development year on year. As long as you work as expected each year, complete all your training and pass your exams, you move up a grade. You are given support from a Career Coach and your peers to achieve these aims in order to move onto the next grade.

There's a catalogue of support given to you from various members at PwC. My main source of support is from my Career Coach who makes sure you are progressing well through the firm, working on the jobs you are interested in, and that your wellbeing is ok. You are also given support from your peers around you, especially during exam periods.

You are given plenty of time off for college and to study for your exams. You take your exams as a group, so you also have the support from your peers. This is useful as you can organise revision sessions and ask for help on any topics you are struggling with.

Some of the topics we learn within college are relevant for the work we do. I am working towards an ACA Qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to become a chartered accountant at the end of my programme. This qualification will help me to progress through my career.

There's many socials that take place, the best being Tick Tock Unlock, Shuffleboard, and Go Karting. Due to the nature of the job, people work on client’s sites or are travelling often so not everyone is in the office at the same time, which means these social events are a great way to get to know people.

Yes

PwC is different to many business environments. They have the perfect balance between being professional and flexible. Everyone you work with are so friendly and the environment we work in is very comfortable. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at PwC so far, and am looking forward to my future here!

If this is an area you are interested in starting a career in then PwC one of the best places to start. Make sure you prepare well for you interview and assessment days and just be yourself! There's not a way to cheat the recruitment process, so being yourself is the best possible approach to take.