Trainee Associate Management Consultant Review

My main role is to represent the Consulting line of service by supporting the business internally for the first year and then offering services to clients in the second year of my apprenticeship. For my first six months at PwC, I have been a part of the student recruitment team which has involved hosting assessment days, attending careers fairs, delivering presentations at both schools and universities.

I have learned a range of new skills since being on the programme through both my training provider (Kaplan) and my on the job learning in my roles at PwC, including: - Presenting - Communication - Team working - Adaptability/flexibility - IT eg. Google suite, Excel and other PwC systems - Time management - Professionalism - Self-development - Relationship building

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme so far, having been on it for six months now. I particularly like how the programme is structured with several rotations of different roles so that you are constantly learning and expanding your network. I feel I have developed both personally and professionally since joining and am excited to continue to move through the programme.

My programme is structured around four 6 month rotations - the first two being internal and the second two being client-facing. Alongside my everyday role I attend college to study towards my professional qualification - this can be for any time between 1-4 days and is usually every month. It can be for skills days, development days, tuition, revision or mock exams.

There is a wide network of support available at PwC. I have a buddy (PwC apprentice a year above), line manager (PwC project manager), career coach (several grades above in PwC), course manager (link between PwC and Kaplan), tutors (from Kaplan) and talent coach (from Kaplan). All of these people are able to answer any specific questions I have and are supportive of my development at PwC.

I receive tuition, revision and mock exams from Kaplan tutors. I am also set coursework for each exam to submit to my tutors who are available via email if I need help. Throughout the programme I also have a Talent Coach who I have regular meetings with to discuss my progress.

The training provided by Kaplan helps me to develop the key skills needed for Consulting such as professionalism, self development, personal management, legal and ethical frameworks of Consulting, relationship building, communication and teamwork. However, I am yet to fully understand how to put these skills into practice with a client but I am hoping this will be covered over the next 18 months on the programme.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with at PwC. You can join sporting teams and attend regular training and matches, there are bake offs to join in with. There is also an annual PwC pantomime which is put on for unwell children to watch and enjoy. In the Bristol office, there are also monthly networking drinks which are great to unwind and chat to new people. PwC also take part in lots of charity activities - everybody is entitled to a number of days off 'holiday' dedicated to volunteering in the community. We also have a firmwide initiative called 'One Firm One Day' where everybody in the firm gives back and does something for others - perhaps volunteering at a homeless shelter, visiting their old school or painting a library.

Yes

PwC is a great place to start your career. You are really valued, despite having little experience, and treated as a peer to everyone in the business. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with to both network, develop your skills and take part in extra activities. You also get a lot of support from a range of people.

I would advise anyone considering applying to PwC to do some thorough research on each line of service to ensure you know exactly what the role entails. Once you know what you're applying for, prepare for the application process. But also don't over-prepare! PwC value well-rounded individuals who have a passion for the work they are doing. But most of all, I would say just go for it!