Flying Start Degree programme - FS3 Birmingham Review

On placement we work with PwC as associates in Assurance for Audit. We work in teams with people of different levels on a specific client in order to validate financial statements. On a daily basis, we are working with the team, speaking to the client, discussing any issues we have and doing detailed testing over the numbers within the financial statements.

I have learnt how to deal with clients in a professional and friendly way. I have learnt to ask the right questions whilst always being professionally sceptical. My technical knowledge of accounting and accounting standards has dramatically increased. I can now manage myself whilst also helping others with their work and juggle lots of different tasks by prioritising and delegating.

I enjoyed the programme to a certain extent. I enjoy working in a team and enjoyed meeting new people. I enjoyed having more responsibility and taking control and ownership of my own work. I also enjoyed learning new things and being allowed to work on technical complex areas which were more challenging. However the work was sometimes laborious. It was sometimes stressful.

The programme is structured well in that it works well that we study for the accountancy exams whilst at university but have placements every year to have a chance to put what we have learnt into practice and see how these things are applied in a practical setting. It has been organised well to include the uni, pwc and ICAEW.

We have career coaches who support us at work and are a point of contact for any questions or concerns we have. We are also assigned buddys who are a more informal point of contact and we have social groups. There is always someone available if we would like to discuss something.

Although the programme is in partnership with ICAEW, we rarely hear from them or have any interaction with them. However, we have a point of contact at the university who checks in with us every so often whilst on placement and is available for support when we require anything from them.

Our training really helps us to have a better understanding of the work that we perform. It has been said many times by people that we work with that they think that the programme produces employees with a better understanding and higher performing than others due to studying and sitting exams whilst also having practical experience.

Yes there are regular social activities - drinks, dinners, sports. There are sports committees where people play netball, table tennis, hockey and any number of sports are available to get involved in. Although sometimes they are not made obvious, if you were interested in a particular sport or activity there is an abundance on offer to chose from.

Yes

PwC is a great employer who trains its staff well and looks after their interests. Although the work is sometimes challenging, there are always numerous levels of support. PwC is always invested in its employees and their development. There are many different opportunities within PwC to work with different people, work in teams, work abroad etc.

I would say to apply. The qualification is highly regarded, you will meet many new people and work with many people. There are so many opportunities and so many things to get involved in that cater to everyones interests. There is definitely something for everyone. Also there are opportunities to move around within PwC to gain different experiences which isn't available in other businesses.