Flying Start Degree programme - FS3 Birmingham (Fulcrum) Review

Being a Flying Start, I am part of the engagement team responsible for the audit of PwC clients. Within this role, includes carrying out testing over the financials for the year end annual report of companies through being coached and also providing coaching to others. In addition to this, I carry out tasks involved in planning, interim testing and statutory audits.

Progressing on prior year placements I have developed both personally through building relationships in work and secondly, in terms of business development as I took on additional responsibility and roles within engagements. Particularly from this placement, I have learnt the ability, when it is effective to delegate tasks, to coach peers and other associates through tasks,

The programme is a unique opportunity that i have thoroughly enjoyed. Although demanding at times, it allows to put in practice theory learnt in the classroom, often adding context to each subject. It has allowed me to live in new cities and meet other colleagues, whilst building a strong rapport amongst peers on the same programme.

The programme is structured very well with the integrated placements. Particularly, the placements being placed during busy season, although demanding, provide a good experience. Also, whilst the limited expectation around studying whilst on placement is appreciated, as dependent on the client you are booked on, this would be extremely difficult.

Personally, I feel there isn't much support provided by PwC as an employer. Whilst such a big firm, outside of the flying start programme there is limited understanding by managers + about the programme and different timetables, particularly given we are only part of the firm for a short duration.

The support from the training providers, i.e. university and course leaders, is really helpful. Even whilst on placement each tutor is easily contactable and constant accessible support is provided by the course leader if and when needed throughout the duration. There are multiple options for support available from university and within PwC.

The training provided really supports my performance at work as I have a thorough understanding of the theory behind tasks and allows me to apply my knowledge previously learnt. The program is cleverly designed so that each year the skills and theory learnt at university progresses in line with the expectations in placements in terms of knowledge and ability.

There are lots of activities available, however, they are not particularly made aware when we join. They are usually only heard of by word-of-mouth. Also, as mentioned, whilst we join during busy season it usually leaves no time or activities get reduced, as the workload is increased over the months.

Yes

Being a global company there are countless opportunities, such as the range of clients to work on and the experiences you can gain from this, as well as things like the availability of secondments overseas Similarly to this, it gives the opportunity to meet & work with colleagues from all different countries.

The most important attributes to express when applying is the desire and ability to learn pro-actively. It is not expected for you to already know everything, you will learn so much once you join, it is just important to show a personality that would add value to teams and create a nice environment to work with.