Flying Start Degree programme- FS1 Uxbridge Review

I am part of an audit team at around the associate/intern level. I am generally involved in the more basic of the FSLIs and am taught how to test and document the outcome of these tests. I have been doing both substantive testing and test of control. I work directly with the client.

I have learnt a lot more about audit as a whole, for example the imoportance of materiality in making decisions and the need for professional scepticism throughout. I have developed my excel skills and have become more organised as a person. I have also worked on my confidence in speaking to people in a business context.

I thoroughly enjoyed working in my audit team and I got on with each and every member, they made my experience on placement worthwhile. They taught me new things at every opportunity and always checked up on me to ensure I was okay. I did not find the actual work I was doing particularly interesting though.

My programme is generally very well organised. Everyone knows exactly where we are and what needs doing. We know how to get feedback and how this benefits us. However sometimes i feel as though things we need to action is often communicated to us very last minute, giving us a small window to complete the tasks.

I received tremendous support from my employer. My career coach would always be available for a catch up and she took a keen interest in my development as well as my wants and needs. My senior team members were always looking out for me and regularly checked in to see that I was okay.

The university gives us a lot of help during our lectures and ensure we have sufficient revision lectures after we return from placement in order to go over the areas we may have forgotten/struggle with. Most lecturers invite students to go to them whenever they need help and also create drop in times so that we can go to them in a more formal setting.

I feel like I came onto my first placement with at least a basic understanding of my role in terms of the knowledge I needed. The university made it explicitly clear what was expected of me ethically and behaviour wise while on placement. I could expand on both of these areas while working at PwC

Not so much at the time that we are on placement as this is busy season. But there are social events planned that I did manage to go to. Fizzy Friday occurs on the last friday of every month in the office and I was able to attend 2 of these events. Furthermore, after work drinks and an end of audit meal was a great chance for the team to bond and become more integrated.

Yes

There are plenty of opportunities around the world across so many departments. The people who work here are charasmatic, inspirational and extremely knowledgeable and they are always willing to pass on this knowledge to others. Career wise, it will always look good to have worked for a Big 4 and the hard work is worth it.

Be prepared to work hard in order to reap the rewards. Make sure to get stuck into any team you have as you can meet some amazing people here. Try and learn as much as possible while you are here. Gain as much experience as you can before joining. Have a good attitude to work.