Flying Start Degree programme - FS1, Birmingham Review

I was treated as an Associate. Hence, helped in the testing of controls and substantive testing in audits. I would be in charge of areas such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and property, plant and equipment. Going up to the client whenever we needed more evidence or explanation. Generally, I supported my seniors in what they were doing.

I have developed my whole leadership skills. I have learnt how to keep my work more organised and how to manage my own time. Knowing when I had more capacity to support others and when I had to stop taking on extra work. I also believe that I further developed my social skills in a professional environment.

Heading straight into busy season was hard as first. Everyone was really busy and hence sometimes did not have much time to coach us new joiners. But once we got into the flow and got the gist of it, this placement has taught me a lot. I met a lot of new people and this experience as a whole was an adventure.

I find that the flying start programme is very well structured. We get a proper training before joining the firm and we were well briefed since before. The programme is very centered at giving the best experience to the flying start and I really like how they always ask for our feedback to be able to continuously improve the programme.

There were a lot of support available to me throughout the programme. Before placement started, there was our university contact, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], who is one of the most helpful person I know. She would answer any queries we had really quickly and always kept us well informed about any updates. We also had the university which supported us to get through the transition to placement. Once on placement, there was a whole new group of people who provided support. Whether it be the older flying starts who gave us useful tips for daily things. Our career coach and office champion helping us with the technical aspects and generally, anyone in the office was happy to help if need be.

Since I am on the flying start programme, this course is ideal to get an ACA qualification. Lectures are tailored to the qualification so that we study topics which are most relevant to us. Study manuals, question banks and other study materials are given to us which is a big plus. Working during the busy season, although hard, allows us to get the most experience.

The ACA qualification gives me a very solid base to start in the accounting industry. Getting a full understanding before attempting any work really helps. I believe that it allows me to produce a better quality of work and in general, it makes me happier to fully understand what I am doing. However, although I know I have limited knowledge as this is only my first placement, I sometimes felt like I could be given something more challenging to do which would use more of my accounting knowledge.

There were frequent social activities. Socials for the Birmingham office, socials for the business group I was in and socials with my team. It gave me a lot of opportunities to meet new people and expand my network. There were also opportunities to join sports games such as handball for weekly games.

Yes

PwC has provided me a well rounded experience. I have learnt a lot as a professional as well as an individual. I developed a lot of social skills. Also, PwC really takes good care of its employees. They have a lot of facilities to cater for all needs and ensure that their employees are comfortable while on an away job.

Be prepared to produce work of high quality so as to keep up with the standard. Be open minded and mix around to meet all the different types of people in the office. Going through the application process might be hard but as long as you get your head into it and get it done well, it'll all be worth it.