Flying Start Degree programme - FS1 Belfast Review

Working on elements of auditing such as cash, payroll and operating expenses on different clients we are booked to. We may be booked onto an audit at different stages, eg on planning, testing or completion. Therefore every job is different in terms of the type of company, sector or stage of auditing you are involved with.

I have developed excel skills immensely as this is the software we use on a day-to-day basis. Also PwC use Aura to document all testing and audit procedures so I have become familiar with this software too. I have gained confidence in working directly with clients to build relationships with them and the company.

There was a lack of framework for flying starts initially in the Belfast office, as they were unequipped for our arrival after being told at a late stage we would be joining them by the flying start co-coordinator. I believe this impacted our experience immensely as jobs had been booked up in advance and we were booked on a lot of export type work that involved remote working which was not conducive to integrating within the office or learning on the job. Furthermore with there being no flying starts to do placement in this office in previous years we didn't know anyone coming into the office and it wasn't until later on in the placement where we got the opportunity to start to meet other associates who were a similar level to us. From this point onwards I began to enjoy placement more as it wasn't as much of a daunting experience coming into the office, but I feel if this introduction had happened at the beginning of placement and we had been on more local work there would have been the opportunity to integrate more within the office and enjoy placement from the offset.

When the programme was advertised at University it seemed well organised and structured. However there was a complete lack of structure within the Belfast office, due to us being the first year and I feel like we weren't supported by the University and nothing was set up by the Flying Start Coordinator from Newcastle.

When at university we received support from the flying start co-ordinator with regular catch-ups and information about placement. However, when we went on placement there was very limited contact with her. There were points of contact within the Belfast office but this was difficult with them and myself being on away jobs. Once we expressed our views about the lack of structure in the Belfast office, they did the best they could to improve our experience, but once again this would have made all the difference if it had been at the beginning.

Very limited support from ICAEW in terms of qualifications. I feel like they make most of their contact with PwC and the university and not directly with us. It would be helpful if they were more involved throughout the whole experience instead of just around exam time or qualifying time.

We have done some exempt exams, but I'm not sure what this correlates to. It would be more helpful if this was laid out to us. However the modules we have completed at university has given us a sound understanding of the basics of what we have been working on throughout placement.

There were no sport teams or professional networking events during my placement. Furthermore it would have been very difficult to do this if there had been as we were away very frequently. There were some socials that we got involved with and were able to meet new people, however these events were very daunting as everyone seemed to already know each other, whereas we knew nobody. At one compulsory social event, 1 week before placement finished, this was the first time we had actually met all the as1s, this would have been great nearer the start of placement so we could have socially integrated with people of the same level as us.

Yes

There are plenty of young people and many opportunities for travel and work on large clients. However I'm not sure if the flying start programme was executed properly within the Belfast office this year, and I wouldn't want anyone to have the same experience that I have had, which has been very isolating at times.

Getting involved in social activities is a great way to meet new people. Make the most of opportunities that come your way. They are good at taking your preferences on board on what you want to work on as best that they can, in terms of travel or clients, so its good to make this known.