Associate Review

We worked in the assurance department of PwC and we were assigned parts of the audit to complete. This could include cost of sales, operating expenses, revenue, etc. We would be required to pick samples and ensure they met the necessary criteria. We also needed to go through the audited firm's processes and whether they complied with legal requirements, accounting standards, etc.

The skill I most improved was communication. It is extremely important when working in a team, particularly when you are new to the job as you are bound to have plenty of questions. We were always encouraged to ask these questions and ensure we stayed on track, ensuring we understood what we were required to do and why. It was also important for conversing with the clients, so you came across and confident and asked for the correct information. Time management is also extremely important since sometimes the hours were long and you had to manage how was best to work this

I thoroughly enjoy it. It provides a nice balance between having the student life, but also experience ahead of work. The paid placements really helped a lot of people financially too. The course is extremely challenging and we do tend to have some drop outs, but for those who remain it is very rewarding

Very well structured. We are made aware of the plans for the current and following years well in advance too. We have a 3 week block module and work training back at uni, before heading off to work. We then finish before Christmas and that sets up returning to University in January.

I would say the support received was beyond my expectations. All levels of staff are really helpful and there's always someone you can go to be it for advice, asking questions or general help. There are also well being channels which I never ventured into, but it's always nice to have there as no doubt some day I will need them

The uni are extremely encouraging. You must stay in contact with your university tutor and provide regular updates on your well being, happiness, progress and type of work you are completing. This is alongside a module convenor and someone who works in partnership with the university from PwC. You always feel supported and there are plenty of people you can contact

It is an absolute necessity since the exams determine whether or not you progress. They provide a good platform and often you see bits from your uni studies in your work, or vice versa. The work completed at uni also counts towards your chartered accountant accreditation which saves a lot of time and stress, and provides a clear path

There are plenty of socials be it Christmas Parties, Balls, Quizzes and after work drinks on a Friday. There are also sports teams such as Football, Netball etc. One of the balls isn't even PwC based, it is across the Big 4 firms in Leeds and therefore you can expand your network through meeting employees of similar age/experience from KPMG, Deloitte or EY

Yes

They are an excellent professional services company which can provide a whole host of career paths. They employ good people and there is a pleasant environment in the offices, both professionally and socially. There are always promotion/pay rise opportunities and even extras such as secondments so you can see how you fare around the world or in different sectors of PwC

The best piece of advice is to be yourself. They want to employ good people who are also very good at their job. If you have the necessary qualifications, I would absolutely encourage anyone to apply for PwC. It is also important to be keen and take up any opportunities they offer ahead of your potential employment