Business Administrator Review

I am currently in my second rotation out of 4, each being 6 months. My role is centred around internal projects, more specifically, managing the 'change' impacts of the projects, e.g. introducing a new system, be it technology or way of working, it's my job to ensure key stakeholders are comfortable and up-to-speed with the changes. Prior to this, in my first 6 months with KPMG, I spent the majority of my time working on Process Improvement (PI) as part of a reasonably new initiative, helping to embed a PI culture within the firm along with a network of PI Champions. I was able to have an active role in monthly forums presenting in front of senior stakeholders. In addition to this, I helped run an innovation competition that saw 90 employees apply, with ideas emanating from multi-functional teams across the UK and India. The competition's success was clearly illustrated at the final, as the 5 finalist teams ideas were provided with a project sponsor i.e. had full financial backing to be put in place and rolled out. I have another facilitation role within a technology group. This group is in essence a Dragons' Den style team of senior individuals who are presented tech/digital solution based business cases, on a monthly basis, and the group decides whether the firm is 'in or out'!

I have learnt multiple skills, e.g improved knowledge and understanding of multiple IT packages, such as QlikSense, a data visualisation tool that helps monitor performance. My communication skills have flourished, as networking is a key part of working with the firm. KPMG promotes collaboration, inclusion and opportunity. With these 3 values it is difficult not to develop as there are many occasions where the firm and others around you, encourage you to hone in your skills and acquire new ones.

This programme is fantastic. No days are the same and the beauty of the programme is that it's rotational, thus providing me with the opportunity to try out new things, which I deem as an invaluable feature of my course. Through the rotations I have been exposed to plethora of events/projects. The variety has given me huge job satisfaction as I am young and what to get a chance to experience all the workplace has to offer, and not be restricted based on my age or position within the firms hierarchy.

The programme is extremely well structured. There's so many support layers in place that are the to guide you in the right direction, ensuring all your needs/worries are taken care of. The course is 2 years and we are given a clear incentive at the start, in that if we pass our exams, we will be given a role when the course concludes, come October 2020.

We are encouraged to take the time to study and meet the 20% off-the-job training we are granted as apprentices, enabling us to have the maximum chance of meeting the requirements to reach the next step in our journey. The firm is extremely flexible as our well-being is top priority, so if we ever feel overworked or under pressure it is made super clear that we are able to push-back. The layers of support make me feel like there is always someone to talk to, with points of contact who always check up on ur progress and well-being.

Initially, there wasn't enough support provided, which ended up causing uncertainty amongst the apprentices, which was evident in the first round of results. The issue was swiftly rectified as meetings went underway to get to the root cause. KPMG were very supportive and listened well to the issues of the apprentices, auctioning our feedback, culminating in a far greater experience for all parties involved, which again, is now evident in the results.

I wouldn't actually say that the provider helps me perform better in my role directly, however, when going through the missions, the criteria is sometimes tricky to meet at first glance. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the day job resulting in me stretching myself further than I may have done previously. The pressure of being successful in my qualifications and my role, is something I take as a positive as the combination is not an easy balance and therefore character building.

There are over 20 societies that you can become a member of. You can truly express yourself as an individual or as a collective at KPMG. The firm is very accommodating of new ideas, so if you feel that something could be done then the firm will help you progress your ideas. KPMG promote networking with many events throughout the year, such as apprentice forums, catch up days, etc. on offer to provide employees with the chance of broadening their contacts and building relationships with others outside of the team.

Yes

If you want to gain amazing experience, meet new people, enjoy a family-orientated atmosphere, surrounded by selfless people who want others to succeed, have a great work-social life balance; then KPMG is the place for you! As long as you are willing to work hard then you will make a great success of yourself here.

Be yourself. Showing your personality is a huge enabler. It's easy to be generic, reading off a fact sheet won't set you apart, in fact it will only show that you are able to research and regurgitate information. Recruiters here want to see that you're a team player, and if you are then tell them what makes you a team player! Give them a reason to employ you instead of the person who looks just as good if not better on paper, who's sat outside the door and in next. Don't be too focused on impressing them but try articulate yourself as best as possible. Be personable and not a robot. Being warm friendly and polite is definitely a good base to build upon.