Flying Start Associate Review

My role was an audit associate, on a day-to-day basis this involved working with my team and the client through email, video calls etc. The work I had to do each day involved planning tasks, various testing procedures such as the testing of journals where we had to get a journal sample and test it to match an invoice or supporting excel document that the client provided us. I also had to do completion tasks which involved getting the final signed accounts, audit report, rep letter etc and linking it.

I have learnt many new skills such as self management, for example performing multiple tasks for different seniors under time constraint, which meant I had to learn to prioritise my work. I also developed on my existing skills such as teamwork as most my team were based in London so I had to have good teamwork skills in order for me to get my work done.

I really enjoy this programme and I do consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to work for PwC and get a university degree at the same time. I have enjoyed my placement thoroughly, my team were amazing and the Christmas socials were great too. I look forward to coming back next year.

The programme is well structured. The integration of university studies and placements allow for us to get the best of both environments. I think having a small cohort also allows for better social integration as everyone knows everyone. The three month placements also are a good amount of time to get experience of the working life whilst not lasting too good.

I have received lots of support from my employer. The seniors and managers on my team were very helpful and always made time for me to go through any issues or queries I had. Even when the workload was increasing, they still provided me with support and answered all my questions.

We receive a vast amount of support from our training provider when working towards our qualifications. This ranges from seminars to additional questions and past paper access as well as moodle forums and email contact. They are also very willing to answer our questions and stay behind at the end of seminars for example to go through any queries.

I think the work we do in our qualification helps me understand more things in my role. A lot of key terms and some work that I have done has come from having a basic understanding of what we have learnt in our qualification. Some tasks have been performed better because I had prior knowledge from my studies.

I have to a few extra-curricular activities with work. I participated in a Christmas themed dodgeball tournament where we came 3rd out of 10 teams. I also attended the BCASS ball, B&CM ball and Fulcrum Christmas party which were very fun social/networking events. Hopefully next year I can also participate in the sports day as well as attending these events again.

Yes

It is open, collaborative environment which supports the development of each individual. It is a great place to work and socialise, every person I met has been friendly and easy to work with. The extra-curricular events it runs are also a great way to meet new people in the firm and also have a good time away from work, providing a great work-life balance.

Research the firm and see if PwC has role for what you want to do. Speak to family/friends that already work in PwC or have worked there and get their opinions but make the decision yourself. It is a great firm which will support you through your development so I definitely would recommend applying to PwC.