Flying Start Degree Programme - FS2, Bristol Review

As an audit trainee, at the beginning of a job tasks will be assigned to me which I will work to complete on a daily basis. Any questions I have on audit methodology or testing I will inquire with an in-charge in order to deliver good audit quality and expand my understanding. On a daily basis, I may also be required to interact and obtain documents from the client - whether it be over email, phone, or face to face.

Over placement, we expand on the content we have learnt at University in our first term, allowing us to apply and consolidate underlying understanding in the workplace. I have continue to develop effective communication with my team members, and the client, and particularly improved on the way that I document my testing and rationales.

I could never recommend the Flying Start Degree enough! It gives you the best balance of University life and work experience which I believe makes us more prepared for life after graduation. Everyone in the office always makes us feel welcome, and promotes 'team first', giving a real sense of inclusion.

From day one, expectations and deadlines are set out so that we understand what is expected of us in terms of hours to study and grades to meet. Regular emails are sent out to us to inform and update us on the necessary information from programme directors, admin and any supporting mentors. We are offered the appropriate training prior to entering the workplace to offer additional support and guidance.

On joining the firm, we are given a Flying Start Champion - which I believe is our most useful resource during our time on placement as they can relate to the position we are in and are always most keen to help us in order to offer the best working experience possible. We are also given a buddy, and a career coach who are also happy to help offer support and guidance. Furthermore, the University also keeps in contact when we are on placement, particularly our Programme Director.

We have a number of lecturers for each module we take at university, which corresponds to a qualifying exam towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. They offer constant support throughout learning content in our first term, and continue to when we are on placement and then again when we return for exams.

Through learning the content before going on placement, it enables us to put the theory to the test and consolidates and understanding we had prior, and therefore helps when studying for exams as we can use real life experiences. I think both go hand in hand - learning the content makes us better in the job, and the job will help us perform better in exams.

PwC put on monthly drinks at the end of each month which is a great opportunity to network with people in the office and those in different lines of service. As we are only at the firm for a short amount of time and during busy season, we do not get told about sporting or voluntary activities that may be going on, which is something I would like to get involved in when I join the firm full time.

Yes

PwC is a supportive employer that offers endless opportunities to expand your learning and develop your career through the different lines of service that they offer. They are an established firm that will support training and encourage your development as an individual. They really care about you as an employer and make you feel part of a team at all times.

For those looking at the Flying Start degree, I would say be yourself on your assessment day, but do your homework on the firm and be aware of the competencies that PwC promote. If you are the right person for the degree, you'll know on the assessment day through the people you meet.