Flying Star 2 Review

I am a flying start 2 which is equivalent to an associate within PwC, on a daily basis I perform roles such as testing of a variety of FSLIs on an audit, assisting more senior team members with areas of their testing and liaising with the client in order to get information and support required.

During my time I have learnt a variety of new skills that include; PwC audit methodology, testing approaches, many new excel skills in order to complete my work in a more efficient manner. I have also learnt/consolidated my knowledge of some of the auditing standards and have got a more hands on approach with to how these are applied in real life and not just theory.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, placement is somthing that I look forward to every year and the degree is great because you get the best of both worlds. This being the normal uni experience for part of the year and then also the work experience and knowledge that you gian on placement that also helps with exams.

The programme is very well organised and has a clear structure, when at university you get all the support from lecturers and your personal tutor that help with your studies. The line is then very clear and the uni and placement portions are very seperate so that when on placement you don't do uni work and vice versa.

PwC as an employer are extremely supportive. All of the members of my team are very much their to help in all situations and I never feel embaressed about asking questions in order to get the work done. PwC also have a variety of other support systems in place such as people that can be contacted for wellbeing and your people manager who is there every step of the way to answer questions about the experience as a whole.

Newcastle University provide a lot of support in preparation for our exams, lecturers at the university are always there to ask questions. During placement the university check in to ensure that you are okay but do not take up time which is good. Your personal tutor at the university is always there to lend a helping hand.

The preparation for exams and the things that you learn directly correlate into the work that is performed during your placement. In certain modules you learn knowledge of the accounting standards which are then directly applied when you get on placement and then the placement helps to consolidate this knowledge that you have learnt.

There are many extracurricular activities to take part in at PwC, the times that we are on placement especially in the first and second placements is usually extremely busy and therefore time is very limited to do other things depending on what clients you are on. However the team always try and make time for social activities.

Yes

PwC have a big family atmosphere, every body knows everybody and you feel as though you are part of ac community when you are at work. There is a big social aspect to the job as well and PwC try and put on events to keep morale high during busy times.

The main piece of advice that I could give to somebody that is applying to PwC is to be yourself. PwC have such a diverse variety of people that work for them and that is one of the reasons that make them a great company to work for. Being an approachable person is definitely important.