Flying Start Degree Programme- FS1- London Embankment Place Review

As a part of an audit team, the main tasks were testing a company has been accurate with their own valuation of their performance in the year and going forward as a company (through testing their internal controls and individual figures they've posted about their performance in the year).

I've learnt far more about the audit profession (including different types of testing and the reasoning behind these) than I'd expected myself to. Alongside this, I've learnt a lot about working and living in London and also how to engage with clients on a professional basis which will be a valued skill to take into further placements.

There were times when the hours were long and the work could get quite stressful but I've definitely learnt a lot about the profession (and probably more about myself as a working professional) during these 3 months. Overall, it's been a valued experience and I'm looking learning more in my next placement.

The programme is structure really well, you will always feel like you're on an upwards trajectory to higher levels of responsibility. It's well coordinated for getting students in to the audit profession quickly, with a great amount of knowledge and experience. Alongside this, there's plenty of support to help you through the programme if you have any problems.

There's always plenty of support. Firstly in your career coaches and buddies who are always available for a chat. Alongside that though, there's your programme manager, university contacts and the people on your engagement teams are always around to listen and help. They were in your position once too so understand what you'll be going through.

The university will provide you with plenty of training during your time at uni, this does help with understanding the work that you'll be doing in your placements. Whether that be in the form of university lectures and seminars, learning materials (which are very helpful when going through) or practice exams to help you learn the format of the professional qualification exams.

The understanding of accounting that you get from the university-taught programme will help with understanding the different areas of work that you'll be performing testing on. You're also introduced to the different types of audit testing that you'll be performing within the placement but you only gain practice of these tests when out on placement.

PwC has a very good social network. As the audit section of the company, in London, is split into different sectors, they each have a strong social team leading catch-up sessions, quizzes and games to allow you to have a break during your work. There are also audit-wide social events to take part in.

Yes

PwC are a very good employer. They look after their staff well and there are plenty of opportunities within the company to move to different areas if the area you're in isn't quite for you. They not only provide you with a lot of support but there's a good family feel around the place.

Don't worry solely on your exam results or qualifications. PwC are more interested about the person that they're hiring instead of how well you've done academically in the past. It's quite important to have other hobbies and to show that you can apply yourself in other situations outside of an exam hall.