Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 Fulcrum (Birmingham) Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

As I was specialised in Insurance, I had great exposure to a variety of specialised Insurance Audit tasks. I was always doing work beyond my grade which is good in the long term, but difficult as I did not start off doing easy stuff. It helped me understand Audit from a wider perspective, and I was working very long hours during busy season which was quite tiring for a person who is new to this environment.

6/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt a lot of new skills, such as Excel, Auditing knowledge and specifics to do with Insurance companies which I did not know before. Working such long hours and towards tight deadlines has definitely allowed me to develop my skills greatly as I feel that I have had great exposure, being on two large clients therefore allowing me to cement my knowledge before moving onto a different client.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I think the Flying Start Programme is great initiative as it gives you the most exemptions out of all other university courses to do with Accounting. Placement is a great change from University and gives you direct exposure and experience within the Audit field, however depending on your region, working with London clients (Insurance particularly) is extremely tough to do on your first placement as a lot is expected of you. However, overall, I do enjoy my programme as it is so unique to other programmes.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is very organised and structured and there are people to help you when you are at university, and many people to help you on placement (career coach and flying start champions) so there is always a clear plan in place or someone to ask if you have any concerns regarding the organisation.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There is a lot of support at PwC, it is very social in my office so you do not think everything is work orientated, although it may feel like that during times as it is busy season. You have a career coach, buddy, and Flying Start Champions that are always there if you need support or help regarding everything.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

At university, there is the normal support regarding exams.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

N/a

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

The office in Birmingham is very social and there is always a lot of extra-curricular activities which makes placement more fun and gets you through it.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Although it is very overwhelming and challenging to work these long hours, and sometimes receive little support from seniors during support, the course itself and placement is good experience and exposure in Audit so you can realise what if you like it or not and get your qualifications quickly.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

To research the company properly and understand the core values of the business and how this is applicable to your own situation.