Flying Start Associate Review

I am a student at University of Reading for 2/3 terms of the year. During the second term (Jan-March) I work with PwC as an FS1 Associate. This means that alongside my studies I get the opportunity to have the insight of day to day audit work at a big four firm such as PwC. This includes travelling to client site, helping with an audit for example running revenue tests of a real company with coaching and interacting with finance departments and working with experienced staff at PwC. This allows you to gain the all important practical experience alongside your studies.

Yes, I have learnt how to interact professionally and ethically with clients and other team members of PwC. I have also learnt how to put my studies into practice and see how my work actually contributes to the system at PwC and learn how to do perform parts of an audit.

I really enjoy my programme, not only due to the challenging work and the useful skills which directly contribute to my career, but I have met some great people too all with similar interests who are working towards the same goal. Although the work is difficult there is so much support available. It's great knowing my studies not only contribute towards my degree but also a professional qualification with ICAEW which makes it all worthwhile.

I feel as if my placement was well organised within the Bristol office, there was so much support available with our brilliant Flying Start Champion and buddies. There were times I was left without coaching but I was able to sort this myself. In terms of the university side of things, the course structure is still changing with exams and can sometimes be up in the air and confusing, but on the whole it is organised well especially with the assessment days and insight days.

I receive so much support from PwC. Every single person has been lovely and more than willing to help. Your fellow placement peers are always around to help and support you as well as the Flying Start Champion who looks after you from day one. There is a massive network within the office to look out and support you.

The lectureres are always around to spend extra time to help you. In second year your course gets lectures with just the PwC students in our year which is brilliant as it feels like a much more personal experience and your lecturers really get to know you. I think sometimes exams can be overwhelming but there's always revision sessions provided to help you (although this is all up in the air at the moment given covid-19 situation).

I feel as if the qualification helps you perform better in your role as it your studies are directly focussed on what your career involves within PwC. For example the audit unit applies directly towards audit jobs you will be doing. It's great to learn about this and then apply it directly to practical experience.

Yes there are plenty of extra curricular activities to get involved in such as Netball, Touch Rugby, Football etc... Whilst on placement there has been many socials such as Pizza and Bowling, Escape Rooms, office drinks and team lunches. You really get to network and socialise to your desire.

Yes

Because there are so many different opportunities within PwC, theres a job role for almost anyone. Whilst on placement doing audit I was able to involve myself in other areas such as recruitment and social mobility. I met so many interesting people and made a great network. The company looks after its staff and there are so many benefits that come with being a full time member of staff at PwC alongside respectable pay.

If I had to give any tips for others applying to PwC it would be to build your business acumen. It's really important to have a good knowledge and interest in the business world with current affairs. It's also important to work on your team building skills as you will be required to meet and work with lots of new people.