Flying Start Degree Programme - Associate 1 - Milton Keynes Review

The placement is auditing based. You get assigned to a client who needs auditing and meet your team to work with. You are assigned areas to test of the client's financial statements. On a day to day basis, you will be speaking with the client, being involved in meetings, selecting samples and testing the different areas you are working on.

My organisation skills have improved, I have also learnt a lot about myself. I have gained a lot of confidence interacting with many different people through calls, emails and most importantly in person. I have learnt how to be professional and how I react under stressful times. I have also learnt how to deal with issues that can arise.

I enjoy the programme because of the people I am on it with. My year group, teachers and colleagues I work with are all fantastic. They make it enjoyable. Everyone is friendly and you can ask anyone for advice. I would recommend it to others if you want a career in accountancy with a solid foundation.

The programme is very well structured, you know exactly how it is going to be from the very beginning which I like as it shows you your path and gives you a goal, broken down into smaller objectives, to achieve. There are people available to help you with exams, the induction at PwC, and training and development.

You get a career coach to help you whilst on placement, you can talk to them or the other people on the course in the office. You can also contact staff from university as well which is helpful. I think the key is that the support is there, but you need to take the initiative to ask for it.

You get tutors at university who go through everything in detail, then there are revision sessions as well. These all aid you in preparation for your exams. They are also available in help sessions if you need anything. Generally everyone is positive and wants you to succeed.

The university aspect helps as the topics we cover have purpose in the job. You need to have good accounting knowledge and this gets developed further as you progress through placement. I know so much more than when I first started placement, and giving theory purpose makes it more interesting and useful.

There are social activities like football and badminton at the office. People regularly go out for drinks or to socialise. The company organises some voluntary events and hosts different activities for employees. If there is something you want to do as a social activity that isn't there, you can suggest and organise it.

Yes

I would recommend PwC as they have a great reputation and want people to succeed. If you are keen on a career in accountancy/financial services I would recommend them. They have plenty of opportunities to progress further up the firm or diversify into different areas. Overall they are a very good employer.

For my programme, you need to make sure that you have a good understanding of PwC's 5 qualities that they look for in their employees and be able to demonstrate when you have implemented them, so practise that before the interview. Be confident, dress professionally and keep up to date with the business news going on as well to develop your business acumen.