Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 London Review

As a Flying Start, you are able to take what you have learnt during your time at university into work situations. You will work with your team, auditing a client through various testing procedures. You are responsible for some of these tasks and have to interact with both other team members and the client to solve any issues and queries.

By working in real situations, you are able to develop what you have learnt at university and adapt and apply this into these situations. This allows you to produce high quality work and gives you a better understanding of your learning when you return to university. On placement you will also receive recognition for professional work experience which is needed to qualify with ICAEW.

I greatly enjoy this programme as it allows you to benefit from both the university experience as well as work experience. As the programme is small, everyone knows each other and gets on well and when joining PwC you are treated the same as any other colleague leading to a challenging but fun experience.

The programme is organised extremely well with various layers of support in place if you need it. This comes in the form of your friend on the course, staff from the university, the ICAEW and colleagues at PwC. You receive sufficient training and support throughout to allow you to develop and excel in both your studies and your work placements.

The support received from PwC is extensive and well managed. You are able to communicate any issues you have with whoever you feel comfortable with. You are allocated a buddy on your first day who is there if you have any questions throughout placement as well as a career coach who you have regular meetings with to discuss your placement and feedback.

The University of Reading is extremely good in providing support throughout your studies as well as while you are on placement. They recognise that this degree programme is more intense than many and put the necessary support in place to support you with this. For example, you will receive extensive revision sessions once returning from your placement in order to help you pass your summer exams. You also have a personal tutor and there is a range of other support you can access through the university.

The learning received at The University of Reading is very beneficial as you can apply this to your role at PwC when on you are on placement. This allows you to join PwC having an understanding of your role and tasks you will be completing, allowing you to do these to a high standard.

There are many extra-curricular activities you can take part in at The University of Reading and PwC including sport, volunteering and professional networking. You are actively encouraged to take part in these. All Flying Starts are also a very close community and regularly take part in social events, both at university and whilst on placement.

Yes

The support and experience you receive at PwC whilst on this degree programme is extensive and allows you to develop both as an individual and in a team environment. The atmosphere around PwC is always positive and everyone is willing to help and support you, allowing you to expand your network and achieve whatever you desire.

When applying to PwC I would take the opportunity to attend any events organised by PwC which may help you have a better understanding of the organisation. PwC also provide a range of information on their website which is helpful to read and understand before going through the application process.