Flying Start Degree programme - FS3, Birmingham Review

The role involves helping with end of year audits during busy season, which means you look at the financial statements and gain comfort over the numbers so that these can be signed off by PwC in the auditor's reports. There is a lot of teamwork involved which makes it a great environment to be in.

I have learnt a range of new skills, particularly in microsoft excel using complex formula and other tools such as pivot tables. I also think my organisational skills have greatly improved since being on the programme as often you have to manage multiple tasks at once and organise your time efficiently.

The work involved is challenging but is great if you enjoy a challenge and being pushed out of your comfort zone. Teams are always willing to help and there is a good work culture of being coached by your seniors to ensure you understand what you are doing. Most people are always approachable when it comes to asking for guidance and questions.

The programme is well-structured with clear timetables for how lectures are to be conducted in each year and when training is to take place before each placement. This is clearly communicated to us at the start of each academic year and support is in place from the university programme director and PwC programme manager to answer any questions.

There are multiple support systems in place at PwC to ensure you receive support should you need it. When you join PwC you are allocated a Career Coach who will act as your first port of call for any concerns. Personally my career coaches have always been very supportive and willing to help me wherever they can in my personal development. Peers at work are also very supportive when it comes to discussing issues at work and are encouraged to do so by the firm.

The university are very supportive when it comes to working towards our ACA. The programme director, Edel, is excellent and answering any concerns we may have and voicing our opinions to PwC if necessary. Our lecturers are extremely good at their jobs and are always willing to help with any questions we may have.

Being able to put our lectures into real life situations at work is great as this not only helps us with our exams but also helps us perform better in our roles as we have tha basic understanding of audit and the reasons behind why we do what we do. I feel having that background knowledge definitely allows us to be ahead of our peers who may not have this.

There are multiple balls held each year for different departments within Assurance, which are a great way to network with colleagues of all levels from Associates to Directors. In addition to this, when you join PwC you will be enrolled in a social group which will hold social events monthly such as pizza lunches etc.

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PwC is a great place you can develop your skills and understanding of accounting due to the wealth of knowledge the firm and individuals hold which are passed on to you. In addition, it is a great place you can challenge yourself and excel in your younger years which will reap benefits in years to come, having grown with the firm.

In the application process, be open and inviting and don't be afraid to show your true self to the interviewer, as a lot of PwC is about the friendly and welcoming nature of it's people. On the assessment days, there will be a group assessment where they observe how you act in a team, be sure to be confident but not overpowering! Also a great thing to talk about is extracurricular activities and what skills you have learnt from them.