Flying Start Degree programme - FS1, More London Review

During your placement you get assigned to one or multiple clients, each client is very different, you work with a variety of people and do a variety of tasks. Each client you are on, you will have a person that you will be closely working with who will assign you with tasks and guide you. The tasks vary and range from basic admin work to more complex reconciliations and control testing. This is the main reason why this placement is great as you work with a variety of people and do a variety of tasks.

I have improved my communication skills greatly as I have to have many meetings and communicate with a many people. Also, the placement has taught me to be more proactive as PwC has an environment which promotes asking questions no matter what the question is. I have been encouraged to ask questions when I am unsure about something, everyone is always open to answer the questions no matter how busy they are. People will make the time to ensure you are stable and answer your questions.

I really enjoyed the programme because it gives a break from University work whilst you are still learning relevant things which will be used in the future in a working and non-working space. The placement has helped me explore different parts of the audit sector and given me an in-depth insight to what working at PwC is like. Even though you aren't at University, you are still learning and developing valuable skills that will be useful later in life.

The programme was very structured and organised. The application and admin process started at the start of the year. You get check ups from a representative from PwC throughout the process to make sure you are on track. Just before you start the actual placement, there is a week of training where senior associates go through with you how to use all the programmes and softwares, who to reach out to for different things and other general things.

I received a lot of support from my employer. I am on my first placement so they don't expect you to know everything, this means that they are willing to help you no matter how small or large the problem is. There is always a person you can reach out to for anything and what makes it better is that everyone is so understanding. If you have IT issues, there is a IT team that are always active to help you with any issues with your laptop.

The training provider was the University of Nottingham, they set each Flying Start student up and help you to apply for the placement. They bring in PwC representatives to inform you about the placement and you can ask them any questions. The University walks you through every step till you get to the start of placement, even during placement the University staff check up on you and ask you to reflect on your experience of working.

This is one of the best programmes out there and a shortcut. You are learning for the ICAEW qualification whilst gaining actual experience at one of the Big Four firms. These experiences collectively will put you in the best position as you will have the knowledge and experience to work in this sector. The skills you gain from the experiences can be used even in a non-working environment as well as in day to day life.

There are a vast amount of extra-curricular activities however because of COVID-19 restrictions these cannot be done which is understandable. Even with these restrictions, the engagement team I am on do virtual events such as weekly team socials on a Wednesday evening which is great because it gives you and the team some times to socialise, cool off and just have a great time. Furthermore, there are weekly tea and talks with different people, even though they are only 15 minutes, they are valuable as they are informal and just give you some time to not think about work.

Yes

I 100% recommend this programme if you are interested in this sector because it is the best and most efficient way to qualify. You will be gaining experience and learning whilst gaining ICAEW qualifications which will give you exemptions after you graduate. It is one of the best programmes out there and it is really enjoyable. Working at PwC is great as well, at first I was a bit nervous because it is one of the biggest firms however everyone at PwC is so understanding and caring.

Firstly, do some research on PwC and then the flying start programme, this will give you a good insight on what the programme is like and what it entails. Also, look at the universities that offer the programme (there are 3 I believe) and see which of the 3 you would like to go to and apply. If you need anymore advice just email the university and give them a call or contact the course director.