Flying start degree programme - FS1 - Manchester Review

As in intern/trainee at Pwc the role varied on a day to day basis. My role during each day depended on the engagement I was on and the stage the audit was at. My role during placement primary involved with helping out/assisting senior associates in completing documentation and preparing smaller sections of the audit. I also worked along side clients asking for samples and gathering clarification on areas where the documentation provided was not sufficient.

As the placement was done remotely I have definitely developed new communication skills. Working remotely and not having the opportunity to just walk up and ask questions made me adapt and grow in confidence with emails and and articulating points over messages. I also learnt and developed a wide range of other skills including excel, time management and in particular team work. Collaborating effectively with the team was one of my most developed skill during placement as each team I worked with had a different strategy which I had to learn.

I enjoyed my placement to a large extent, however the timing was not brilliant and this impacted negatively. Due to Covid-19 I did not get the opportunity to work in the office or on site at a client and have the full rounded experience i had heard about. Whilst not PwCs fault, this did effect my experience negatively. Aside from that, the people that I worked with made my experience enjoyable and took the time to ensure they were there to help.

The structure of the flying start apprenticeship degree is extremely well organised and the experience gained (including the hours in audit needed in order to become chartered) is valuable. Being able to experience both the training aspect within Pwc and still experiencing life at university is such an incredible opportunity. The timing of each is a great balance and allows us to concentrate on exams properly without the pressure of working at the same time.

PwC have a great support system internally whilst on placement. This includes support coming from within an engagement and outside of it. They also have provided well-being support with the free access to headspace which helps relax through meditation. PwC have also given support whilst at university as well, through setting up networking days to talk to the higher years about their experience and tips for what to expect on placement. As well as a contact to message with any questions at any time.

PwC provide us with out accredited work manuals and question banks so we do not have to purchase them ourselves. I also found people within the firm are also willing to provide extra coaching on areas where I was struggling and explain in context to help me fully understand. The university provides all of our training and lectures when it comes to the exams. The lecturers are extremely helpful and are willing to provide extra understanding when asked.

As the first year of this degree is 100% at university it enabled us to lay a foundation of knowledge before we bagan placement. Completing some of the professional exams built up underlying knowledge which was then used during placement. Attempting to revise for an exam during placement was quite stressful, however this could be due to the COVID impact. This is because we did not revcieve the proper in person teaching before placement and the online course was slow to be received making it a little harder to keep on top of everything.

COVID has restricted any extra curricular activities that may have occurred during the placement due to being remote and not going into the office. I, personally did not have any team bonding (or anything similar) activities remotely but this could be due to the fact I was never on an engagement longer than a week. I have heard from other FS1s that they had team bonding activities after working - getting to know eachother better - playing games and having 'coffee breaks'

Yes

The whole experience and environment has been enjoyable and valuable for the future (expeciall working with one of the 'big four'). The flying start is in my opinion is the best available degree to gain the experience and the qualifications needed to become chartered. PwC have been extremely accommodating and helpful (even during the pandemic). The environment is welcoming and the people are helpful, and will spend time ensuring you get the best coaching as possible.

A tip I could give someone who is applying to be a part of PwC would be to do research, learn and understand the values of the business. These values are act with integrity, make a difference, care, work together and reimagine the impossible. They are a core part of the company - using and knowing this information when applying will be a massive help as they are demonstrated throughout the business on a daily basis.