Flying Start Degree programme - AS1/FS1 in London Embankment Place Review

My daily tasks were general work, such as planning work for current year audit, completion work for the previous year audit, and also tests of details. My interactions with the engagement leader or director was limited however I regularly spoke other Associate 1s/Flying Start 1s and managers. My interactions with external individuals was less frequent but when I did speak to people it was me requesting documents from the client or asking about discrepancies in certain numbers. My responsibilities was doing the general work/tasks that needed doing, but alongside this, I was also responsible for some socials (MTV cribs) and doing the FRCF tracker. I did not have any projects.

I have learned new skills. I have learned to be more confident in terms of challenging team members and also being more inquisitive when I am unsure in order to do tasks to a better level. I have learned to be more professional in terms of work etiquette and certain customs that people do that I also had to do. I have learned to adapt in a work environment when things aren't going correctly. In my role specifically I have learned that I need to be as competent as teaching and learning. I had to learn something one week then coach someone on it the next - this truly tested if I understood something.

I really enjoyed this programme. The work was very interesting. My team was great and funny and supportive. We also a virtual office as we worked from home and this made us get to know each other well and have good banter. Company culture at PwC is great and always drives everyone to work hard and be the best you can be. It met my expectations well to be honest. Since my placement was during the COVID-19 period there were a few things that I did not expect but I understand that this was just because of the virus and not because of the workplace. I do enjoy it yes - great experience, looking forward to returning next year.

Our programme was very well organised. The induction was good and lasted a week or two, this prepared us for work but I did think we were taught too fast as it was too hard to retain information through a screen when you work remotely. I think the trainers could have gone a bit slower. The training and support is great when you start on the job as your colleagues and managers are always willing to coach and teach you. I didn't have to study on this job as my exams are separate and done in the university. We had regular meetings and checkups which was great for our wellbeing. Team hierarchy is well structured and efficient, which plays well into task delegation, tasks can be passed down from the top and if it's appropriate, new joiners like me could have work to do. Overall it was well organised.

I receive a lot of support from my employers. Managers are often busy so you get limited time with them but this is compensated by the many other places you can go to for support such as Virtual Agents, HC team, HR team and lots of other places. I also had great colleagues and buddies and career coaches who mentored me and were always willing to help. They give great and detailed guidance for your problems are were always delighted towards supporting me. In fact, they would even contact me first to see if I needed support which was great.

You receive a lot of support. There are multiple learning resources online everywhere that you can use toward your training. They are so easily accessible. For us we had a website called Vantage which has hundreds of interactive exercises you can do to learn about certain topics. Our tutors/advisors also are willing to help you a lot and give great guidance with your educational problems and tell you what solutions there are. I do enjoy it because learning new skills and understanding it well is great.

Yes, what I'm learning on a day to day basis does help me a lot on my placement. We learn things in theory and then get to put them into practice at work so we see lots of stuff unfold and we would have been prepared for the situation by the time we do it. I have not yet completed my full qualification however I do feel that I have learned a lot and now know a lot more about my industry and what my job consists of now.

Our placement was remote due to the COVID-19 virus so our social or extracurricular activities were limited as we could not see each other in the flesh, however we did have lots of virtual socials outside work which were very fun. These were things like MTV cribs or Pumpkin carving on halloween. There were also live streams for numerous PwC employees to join (not just my audit team) which we got to meet and have discussions with lots of different personalities, such as former MPs or people in very important positions.

Yes

It is a great environment to learn and better yourself, I learned so much not only as an employee but also as a person. The offices are really beautiful making me happy to go to work every morning. Not to mention that the size of the firm is enormous; This creates so many opportunities for networking with other employees and gives you a huge benefit of meeting such talented and intelligent individuals. The core values of the firm also align with most people's general needs. These are things are things like social interactions, which PwC caters for with the teamwork value which specialises in making individuals work together and communicate with each other.

I would advise them to first look at the values of PwC and what the firm stands for. For you to feel true passion at work and understand your role, it is important you do research and understand the firm. The application process wasn't to difficult, but for interviews I would advise them to look at what it means to be a PwC employee and try to mould yourself into one, not just when you start work, but the second you step into the interview. This will really convince the interviewer that you are PwC through and through. The assessment days are fairly straightforward but you also need to keep the mentality of a PwC employee here and make sure you remain calm and don't panic. I don't think you need much prior actual experience but just make sure you have good teamwork and communication skills when you go there as these are some of the key things they look out for. I would like to have been told that you should try to make everyone speak in a group project, don't just let anybody sit in silence, even if they are extremely shy and not willing to talk, a true leader or team person will try to get everyone to talk and give an opinion.