intern/trainee Review

I help with an audit engagement by completing EGA's. I usually have quite close coaching to do this but I am now able to get on with things by myself. I complete tests of details, non-stat tests. I pick samples and ask for the evidence we need off the client. I also push back to the client when they have given insufficient evidence. I document evidence into EGA's making sure that there is enough detail.

I already had background knowledge from my previous placement so I had a good skills base already. I have been able to develop these skills further and even learn new ones such as being able to complete SoX controls which is a new skill I am proud to say I have learned. I have developed my ability to be able to get on with tasks by myself without asking my coach loads of questions throughout the day.

I absolutely love the flying start programme as it gives me the opportunity to meet so many people at university and in my office. I love the office I am based at in Milton Keynes as well as its quite a small office so it enabled me to get to know nearly everyone. Also I love that whenever I am put onto a new team my in charge always tells me some background knowledge on the client and makes sure that I know what I'm doing and helps me when I have a question; this makes it a really positive experience.

The flying start programme is very well organised. We get two weeks training prior to the start of our work placement. Because there is nearly a year between placements this is very helpful as it acts as a useful recap of our prior knowledge.

I received lots of support, there is always someone there to help if I have a question about the work I am doing or if I have a question about something else I can always ask my career coach who is always happy to help. As well as this there are always IT technicians a click away if we run into IT issues which has proven very helpful to me as I have had a few problems with my laptop this placement.

We get lots of training before and during placement. We have a week of training which is 9am to 5pm which really helps us get into the routine of working 9 till 5. On top of this we are set compliance tasks during placement to make sure our knowledge is up to date which are mandatory tasks. Without all the training provided by ICAEW I would not be able to complete work to the standard I can now.

All our learning towards out qualifications is relevant to the job we are doing. Therefore when I am studying for exams or completing training I am more likely going to pay attention as I know I will actually need that knowledge in the future. This helps me to perform better in my exams as well. Sometimes I don't quite understand why we do something the way we do but after I complete a compliance task it enables me to understand reasoning behind certain things.

Yes there are lots of activities that I am able to get involved in. This year was mostly live streams due to COVID-19 but they were still fun. We had a wednesday tea and coffee call in the mornings to give our office the chance to see each other and have a chat as if we were actually in the office. We also had raffles and quiz's which were all lots of fun and gave me the chance to say hi to people I met at last years placement.

Yes

I think PwC is a wonderful company that cares about its employees. There is always a positive atmosphere in the office or on client site even when everyone is stressed and trying to reach a fast approaching deadline. There is a lot of support within the company and everyone is there for eachother. I think it is an amazing opportunity to be able to network with people as well as getting ACA qualified which isn't the easiest task but with the support of PwC's amazing employees and everyone on the flying start programme it makes the hard work worth it.

I would tell them to be themselves and not to put on a persona of who they think PwC will like. Also to act confident even if they are not. On my assessment day two years ago I lacked in confidence and thought I wasn't going to get in but instead of showing this I acting confident and made sure I was talking to people on the assessment day and making sure everyone feels included and just put myself out there even though it was uncomfortable for me. So I would advise anyone applying to try and do the same and step out of their comfort zone.