FS2 Review

Day to day I work in the assurance department, carrying out audits as part of the front line delivery team. This means that I'm part of the team that works face to face with the client, holding discussions and meetings with them in order to complete the audit. We are therefore the face of the company to the client. However, due to the covid 19 pandemic much of this work now occurs remotely for safety reasons

As this role is client facing, you get a chance to develop your communication skills, both face to face and through technology (such as email or calls). Also, much of the work you do is part of a wider team effort so teamwork is another skill that you will get to develop. These are both very transferable skills that are necessary in all workplaces, so you definitely gain more from this programme that just getting better at auditing.

I enjoy my programme a lot, despite the fact that much of my placement was remote this year so perhaps I did not get the typical "placement experience". Nonetheless, I enjoy that every day is different, mainly owing to the fact that every business you work with is different as well as working with different teams, so there is chance to meet a lot of new people, even working from home. You will also find that you are challenged everyday, something else I enjoy

Overall, my programme is structured very well. You have your weekly hours set out, as well as clients booked in advance so you know early on who you will be working with. Sometimes the workload can get a lot, when you start adding in overtime and weekend stock counts, whilst balancing this with university study. However, if you structure your time well then this is definitely manageable, time management being an important skill to have in this line of work

There are lots of support channels available to you at PwC. On jobs you have in-charges and managers who are happy to help you, whilst you also have a career coach and buddy for other issues that may not be related to a specific job that you are working on. However, I would say that firm wide everybody is happy to help you, even those who aren't required to by their jo, so you definitely receive the required level of support

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the support is perhaps more limited that last year, but it is still of a good standard. Whereas last year we received two weeks of teaching for our qualifications prior to starting placement, this was replaced with online lectures to reduce social contact. However, lecturers and university staff are still on hand to answer any queries you have and put work up in blocks so that you can work through them at your own pace.

I feel that the order in which we study for our qualifications coincides well with my placement. This is because during my two placements in years 2 and 3 I studied for my audit and assurance qualification and financial accounting and reporting qualification at the same time. This was helpful to be studying for an audit exam at the same time as doing an audit exam as placement helped with the exam and study helped with placement.

Unfortunately due to the covid 19 pandemic, there were less extra-curricular activities to take part in this year. However, considering everything the extra-curricular activities that were on offer were very good. For example, in our office we had an office wide quiz that anyone could join every Friday at 3pm. There were also weekly yoga sessions online and to replace the Christmas party there were virtual sessions in cocktail making as well as a virtual escape room

Yes

Because the experience that PwC offers doesn't just set you up for a career in finance, but a career in any field due to the transferable skills of teamwork, communication and time management. Therefore, even if you do not choose to pursue a career in finance then you will still benefit from the placement. Also, every day is different so you won't be stuck doing the same thing and will be constantly learning

The main bit of advice that I would give for interviews and assessment days is to be outgoing, as teamwork is one of the main things that employers are looking at during group exercises, plus it is impossible to showcase what you have to offer if you hide in the shadows. But at the same time let everybody speak and make their point. As for interviews, the key is to relax as much as possible (the interviewer will make you feel relaxed anyway) and consider your answers to questions carefully, even if you pause for a few seconds before answering.