Flying Start Degree programme - Associate, London Review

I was an associate at PwC and this involved completing some of the simpler tasks in the testing stages of audits whilst I was still learning. In some audit units I was given the responsibility of working on EGAs for a specific test of detail and I worked alongside others for other EGAs where I was completely out of my depth. This involved requesting evidence from the client and following up with them whenever it was necessary to do so.

I have learnt to work with a completely new kind of software (Aura and Connect), learning more about the structure of working in an office (albeit virtually). My time management and organisational skills have certainly been put to the test. Additionally I developed my communication skills as I had to learn different styles of communication in terms of whether I was speaking to a client, someone within the audit team or someone else within the firm.

I am very much enjoying this programme because it provides a balance between being a university student and an employee at the firm. Whilst completing a degree at university you also get first hand experience about what it is like to work in an office. It far exceeded my expectations because although I did love my course before hand I think I love it even more having completed this first placement. Furthermore working in a team was a rewarding experience as I found there to be constant support throughout this placement.

It has been well structured throughout with both the university and PwC having provided the right amount of support. In regards to the support provided by the university I have had meetings and catch-ups with my personal tutor. In regards to PwC I have checked in with my career coach as well as members of my audit team. The training provided prior to the commencement of the placement provided an appropriate foundation for the rest of the placement.

Within the audit teams that I was involved in I received an immeasurable amount of support throughout this placement. If I ever felt like I was struggling with a piece of work I knew that there was someone I could reach out to. Furthermore there was support outside of the teams and I never felt like there was a negative attitude when someone had to help me with something that turned out to be quite simple.

Throughout my time at university already I have received a great deal of support from a variety of sources. If I have struggled in lectures I have received support from lecturers at seminars. Additionally when I have been faced with personal issues I have received valuable support from my personal tutor. The support has been widely accessible and I have never felt as if I was completely alone when faced with a problem in regards to my training.

It has provided me with a general understanding of the business world through some of the modules. They have provided both key concepts and key terminology that helped to form some general knowledge that was then developed throughout the placement. Although there is always a period of loss at the start of any new job it was marginally mitigated by the training that had been provided prior to the commencement. I did not start the placement feeling completely hopeless.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. From what I could understand there were a number of social gatherings that we might have been able to experience had it not been for COVID-19 and the restrictions that were put in place. However, despite this there were still virtual events held and I attend a group quiz right at the start of placement. This allowed me to meet a couple of people outside of the team that I was working on.

Yes

I have been working in a fun and supportive environment throughout my placement and it has the opportunity to provide you with valuable opportunities. I either already knew or have since met people that have gone through a variety of channels to get into PwC and so it has proven that there is a route for everyone. They are widely inclusive and accessible by all. Furthermore, the teams that you will work with will provide you with the correct support.

Keep a calm head and make sure that you prepare beforehand. Prior to the assessment days or interviews make sure that you read through any communications you receive. If they provide guidelines for the interview make sure to run through them that you have a couple of examples for each item. Practice your general interview skills as there will be some generic questions. So long as you do your preparation it will be slightly less daunting and you will be able to feel more comfortable with the process.