Intern Associate Review

My role was to help my colleagues in my team complete their auditing by completing assigned tasks. I will be booked to a client and I had to complete EGAs that are assigned to me. The EGAs i had to complete depended on what section i was assigned - for example, salaries/payroll, operating expenses, PPE etc. Also, I sometimes had to talk to clients to get more help if the information they provide doesn't make sense.

I've learned how to use the company's apps - such as Aura Platinum, Connect, Talent Link and Concierge. I also learnt a lot of new skills on Excel as I only had very basic knowledge on it previously. This includes functions as well as preparing EGAs for it show up on Aura so that it is known to the manager when it is ready for review. I've also gained more interpersonal skills as I had to communicate with clients and colleagues in a professional manner.

I enjoy the programme a lot even though I haven't had the full experience of going into the office and such due to the pandemic. Despite enjoying it, I have also found that this may not be what I want to do in the future and so it has helped me come to realise that I may want to change career paths in the future even though I am happy to continue for now.

It is very well organised - especially considering that everyone is working remotely. Everyone is communicated across to well through emails and frequent video meetings. However, I did find that the leavers' procedure was communicated quite poorly as a lot of interns weren't aware of how crucial feedback is to be able to pass the programme. This meant many, including myself, were not retrieving feedback after every engagement as they should be and so a lot of chasing took place towards the end of the placement.

I receive a lot of support from employer. I've been given a career coach to go to regarding all my queries. As well as this, all my managers, in-charges, senior associates are open to help me when I need support. There is also a Champion that is responsible for all interns and we also receive any support we need regarding the programme from them. They have all been very supportive and I never had any problems getting help for something.

I do not feel as though I received much support from my training providers - the university and ICAEW. This is because I barely had any contact with these training providers - if at all. All my support came from within PwC such as discussions within my engagement team, career coach and friends on the same course as me. I do not recall discussing queries with training providers. In conclusion, I did not receive a lot of support form training providers.

It helps me perform better in my role as it is motivating to know that the programme will enable me to get a head start into my career as I am learning skills and doing work that normally I wouldn't do until after I graduate or through work experience. Additionally, the fact that I will be coming out of university with more qualifications than on a typical Accounting course motivates me to work harder.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities. This includes physical activities - such as yoga/meditation and non-physical activities such as the opportunity to join the social pillars, social well being sessions and TED circles. There were also a variety of social nights where colleagues can get together on video call to relax and have some down time from work. Lastly, around Christmas there were Christmas events such as a remote Christmas lunch and a party as well.

Yes

The company is well established and majority of the people working there that I have met turned out to be extremely friendly and helpful. Additionally, I feel that the programme they are running is very convenient and efficient for students who aspire to do accounting and will give them the head start that they need. It is also a good way to earn work experience for those who may not be entirely sure what career path they want to take.

I would advise to be sure that they are interested in a finance related sector before applying as I'm aware that it has become quite tedious for those who realised they have no interest in the industry. Additionally, be well prepared at all times, research clients beforehand and ensure that they are frequently receiving feedback after each engagement - this is helpful for both the feedback review and to be aware as an intern where they need to make improvements in their next engagement.