Flying start degree programme - FS1 More London Review

My role was within audit focusing on insurance related clientele, this included a wide range of tasks that ensure my work varied significantly day by day. I spent the majority of my time on work papers performing 'test of controls' for the client. I would be involved in client calls, team calls and team socials. All While working to different deadlines.

I've learnt an immense amount in just a few short months, my ability when using PwC software has improved massively, alongside microsoft excel. I have become more confident and have developed a number of useful skills for the workplace. I believe my problem solving ability has also excelled due to the nature of the work.

Overal I have enjoyed my programme, at times it is very stressfull, especially alongside the very long hours at peak busy season, (but this varies by client and business unit). However it is also very rewarding and I was able to build good relationships with my coworkers, ultimately making this a very positive experience.

My programme is very well structured, thanks to PwC's software, I have a timeline of the engagements I'm due to be on, which also allows me to find out who is on the job, and therefore would be beneficial to contact ahead of starting. Allowing me to plan ahead, aswell as knowing what I will be doing for the entirety of my time at the company.

The support network I'm offered is very good, there are a number of people I can contact easily and efficiently should I be stuck or require help/support. These range from my 'buddy' (an FS2), to my career coach, within the work environment. While I also have university contacts such as my programme manager.

During this placement I did not undertake any assessments to gain qualifications, so this is not entirely applicable. However my training providers, ICAEW and University of reading could certainly be easily contacted if I required help or support. I am required to work a certain number of hours in order to become qualified in the future, which this placement counts towards but no support was required.

This is not applicable, as I have not gained a qualifications while doing this placement. The hours which I've completed thus far count towards the hours required in practice to become chartered in the future, but this has obviously not been achieved yet, this is the only qualifications I'm working towards.

Unfortunately I completed my placement remotely, under normal circustances from what I understand there are sports teams and social events to get involved with. While working from home I was able to engage in and even lead multiple 'team socials' which occured on Wednesday evenings, we would do an activity such as a quiz to take our minds away from work, up to 15-20 people attended these sessions.

Yes

I think the amount I've learnt over the past few months is huge, it is a steep learning curve but one which has had a huge positive impact on me, being a fantastic introduction into the working world, especially at a big four firm. Overal I believe it is a great opportunity.

I would advise them to read up on the course, and ensure they know what its about, alongside learning about PwC and what they do. They should also learn the firms 5 professional competancies, (relationships, business accumen, whle leadership, global and inclusive, technical and digital). Then be able to apply them to themselves and be able to give examples of where they've displayed them.