Flying Start Degree programme - FS3, Watford Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

on a day to day basis I would generally start my day with team meetings to go over my allocated tasks for the day, I would then perform testing such as reconciling bank statements to the TB listing and supporting invoices to our receivables samples. I would also have discussions with the client.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

before starting my job here I was very bad with anything technical but I have developed skills in excel and have a wide array of formulas which come in handy all the time, I am also a lot better at communication and find it easy to get my point across.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

My programme allows for the best of both worlds, by this I mean I get to fully enjoy university (the whole first year is placement free) and then the following years are split with 2 terms in uni and one in placement so I get the experience I need to find jobs post graduating but also get to enjoy my time at university

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme incorporates 12/15 ICAEW exams and spreads them from easiest to hardest across the 4 years. The way the exams are spread out allows you to build knowledge slowly in areas such as tax and accounting so that nothing feels too overwhelming. It makes everything easier to cope with

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

PwC is very aware of the flying start students and how much experience we would have at each placement so expectations are managed and you will never be in a situation where someone is expecting you to already know everything. Additionally, there are tonnes of ex- flying starts who will be in offices to help.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The university lecturers are all extremely helpful and know their subject areas inside and out. The lectures themself are very easy to follow and notes are provided by the lecturers so you already have the information available in an easy to access way. The lecturers all have office hours which you can use to ask for additional help too

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The exams are set up in a way that helps you in your placement as you go straight from attending lectures to your job in PwC, this means it is easy for you to apply the knowledge you have gained to help you in your placement. The placement also helps to build on this knowledge which helps prep you for exams

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are a wide range of different activities to get involved in at pwc and there are a wide range of different people so it is pretty much guaranteed that you will meet people with similar interests as you. There are different sports such as football, cricket etc. and also wellbeing activities held by pwc such as yoga and massages.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

PwC is a very friendly place to work, although the work itself can be challenging the people make it worth it. You get the opportunity to work with so many different teams and meet so many people who will support and help others when the work gets tough, it is a very team based role which is great!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

When applying to pwc you cannot go in with the mentality that it will be easy, the hours can get long and the work is challenging but your team will always be there to help and it is a really great way to boost yourself into your career. The opportunities are endless.