Flying Start Degree programme - Associate Birmingham Review

I worked as an Associate in the Assurance Department. My daily tasks involving updating the tracker, documenting evidence, talking to the client regarding the evidence received. Other day-to-day tasks include updating my team on the progress of my work during a daily catch-up, and having team socials on a regular basis.

I have developed my problem solving skills and attention to detail. I have also learnt new skills, such as professionalism and interpersonal skills. As I worked in 'busy season', I have also improved my ability to work under deadlines and pressure. By helping junior members of the team, I have improved my leadership qualities.

I really enjoy my programme and would recommend it to prospective university students who are looking for a balance between student life and work life. I have felt supported by my colleagues and felt that working at PwC allowed me to maintain a healthy work-life balance despite the remote environment in which I was working.

Placements last 3 months in Years 2 and 3, and 5 months in Year 4 of the programme. This allows us to enjoy university student life in Year 1 and work life thereafter. The programme is very well organised and we are made aware of the structure and logistics of the course at the start.

We receive a lot of support from PwC, such as from our career coach, flying start champions, buddies, the programme manager and peer group. We have one-to-one meetings with our career coach throughout placement, during which we can discuss issues. We also have a lot of peer social groups to discuss work life, and raise problems.

We receive a good amount of support from our training provider when working towards ACA qualification. Our training provides provides us with an advisor as well as there is a hotline that's available 24 x 7 to discuss any issues that we face. ICAEW also responds quickly to emails

ICAEW conducts a wide range of workshops throughout the year which helps to develop our excel skills. In addition to that, they conduct seminars which help us have an understanding of the new audit standards. Additionally our university conducts a professional development course which teach us various work related skills.

There are a range of different extra-curricular activities offered by PwC. These generally include sports, however in the remote environment, they are conducted at home. There are also professional networking events, for example the Insight Week PwC Networking Event for Flying Start Students. There are also social events such as a Curry Night on fridays.

Yes

Firstly, PwC has a good reputation and is part of the Big 4, which would be good for their job profile and future endeavors. Secondly, the work environment at PwC is very pleasant and everyone is welcoming and friendly. The support offered by the firm is also a reason why I would recommend it to a friend.

Don't get intimidated by the size of the company. Be honest in your application and make sure you have researched the firm. You should know why you want to work at PwC, rather than a different firm and how your values align with PwC's core attributes. Reflect on the experiences you have had in the past and the skills you have gained from them.