Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 Milton Keynes Review

Assisted with audits, and worked as part of a team. Initially, admin tasks to become more familiar with the technology and how to work as part of an audit team. Later on I was given control over my own FSLIs and learned what information to ask the client and how to interpret and document this.

Yes - I've developed my communication skills as I had to keep my peers up to date with the progress of my work. I also learnt how to use the audit technology within the firm. Learnt how to interpret data received from the client and how to document this to audit.

I enjoyed my placement overall - most of the teams that I worked on were really helpful and understanding. Later on, understandably, managers got busier as it became 'busy season' on audit so I had to take on more responsibility. Company culture was good lots of mindfulness outlets and a support system in place to ensure I was able to reach out if I encountered an issue

Well organised, induction was important as it gave us a brief overview of how we would be working and what technology we would be using. Good career coach system. Task delegation was overall good as mostly I was placed at areas at or just above my level to push me. Sometimes too many tasks given, but that helped me improve my time management skills.

A lot of support available from supplier - mindfulness outlets available regularly. Had a career coach available. Assigned a buddy when I joined who is also a Flying Start and understood the process. People within the firm were really friendly and ready to help, support or advise with any queries that I had.

Given ample opportunities to work in modules that are beneficial toward my qualification - told which would provide exemptions to some exams. Really supportive team at the university who are understanding to the stress of the programme and help with ways to cope with it. Sufficient advice given about the qualification.

Overall, the background knowledge gained from my provider has helped me, as I have put much of this into practice in my day-to-day work. Theory that I learnt in university I have used. I feel that I understand more about the audit industry and what is expected of someone of my role/qualification due to my placement experience.

There are social events to get involved in- even virtually. The office that I worked in had a weekly 'Milton Keynes Friday quiz'. Yoga events virtually. Many larger teams also had scheduled down times in their calendar after the working day was over. Cooking classes organised virtually with chefs and a recipe sharing culture. PET email which was for wellbeing and was a nice thing to receive on Fridays as it was a little break.

Yes

The culture within the company was positive, encouraged collaboration and had a positive ethos generally. The people that I worked with were helpful and inspiring. The feedback culture within the firm is good, as it was encouraged to have upwards and downwards feedback which meant that it was easier to understand your progress.

Be prepared beforehand by researching PwC and the programme that you'll be joining. Interviews stress how you are able to work in a team rather than your individual skills and capabilities. Before your interview consider experiences that may show a beneficial trait/characteristic that you have and try and use these to answer the questions; ensure that you don't go off topic and answer the question asked.