Flying Start Degree Programme Newcastle - Placement 1, Edinburgh office Review

I am in the audit department of PwC. We provide a service to clients to audit their financial statements. This involves testing various areas of their business often including equity, revenue, liabilities etc. We communicate with the client to retrieve documents and test these to assess if the company accounts in the way they should.

I have learn many new skills in terms of auditing - these have been developed everyday by being coached in new areas. I have developed my interpersonal skills by working in a diverse range of teams and adapting to the online working environment. I have also improved my excel skills as I work with excel everyday.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. It is a great mix of the academic and also working world. You get to go to uni and have the uni experience whilst also gaining a sufficient amount of valuable work experience leaving you very well prepared for leaving uni. You also work towards a progressional qualification putting you ahead of many people on the same path.

The programme is very well structured - being able to go on placement intermittently throughout the programme and then come back to uni gives you great variety. It allows you to really utilise what you learnt at uni when on placement, and visa versa. The programme is also very well run and efficiently organised.

PwC are a great employer. As a first placement student you have very little knowledge and so they give you valuable training before you start. Everyone you work with is understanding and ready to help. They have several mechanisms in place to support you in every area e.g. mental health services are available if needed.

PwC assist is paying for learning resources and taking ICAEW exams allowing you work towards your chartered accountant qualification quicker. Throughout the 4 years of the course you gain 12 exemptions from ICAEW exams meaning you must only complete 3 exams once you start work after the 4 years. They provide support to you during uni as well to ensure you complete these

The ICAEW chartered accountant qualification definitely provides a good background knowledge to enhance your performance in your role. However, the qualification is in accounting and the placement experience is done in the auditing department. Although some knowledge is definitely beneficial to have, it's not perfectly suited to the placement.

PwC makes a great effort in making work a fun place and encouraging social events. In individual teams they have a fun activity whilst working on a job. Office locations also usually have social events to attend and groups you can join to really enhance your experience at PwC and in your team.

Yes

PwC are a great employer and work hard to ensure they look after you on a personal and professional level. They are a very large company but make an effort to ensure you make connections with smaller teams. They provide you with a comprehensive support network to make your time there easier.

Definitely apply it is a great company. Ensure you are applying for the right course or apprenticeship for you as it can be hard work. PwC look for people who are willing to work and willing to learn so even if your grades are not as good as others, you may still have the people skills to be valued at PwC.