Flying Start Degree programme - Year 3 Gatwick Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

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

Day to day role involves working with a team to tackle problems in financial statements with some documentation on the side. I found with this placement I was usually on calls discussing things with the client as it was done virtually, instead of communicating by email so there is a lot of communication involved.

10/10

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

I've learnt countless new skills, too many to list. PwC support constant development. I've personally learnt how to communicate virtually with the client which before I didn't have to do too much as it would be face to face. But overall my knowledge around auditing techniques and methods has increased the most.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It's the perfect programme for me. You still get to enjoy your summers off whilst also earning money before Easter so have that to spend and enjoy in summer. The actual course is a bit more intense than the usual but if this is the job you want to be in this is the course for you.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Only reason I'm putting less for this is due to covid. The structure of the course the last year has been really messed up due to cancelled exams etc but even so our module convenor is always in contact with us keeping us up to date with whats happening etc.

7/10

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

You get so much support. PwC is a massive firm so ask the question and they will have the answer. I was shocked to find out about the free 24/7 counselling line available to all PwC employees but this helped me massively. I know theres countless more areas PwC offer support in too I just haven't had time to explore these

10/10

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

We get a lot of support at uni normally. This year was completely different once again because of covid and we got far less support but this was shared by all uni courses everywhere. I went from 24 contact hours a week to 6 and most of the lectures were online so support wise it was lacking a bit this year

5/10

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

As flying starts we always work with people on a similar level to us in the firm. However due to us completing exams sooner we progress faster and also move onto more complex work sooner due to a better base understanding from the sculpted course. I feel like my qualification really helps me understand the work more also.

10/10

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.)

Loads! For our placement last year we got to go gokarting, funded by PwC which was amazing. The activity depends on which office you go to and which activities they normally enjoy. In Gatwick it's normally GoKarting, theatre etc. You also get a load of meals out to celebrate end of audits or just for a boost to moral

10/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

PwC offer so much support and being such a large company also offer a lot of opportunities. As well as this PwC encourage empowered flexibility which allows for flexible working hours and locations helping people fit work around their life instead of the other way around. I think this is an amazing aspect.

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

Be sure you want the job. Audit isn't for everyone and thats ok. Its quite boring but I enjoy it so if you think you will to I'd say go for it. You get the backing of a massive company as well as the fun from having the freedom of being at uni.