Flying Start Degree programme - FS2 East Midlands Review

I worked as an audit associate. This meant that I worked on various audit engagements with different teams throughout my placement. Time spent working with one team lasted typically a few weeks, before you have the chance to work on a different client. This kept the work interesting and not dull.

I've developed my virtual working skills during this placement. It is key to make use of technology as a way of staying in touch with the rest of the team and also collaborate for different tasks. Although it can be a challenge, the efficiency of working in the same room must be recreated as much as possible.

I am enjoying this programme because it is giving me invaluable insights into the world of audit, that too through a fantastic firm such as PwC who have designed an excellent working atmosphere as a firm. Besides the standard work, there is a range of activities and initiatives which office members can take part in for entertainment.

The programme is incredibly well organised. After studying at university for the first few months until Christmas, we start our three month placements at the start of January. This puts us right in the middle of audit busy season, allowing us to learn as much as possible on the job.

PwC provides fantastic support to its employees. Especially at a time such as now where virtual working is the norm, PwC ensures that everyone is looking out for their mental wellbeing alongside their work. Regular breaks are encouraged, and a support network has been set up which includes individuals whom we can contact if needed.

PwC supports us very well in our studies. They pay for all of our textbooks and also have incentives in place for us for doing well in our exams. Once we have graduated and are working, we are given time off from work to prepare and complete the remainder of our qualification exams.

The qualification we work towards is the ICAEW ACA qualification. To achieve this, we must pass 15 exams - all of which are very relevant to the work we complete in audit. Personally, I feel that sometimes the concepts I learn in the classroom are quite visible when completing my daily work.

Yes there are plenty of extra-curricular activities. Social events are encouraged by PwC as a way off staff expanding their social network and also getting time off from their standard work. This helps keep us motivated and fresh, which is translated through the quality of our work completed for the clients.

Yes

I would recommend PwC to a friend because they are a fantastic firm who look out for their staff and try their best to make working for them an enjoyable experience. They support us very well and leave us with very little complaints (if any) at the end of the day.

When applying to PwC it is important to research the work they do and also their company ethos beforehand. These are asked about during the interview process therefore it's important to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of them. They also see whether you possess the qualities that they look for in the people they employ.