Flying Start Degree Programme- FS1 Reading Office Review

My role was as an intern/trainee. I started by helping to assist team members on sections they were auditing by recording documents and getting EGAs ready to work on. As I continued my work I was given more responsibility and in charge of auditing my own sections, completing testing in EGAs, recording documents and interacting with the client.

I have learnt many new skills from my time on placement some of which include being able to navigate the software we use in order to perform testing, understanding what tests need to be done in order to properly execute an audit. During my time on placement I was also able to develop my teamwork and communication skills.

Overall I enjoyed my programme. All the teams I worked on were friendly and made me feel welcome. Whenever I had any questions on my work they were happy to provide answers. Depending on the job I sometimes had to work long hours in order to get the work completed, but it proved a valuable learning experience.

We had an induction our first week, which was very helpful to prepare us for the work ahead. Most of my coaching was provided as I worked, whenever I had questions I would ask a team member and they would coach me through it. My tasks and level of responsibility increased as I progressed through my placement. Overall I think the structure worked well.

PwC always made sure I felt supported. From the start I was allocated a buddy and a career coach to help with any issues I had. Whenever I was on a job, one of my team members would always work with me and was available to answer any questions I had. Everyone was very friendly and made me feel very supported.

My training provider makes sure we have access to support when we need it. I have a personal tutor that is available whenever I have any questions and my lecturers are happy to talk about any problems we are having with our modules. Overall it makes for an enjoyable course.

My placement experience has definitely helped to increase my understanding of the course I am studying. It has also helped me understand the way in which I will be putting the theory I have learnt into practice. I have definitely gained a better understanding of the industry now that I have completed my work experience.

Although COVID has made getting involved in activities harder, PwC still offers numerous social activities that can be attended online. For example, online dinners are hosted where people can video chat and eat dinner together, yoga classes are held during the week and live streams are held where people can learn and improve audit skills.

Yes

PwC provides a welcoming work environment where people are constantly striving to give the best work they can. They made sure to provide me with a lot of support and everyone that I worked with was friendly and happy to help whenever I had a problem. I was coached through my work, but as I learned and improved my skills I was given more tasks and responsibility which benefited me greatly.

Do your research. Before you apply to PwC make sure you know what you're applying for. Try to have an understanding of what it is they do, how they do it and understand that PwC take their values seriously. Be open minded. PwC appreciates people that are open to learning and improving themselves. As you work you will constantly be learning new things and it's important to have an open mind.