Flying Start Degree Programme - FS3, Bristol Review

Our role as an auditor is to review the accounts prepared by a company, and obtain relevant documentation in order to validate the balances presented to us and perform testing. Each piece of work (known as an EGA) is assigned and each day revolves around completing these. As a third placement student, I have been involved in coaching more junior members through completing EGAs, leading client calls in order to obtain the relevant documentation and also receiving guidance and coaching from more senior members.

During placement, I have been able to apply the knowledge obtained from modules completed at university over all 4 years to daily tasks - with Audit and Assurance modules being of most help in earlier placements, and accounting modules becoming increasingly more useful as I get involved in more advanced areas of testing that revolve around different accounting standards. E-learns that we are required to complete as part of our PwC compliance training have also been useful.

I could not recommend the flying start degree enough. The reassurance of having a job at the end (on the condition of achieving a 2:1) is extremely important, particularly in the current climate as a result of Covid-19. The programme works well in terms of integrating teaching and work placements, with each going hand in hand. We are able to experience life as both a student and a young professional, and earn money in the process.

The programme is structured in such a way that university content and work performed in the work place go hand in hand and compliment each other. University staff are in regular contact throughout placement and set out a clear revision structure following the end of placement. This helps to avoid us feeling overwhelmed on returning for exams in summer term.

The support system at PwC is second to none. We are assigned a career coach, buddy and further support within our engagement teams, meaning an endless source of people to outsource queries to. The flying start network and the flying start champion who are available throughout placement, have been the most important resource for all of my placements.

My programme director, academic tutor and lecturers have been great and keeping in touch and sending regular reminders that they are there for any issues we may be having. The ICAEW as another training provider sends regular email updates regarding exams, etc, with useful tips. Support is easily accessible both while we are at university and on placement.

The modules we complete at university, and therefore to get ICAEW qualifications, go hand in hand with our job role at PwC. We apply aspects of auditing, accounting and ethics which we have learnt for our exams on a daily basis, and applying this in the workplace helps to reinforce it ahead of completing our exams.

Given the virtual working environment as a result of Covid-19, it has been challenging to get involved in social activities. However, regular quizzes and online exams have been inputted into our calendars on a regular basis. When we return to the office, I anticipate that more social activities will be occurring.

Yes

PwC is an excellent firm with a number of different lines of service to get involved in, and is full of like-minded people with a similar focus. I have found that the people are PwC's biggest asset and meeting employees at the firm has been my favourite part of all placements.

Be true to yourself and always be inquisitive. The application process to the degree is difficult but the degree and placements themselves are incredibly rewarding. Always show a readiness to learn and embrace the challenges you are faced with, which will bring out your resilience. Using your flying start cohort as a support system is probably the most important thing I have found, we are all in the same boat and understand what each other are going through more than anyone else at the firm - so going to them for support and guidance is always the best thing I would pass on.