Deals Associate Review

Being on the one-deals programme, our role can vary from day to day. A lot of what we do is project based work within our respective teams. Our duties could range from being something very specific such as looking into finance models of the client or something broad such as researching various different client sectors.

Definitely! The amount of skills you can learn everyday at PwC is immense. The primary skill you develop and learn is your technical skills through the ACA qualification provided by Kaplan. However, on the job there are various other skills you gain to. From building your soft skills through teamwork, communication, and networking, to specific technological tools that you can use for client work. The learning and development is endless.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme for a number of reasons. Being a one deals graduate, we are able to rotate within several areas within the Deals Business unit which then allows us to be exposed to a much wider range of skill set, and also types of clients PwC deals with. The cohort is also part of the EDGE programme allowing us to build our networks beyond the UK.

The structure of the programme is very new. We were the first cohort to take it. As a result, we are almost a trial and the company has been very good to listen to our suggestions to alter areas of the programme. From time to time, it does seem as though no one knows what is going on or what is next for us, however this is communicated very transparently through a graduate committee.

We do receive quite a lot of support from PwC. From extra college time, to extra study days off approved. I know this is not the case for all PwC grads, but us Deal grads definitely receive a lot of support. We also get a buddy who is our first point of call and the career coaches are also very supportive in getting the best for you.

Kaplan has been quite useful particularly after the Lockdown where they've restructured their programme to fit the virtual world. Apart from the learning, the staff and the teachers have been incredible in always being there for support when you are not understanding something which has been quite the highlight for Kaplan in my opinion.

Although many of my ACA exams I will never use directly into my day to day role, it definitely gives me a solid understanding of the work I do for clients and sets the foundations for me to be the best I can at my role. This gives me confidence to be able to communicate to my peers and voicing my thoughts knowing I have the knowledge behind me.

At the moment not so much. Virtual socials have become increasingly difficult to attract a crowd, mainly because you cannot replicate the 'networking' and 'social' element of being able to talk to everyone on a virtual platform. However, prior to lockdown there were sports teams we could play for, monthly socials for a number of different groups/networks within the firm and also plenty of client networking events we could attend.

Yes

PwC is a great place to work. They put a lot of thought and time into finding what is the best path and development schedule for you on a personal basis. They give you the correct tools to build a solid foundation and jump start your career through a wide range of experiences you are likely to face whilst working at PwC.

When applying to PwC, I would put thought into the role you are applying to rather than just applying to a 'big company' like PwC. Having attended several recruitment events and spoken to many other seniors in the firm, the most obvious thing that sets out candidates is that some know just the firm and how good they are, whilst others who stand out have a real passion for the role and are committed to working in the role at PwC.