Associate Review

During work placements you will become an associate of PwC and take the position of a junior member of the audit team. Your daily tasks will be the same as those who have joined the firm through the graduate scheme meaning you are given a good level of responsibility which cotinues to increase as your programme progresses. On a daily basis you will encounter a lot of interaction with both members of PwC and also the client.

Whilst at university I have completed the first 12 of the 15 ACA exams alongside a more general knowledge of business and economics. In addition prior to starting each work placement, PwC provide a training course to ensure your knowledge around audit is up to date and you are aware of any changes in the firm since you were last there. Besides the technical knowledge I have gained, my self confidence and ability to talk to new people have increased beyond measure. I am far more independent and have more self belief than before I started the programme. I have also learnt developed my project management skills and my ability to problem solve.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme as it is the perfect balance between university and a fast track career to becoming and ACA qualified accountant.The nature of audit and the size of the company mean that you are always working with a different group of people and that there are always social events to get involved with! As the course only has around 50 people in each year group, it's a really close knit group as everybody knows each other. The lectures are also more like classes which means you get a lot more support when practising questions as lecturers are always happy to help.

You are a valued member of the audit team and take on the same level of responsibility as a graduate who joins the firm after completing their degree. Within the firm there are a lot of social events put on to recognise the hard work of everybody in the firmin addition to £10 Amazon vouchers given out to those people who go the extra mile. Whilst at university, PwC also offer prizes to those individuals who place in the top 3 in their year group base on exam results.

The programme is very well organised as it allows you to complete the first 12 of the 15 ACA exams whilst at university which means not only are you well on your way to become a chartered accountant but you also get a degree too! The small year groups mean that teaching is very focussed on the individual and there is always support available if you are every struggling with a topic. Before starting each placement PwC fund a training course which helps teach or refresh you about everything that has happened at the firm since you were last there.

No matter what or when your query there is always somebody there to help. Whilst at university you are assigned a personal tutor who you are able to go to no matter what the problem. You are also given a buddy who is a member of the course in the year above who is able to offer help and adivce both at university and whilst on placement. During your work placement at PwC you are assigned a people manager who you are encouraged to speak to about any problems or concerns you have at work or in your personal life whilst on placement. Finally each placement office has a flying start champion who is a member of the course who has recently graduated. They bridge the gap between university and placement and keep you up to date with any changes happening at PwC whilst you are at university. As they have recently completed the course their self, they understand how it feels and often have great advice.

During your work placement at PwC you are assigned a people manager who you are encouraged to speak to about any problems or concerns you have at work or in your personal life whilst on placement. Finally each placement office has a flying start champion who is a member of the course who has recently graduated. They bridge the gap between university and placement and keep you up to date with any changes happening at PwC whilst you are at university. As they have recently completed the course their self, they understand how it feels and often have great advice.

Whilst working at PwC you are provided with a monthly salary equivalent to £18k per annum. In addition, if you are require accommodation whilst on placement PwC will source and pay for the accommodation as well as the utility bills. Any travel to clients whilst on placement which are further than your usual commute to the office are reimbursed whether that me a mileage allowance or the costs of train tickets. Whilst working on an away job which requires you to stay in a hotel, PwC will supplement the cost of accomodation with an additional £40 per night to spend on living costs. Finally, there are number of social events which take place throughout the year, all of which are subsidised by PwC.

Although it can be difficult to get involved with everything which goes on at PwC whilst only on placement for 3 months, there are still tons of opporutities available. Whether that be attending the numerous socials and fancy dress events, networking events which allow you to meet people both internally and externally, volunteering opportunities to help raise money, or participate in a number of sports teams such as football and netball.

Yes

It is a presitigious firm which offers great learning opportubnities for staff. There are so many opportunities to undertake secondments in different departments and offices worldwide and there is continued career progression should you wish to take it.

Always try to be yourself. It does not matter whether you have an accounting background as they are more interested in the individual than their current knowledge. Try to research interview questions prior to attending the assesment day and think of all the different experiences you have which demonstrate your abilities and how you work in a team. During the group interview, remember to have your say but also help more shy individuals in the group get their point across too.