Flying Start Degree Programme - FS2 Bristol Review

I am Audit associate so my work involves testing the financial statements of a company and ensuring that it is representing a true and fair view of accounts. So part of the testing involves looking at FSLI and then undertaking sampling testing on transactions.

Yes, I have been able to improve my leadership skills as I was delegating work to an FS1 as well as also improving my confidence in work done, on a regular basis I would have to provide a pitch on my work progress and any deficiencies that I would have to then take back to the client

I think the programme is a very useful insight into the real world whilst also providing the balance of a university lifestyle which allows you to explore other options if you still havent made up your mind of the programme. There are good levels of support and guidance throughout the programme, the only difficulty is managing time for exams and the support that is received for that. But generally working in the office and the socials that are created are always a good time.

the structure is good as there is a good break between uni and work placement. over the christmas holidays, which is straight after placement finishes, you then have to then use that time to really focus hard on revision and making the most of the time in preparation for the Jan exams. However I would like to see more rotations in other divisions or business units of the firm during placement.

During placement there is always a lot of support given whether its from the team leaders of your current engagement or could just be anyone in the office through chatting people are always ready to help. there are also designated career coaches and buddies who essentially are there to help out with any main issues encountered during placement.

The university provides very little support during placement time and I feel they could do more in this aspect to help encourage further understanding in the studies. As it stands there is just a one week block teaching right before placement begins and then all the rest of the material is given online and you essentially have to self study. Then a couple seminars in Jan. But i dont think this is enough given the timeframe and the exam.

I dont believe there is a huge benefit if I'm honest, the qualification helps in the sense of giving the general knowledge to help understand why you're doing what you're doing. But in terms of the real work done i think a lot of that is learned on the job and not through the exams done, a lot of what you're assessed on isn't really relevant in the early years of the career at pwc, but it does make more sense once you're more senior as these things are enforced more.

There are always socials and team events happening that helps to get your mind off work and just unwind. I know for me personally it works well, especially when you first join those socials are good way to network and get to know people in the firm as well building new relationships. So definitely is one of the best parts of working at PwC, the work culture is a perfect blend.

Yes

I think it is a great place to work, the work can get challenging but a lot of the time it doesn't even feel like you're working cos of the culture that is there. There is good scope for progression and a good diversity of areas to go into if you want something different, each with their own benefits.

Be yourself, show levels of commitment, show that you are a hard persevering employee and most of all be a team player. Like I said previously the culture is great, so being someone that people like being around as well as being someone who achieves results is really the best way forward. If you can demonstrate these abilities I dont see why applying to PwC will be a problem.