Flying Start Degree programme - FS2 Birmingham Review

My role was that of a audit associate, I mainly helped with audits of controls with testing controls and documenting this. I also aided in walkthroughs and contact with clients throughout my placement. This involved a lot of team work. My placement was hybrid with some home working and some working from home, it was a good mix.

I have developed my work specific skills with the tools that we use on a daily basis, but also my use of microsoft and google tools that we use day to day. I have also developed my team work and auditing skills (such as professional skepticism). I have also learned how to use new tools such as data snipper.

I have enjoyed my programme greatly, it is nice to meet new people and actually see how my degree is useful. The work has been challenging and for the most part interesting, even if some parts can be a bit tedious. When the work hasn't been the most interesting the people I've worked with (in the firm and clients) have been great and made it worthwhile.

My programme is very well structured, it is ran with the University of Nottingham, PwC and the ICAEW for my professional training. I can imagine it takes a lot of coordination and for the most part they do it well. I think the University could get better at managing their side, but the ICAEW and PwC have been very good in terms of communication and structure.

We receive a lot of support, with access to a buddy, career coach and in general the rest of the staff are open to help most of the time when you need it. There is also other support such as mental health counselling that I have not used, but is definitely nice to have in a business in case I ever needed it.

We don't receive much support from the ICAEW as it is mostly ran through our University. They are always available as we stay as students throughout our placement, although their communication could get a better in many ways. We don't have much guidance on work to help keep up with our studies or just general communication that is specific to us. It is satisfactory.

I would imagine that for most auditors the accounting qualification is very helpful, for me as a controls auditor it is not the most useful, at least financial accounting is not. We still use the same ethics and mindset, which has however been very useful to learn about and has helped with the job.

There are, on my first day in the office we went for a meal at dishoom as a team, there is also a 5 aside football that was set up for past and present flying starts. There are also other company wide socials and a christmas party (which was sadly cancelled, but sounded good). Would be a 10 if the party was not cancelled.

Yes

You will meet many good hard working, and friendly people, and learn life skills, you can also make connections in the wider business world through PwC alumni and clients. The office is also really nice and is a genuinely nice place to spend your working day. Currently it is also flexible with regards to working from home, which is a great pro at this current time.

Research the business, this was extremely helpful for my interview. You also have to be prepared for hard work. The biggest thing is to make sure you are always skeptical when it comes to clients as well! Another tip for this specific programme is to stay up to date with uni work, whilst working, or at least do little bits of it.