Flying start degree programme - AS1 - Birmingham Central Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

- auditing clients by performing substantive procedures - Every day is different depending on what client you're on - The day could consist of travelling to client site and interacting/building a rapport with the client to working with your team in the office. - There are lots of meetings and opportunities to develop

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

One of the main skills I've developed is project management. You have to be able to independently manage your expectations and workload, and also be able to communicate this within your team. Furthermore, confidence is also important as this is built up the more you understand your work and communicate with clients

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my programme. This is because the experience that is provided is invaluable. You get to work in an array of industries to which some you will find very interesting and some you would never had heard of. The different types of people you meet along the way will shape what type of professional character you'll develop

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is very well structured. There is a large support system within the company so you will always know someone that can solve your problems, if not, they will know someone who can help you. There are regular meetings to check on well - being ect. On the other hand, you don't get much say on which clients you work on

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

As mentioned before, there is a wide range of support systems. In regards to technical work, there are applications and softwares to help you develop to the next level. In regards to personal development, you have your buddy, career coach and also PODS. This gives you a variety of people to communicate with

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

It's very much learn on the job. I'd say that the work you do has an indirect link with your qualifications. The only direct link I can think of is the 450 days of working to become qualified. However there are opportunities to apply what you've learnt within the job

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The ICAEW qualification allows you to have the fundamental knowledge to then be able to understand more complex areas. This is key as without the basics, you'll get lost quite easily. Furthermore, as mentioned, there are lots of opportunities when working to apply you knowledge from the degree programme.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There many opportunities to engage socially. This is done by weekly and monthly socials that are funded by the company. This could range from dinners to outings. There are also clubs within the company, for example dodgeball and football. this is a great way to meet new people and find people that you bond with

10/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

This is because it really gives you an insight to what it would be like to work full time with the firm. There aren't any special or hidden treatments and its very much "what you see is what you get". this is very helpful in deciding if this is the right role for you

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

You will have to come into this experience very open minded. You'll most probably be out of your comfort zone the majority of the time, and also stressed. You have to take advantage of the support network around you and try to think of situations in an optimistic manner.