Flying Start Degree programme - FS Birmingham Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

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

Working in audit on a variety of clients in order to meet tight reporting deadlines. This involved working in a team internally to complete the work while also coordinating with the client to get information sent over in a timely manner. I was responsible for my own areas of work while working with others to understand what I was doing.

10/10

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

I have developed my communication skills as I have had to work with a variety of different people, both internal to the firm and external. I have also developed my excel skills as it is used on a daily basis. New skills I have learnt encompass audit knowledge and how to apply the knowledge I learn at university.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have really enjoyed the programme as it has enabled me to attend university and get the university experience while also experiencing the world of work. It has enabled me to meet and get to know a wide variety of people and work in a company that has a positive culture.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well structured at it involves time to learn and train as well as work on clients to get real world understanding of our job. We have support from career coaches who work to ensure that we are happy and supported in our role. The team hierarchy is well established at PwC and enables everyone to learn.

10/10

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

I received a high level of support in each team that I worked in throughout my time on placement. This included my managers and all senior members of the teams as they encouraged my development and asked questions. I also had access to others who were supporting my wellbeing and happiness while at the company.

9/10

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

I received a high level of support from my training provider at the right times. This included them leaving us to work when we were on placement so that we weren't pressured into qualification work while also working long hours. They reached out at the end of working in order to establish the expectations for us going forward.

9/10

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

The theory I learn while at university helps me in my day to day role in the company as I can apply the knowledge and have a better understanding of what I am doing. From completing my qualification I know more about the role I must undertake and I have a better all round understanding.

9/10

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 are company socials that take place on a monthly basis that enable us to socialise with a wider variety of people rather than just our peers. There are also sports events that are slowly restarting following covid that are available for all to join. Volunteering is also encouraged with a set amount of time off given to do this.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They are a good place to work and you get to meet a variety of people. There is also the opportunity to work on a wide variety of clients in sectors that you specifically find interesting. This makes the job more appealing and more interesting as you are working in a sector you enjoy.

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

If you are of university age, then I would highly recommend applying to the flying start programme as it gives a good blend of learning and practical paid work experience. Go to the interviews with knowledge about the company and their ethos as this will help you succeed in the long run.