Flying Start Degree programme - FS3 Newcastle Review

I was working as part of the team on audit engagements. This involved working on different areas of the audit file, helping more senior members of the team with tasks and participating in team calls. I also had the opportunity to have direct contact with clients and whilst this was daunting at first, it was great to gain this experience.

As this was my third placement, I definitely was able to improve on the skills that I developed on my previous placements. This is mostly in the audit file and improving working on areas independently but I also had the opportunity to work on new more complex areas of the file. I think I also developed my communication skills with both team members and the client.

I do enjoy the programme, it is a great opportunity to have the best of both worlds. While having the university experience for part of the year, it is fun to be in full time work. Being on placement helps with understanding the modules done at university by having the real life experience.

The programme is well organised. While the university degree can feel a little disconnected with having the placement in the middle of the two semesters, I think the timing of the placement is best as it allows the flying starts to have the most beneficial experience as it is during busy season meaning there is more work to be done.

There is lots of different levels of support at PwC for flying starts. The Flying Start Champion and your individual Career Coach are very good at reaching out and are someone you can easily go to with questions. You set meetings with these individuals at the start, middle and end of placement giving a dedicated time to talk over any issues. There is also the wellbeing team and your individual audit teams to ask questions and everybody is usually very willing to help out.

The University made it clear before starting placement that they are always there for support even during placement. We were consistently receiving emails from the University DPD and I received emails from my Personal Tutor at University at the start of my placement and half way through checking in and asking if there was anything that I needed.

I think the modules done during the university degree helps with performance on placement and vice versa. Doing actual audit work with clients and working on areas of the file helps with the Audit and Audit and Assurance exams performed at university. As this was my third placement, I think with every year at university, I come back more prepared for the placement.

There are plenty of activities to get involved in whilst on placement including football, bouldering and walking club. There is also the data transformation team and the wellbeing teams to join. The only problems with these clubs is that they often take place in the evenings and if you are on a very busy job, it can be difficult to commit to going.

Yes

PwC is a great place to work, there are many support streams for their employees and they appear to really care about their employees' wellbeing. It is a great work environment for placement students and graduates as it is a social office with lots of young people with many different activities to join and get involved in.

I would advise to become knowledgeable about the company and its values as well as the sector in which they operate in. There are many different departments in PwC, read up on the area you are interested in and the work that it performs. If you join the office, make sure to get involved in the different teams and all that PwC has to offer.