Flying Start Degree programme - FS1, Bristol Review

Working a full-time week for four months, with work on clients of mixed-sites and mixed-lengths - I attended some client sites to physically inspect assets or obtain crucial documents, and have also attended team days on multiple occasions - communication with team members and clients in key to my day to day role.

Yes - interpersonal and communication skills have been developed during my time on placement as I've had to talk to team members and clients in a professional capacity, whether that's regarding queries or during a call talking me through how a business accounts for its finances - have also learnt professionalism.

Overall, I enjoyed most aspects of the programme - being able to work for one of the big four in PwC was a massive privilege, and I was also able to publish engaging posts on LinkedIn documenting my experiences. I gained knowledge in many areas of different businesses, and spoke with all levels (i.e. managers/partners) while on engagements, showing my confidence. I struggled to get used to the early starts and repetitive nature of the working role, generally becoming fatigued by Friday, but this is not at all attributed to PwC and is instead a more general comment.

Excellent - the programme at University of Manchester has a fantastic structure, with the general idea being that you receive more responsibilities as you move through the course and gain more knowledge within PwC and how to approach situations. There were occasions where my course didn't prove helpful on my placement, like tax modules for example, but I appreciate these may be helpful in future placements where I'm doing more judgemental aspects.

I've received support in a number of ways - whether that's just a general call to inform us of date/circumstantial changes with our course, or to check in generally. Every team member I've worked with has been approachable, with any urgent queries being raisable via work phone to the relevant team member.

As far as I'm aware, I haven't really received any support for most of my modules, although this isn't an issue as I've been able to work through the course thus far without any resits. I believe ICAEW provided a textbook for Tax Compliance in 2nd year, and will be doing the same for BPT in 3rd year, which will prove helpful.

The qualification via ICAEW has given me something to work towards and stay devoted to while at Uni - it's been difficult for the first couple of years as we had no experience of placement, but the clear progress path and opportunities available at PwC (e.g. through promotions to SA or above) are second to none.

Yes - I applied to play for the Touch Rugby club within the Bristol office, but this was cancelled due to a lack of numbers. However, I'm aware there's a new tennis club that has just started, aswell as wellbeing walks and social opportunities with the team in Cardiff.

Yes

Although the entry requirements at hard to achieve at PwC, every member I have liaised with has been friendly, flexible and strong at interpersonal skills. I've learned how to act more professional, whether that's with members or clients, and as mentioned, see the clear chain of progression potential in future years, which keeps me motivated.

I'd definitely advise to research PwC before any interviews (i.e. their key clients, recent turnover, chairman, no. of locations globally etc) and its competitors - having a good knowledge of the business and sector will set you apart from any other applicants. Also, being prepared and being confident are important