Flying Start Degree programme - Intern, London Embankment Place. Review

My Role as an auditor is to check that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the companies state of affairs. Most of my work is done on a software called Aura and I have to perform Evidence gathering activities which are also known as EGAs and perform testing.

I did not realise how important Excel skills would be and since starting my placement and using Excel every day I have developed my IT skills substantially. I have also picked up from my seniors how to act professionally and how to treat clients and colleagues. Due to my 9-5 eoutine I have also developed time management skills.

I enjoy tasks where they have more of a general business focus rather than a purely financial focus, for example we had a client Kick Off meeting and the management explained their state of affairs and how they expect to go forward in the future and what risks lie ahead. I found this interesting.

Overall I would say the structure of the programme is very good as there is a clear pathway for you to take and clear goals set out for you that you have to achieve to progress and that can be very motivating for some people, However it can be difficult getting things done when in the corporate environment.

The Employer tries their best when it comes to support for us, they have designated people like: career coach, buddy, Personal tutor, living in the same accommodation as other flying starts. In consolidation I believe that living with Peers is the best support that they can give as we are all going through the same change together and we can help each other.

We have lectures every week and also have seminars and tutorials at least once a month. However, I am not alone when I emphasise that this is one area that requires major improvement, as the quality of the lectures is very inconsistent. I would say that only 1 in every 5 Lecturers is actually helpful towards passing exams. Most of the time we have to teach ourselves and self improve. We have raised this with our Programme manager, and we request again to any admin reading this to please help in this area.

The exams we do like Assurance really do help us in getting a background into what an audit is and why we do it. This background information assists in understanding why we are doing certain tasks in practical work, this assists us in producing higher quality audit work due to our deep understanding.

There is always something going on in the office weather that be a cultural event, a business group social, peer group social or a team social. Also there are networks that you can join to get involved in further events. They also do set up stalls near the lunch area occasionally where you can go and network.

Yes

PwC is the biggest accounting firm in the world and working for them is truly a life changing opportunity as you can work with real Multinational Companies who govern the global economic climate, you feel like you are part of something that is having a real positive impact on others and that is very satisfying as a job.

First of all I would say research what you are getting yourself into, and make sure this is what you want to do because it will get hard and you need to WANT it for you to get through the hard times, when doing the assessments don't take them lightly and practice!