Flying Start Degree programme FS1 Manchester Review

Working with the team you are put on (which can and most likely will change during your placement) to complete audit activities such as the different types of testing auditors use to base their audit opinion on. You will be given on the job training by a senior associate or above to help you carry out these tasks.

Definitely. Before starting this my understanding of audit was no where near as good. For example, I knew what an audit was but I had no idea how it actually worked. Working on all different areas of the audit helped me understand how it all came together i.e. planning, execution and completion.

Very. It's a great way to gain experience in the working world before the rest of your peers for example, those on a normal degree or even those with a placement year. I enjoyed living in a different city in my own apartment and meeting new people around the office.

It's great to an extent. It's good because you're learning on the job which helps reconcile the information you've learned for your exams by seeing real life situations and actually auditing information yourself. However, I found that the communication they deliver to you isn't communicated very quickly.

A lot. In my experience, my teams are very supportive and always want to make sure you're okay, both in terms of your mental/physical wellbeing as well as your progress in learning/ doing your work. Everyone is there to help you and won't get mad if you ask 1000000 questions.

A bit. They provide us the books from ICAEW for our accredited exams, which is helpful as a uni student. However, working a 9-5:30 and then having to revise for exams can be draining, but not impossible, especially with a christmas break. However, the on the job training helps.

Extremely. Because we have completed 4 ACA exams before beginning our placement, I was provided with basic knowledge of how an audit already works and the key elements. This helped massively when actually working at PwC because I can put the basics of an audit into real life practice n.

There are many socials that take place at work, especially in the B&CM department, which seems to be closer than other departments. Within B&CM there is also a football team which takes place and sometimes has matches with other company football teams, where you can play or go and watch.

Yes

I feel supported within the workplace. I feel like they take care of me and help me with my work and studies, everyone is very nice and wants the best for you. I haven't felt burned out during the placement which I know other businesses can make you feel.

Make sure to be yourself in interviews and don't worry if you don't know everything because they want to help you grow. However, make sure to do your research on the company and what area you want to go into and make sure you have reasons that you want to this.