Flying Start Degree programme - Placement 2, Watford Review

My day to day role was within the audit department. I worked at the level of a junior associate, which involved everything from planning to completion of the audit. I was always working in a team of at least 2/3 minimum and was constantly learning more and more every day. This placement involved a lot more visits to client site and therefore more travelling and variety in locations.

I have massively developed my digital skills, from basics on Excel to more complex ones on Alteryx which really help with efficiency. The role has also improved my organisation and confidence in juggling multiple tasks and interacting with clients regularly. Audit is a role where you constantly develop skills as you learn new things constantly within the role as there is a variety of areas to work on and they vary client to client.

I really enjoy my programme as it provides the perfect balance between work and studies. It means that we get great work experience but also a University experience. Sometimes the change is difficult to manage but both PwC and the University help us settle back into working/university life smoothly. The people that you meet on this route really make it even more enjoyable and worthwhile.

The structure of the programme is great in terms of dividing the year into two parts. It is well organised in the sense that we do not have a busy season placement until our third placement and it eases us into audit work. It also allows us to have holidays just like other students so that we get a break too.

We get assigned a career coach who checks up on us and provides lots of support and is someone to go to whatever we need. They are always friendly and willing to help, and if unavailable, any senior or colleague is willing to help and support you when necessary. Also, your manager on each client is always supportive and checks up on you on a daily basis.

We get support from the University and ICAEW regularly as they provide us with the requisite materials and weekly tasks to help us study. The University is always available- we can email a lecturer for any help needed and can get a useful and timely response. I feel supported and confident in my ability to pass my exams with the help of the University.

The qualification helps massively in the role of an auditor because it means that we have a good background knowledge to help in our audit testing. We understand basic principles related to the client's financial statements and therefore can get a better understanding of their performance, making it easier to flag any problems.

I know that many extra-curricular activities take place, such as badminton, bowling and table tennis tournaments and I plan to get more involved in the future. This year I attending the PwC Christmas party and it was a great social event that allowed us to meet more people in the office and have a good break and reward for all our hard work. Also, at the start we had a new joiners quiz that helped us meet people and welcomed us to the office.

Yes

I would recommend PwC to a friend because I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The people I have worked with have been amazing and kind, and the teams I have worked with have made the experience fun and valuable. People in the firm value and appreciate your help and the variety in the work we do keeps every day interesting and varied.

I would say that being a team player is the most important skill as it is your team who supports you through each deadline and success. Also, be willing to work hard and put in the hours for the client work and the qualification as they are both very important in staying at the firm. Finally, get to know people in the office and be as sociable as you can as that is the best part about working there.