Flying Start Degree programme - FS2 East Midlands Review

I have just completed my second flying start placement so as an 'FS2' my role involved the same as what i did last year as an FS1 but with more responsibility for areas of the audit file as well as some coaching to the 'FS1s'. Day-to-day I would update my team and complete evidence gathering activities.

I have learnt how to manage my workload effectively through coaching others, delegation, prioritisation and time management. I have also became more familiar with audit sampling processes and how to collaborate well with external stakeholders including the client and overseas teams. I also felt like I could adapt to solving variances in a timely manner.

I moderately enjoyed the programme as I am grateful for the in depth experience I gained through working with clients from a range of industries allowing me to be challenged, build on my skills and expand my portfolio. I also thought the placement was a good length allowing me to collate enough feedback.

I think the programme is well structured as it is split into three separate placements with appropriately lengthed breaks between them. This means that you will be able to quickly refamiliarize yourself with what you learnt in the last placement. I also got to work with the FS1s in the year below me which allowed me to make more friends.

I received very good support from the employer. All placement students get a career coach and a buddy. We also have a flying start champion who is able to answer any questions as well as the university team. Additionally, we have wellbeing check-ins with our flying start programme manager and also access to a range of mental health services.

Whilst working towards our qualification we are given access to an online learning site with resources to work through including lecture powerpoints, quizzes, past papers and questions. If we are in need of any help, we always have someone on the university team who we can email. ICAEW also provide a textbook and question bank as well as advice on their website.

I think the qualification definitely helps with performance when it comes to the job. Studying the ACA qualification allows you to develop your knowledge and what you learn from this can then be applied to the audit testing you carry out. It also increases your business acumen and aids with understanding the businesses and systems you audit.

There are always things to get involved in including monthly socials such as a new joiners buddy social, the weekly Friday office quiz and Tuesday office games. You will also receive google invites to livestream events open to all. If there is a sport you are interested in, you can raise this to see if others will be interested in forming a club.

Yes

I would recommend PwC to a friend and more specifically the flying start degree programme as I believe it is a great way to start your career as you get exposure to a range of clients and industries. It is also a chance to work with a diverse range of people and get an understanding of different work environments.

When applying to PwC there are different stages of the application process. It firstly involves online tests, then a video interview and finally an assessment centre. I would advise to practice as many questions as possible and for when answering questions, to use the 'STAR' technique to structure answers. In the assessment centre, I would recommend making sure to find a balance between voicing your points and listing to others as well as considering all the information provided.