Analyst Review

My daily role consists of organising the risk set-up for new clients that the company wants to onboard. I research the client and set up the relevant documents whilst liaising with the engagement team that works directly with the client. With riskier projects, a panel is organised to see if the engagement can go ahead despite the risk whilst looking at the mitigating factors. I then receive a signed contract after obtaining all risk approvals and review it to check that everything lines up with what has been set up. Once completed, I close the case so the team can begin work with the client.

I have learnt how to use Google applications effectively as well as multiple other software applications, such as Jira, Salesforce and different PwC documentation systems. I have developed my team-working skills by being allocated into this team, as well as gaining an increased amount of responsibility. This has helped me gain confidence and attain consistency in my work standard.

I enjoy my programme because it provides me with expertise and knowledge in areas that I hadn't ever considered before. It enables me to gain valuable experience whilst getting paid as well as studying the relevant material in order to apply it in real life. The practicality of it benefits me as it interlinks with the business world and gives me insight into international relations too. However, it can often be difficult to manage the work, since after work, I am often unable to rest in order to finish my uni work.

The programme is well-structured and organised, as the training provided is relevant and precise to my role. It is efficient in helping me understand what needs to be done and in which ways I can go about it. Everything has a set routine and structure, making things clear for us. However, there are times when there is a lack of communication between the company and the university, which causes confusion as the apprentices are ush to try and figure out what is going on.

The company provides a multitude of support options for all apprentices, consisting of 2 buddies (an apprentice and an individual in your smaller team), career coach and it is easy to communicate with everyone, including the Team Leader and Manager, so there are always people there to help. Aside from my buddy, there are other members in my team who frequently reach out to help and support me and provide any necessary information that I may be looking for.

In terms of the support from the training provider, I believe there could be more, as there is a lot of support from the company. However, the university doesn't have as much help since there is expected to be more independence at the university. Although PwC provides study days to help us keep up with our work, there could be further support from the uni, such as assigned buddies or group support.

My qualification and my role are closely related, however, sometimes I feel as though those in other teams have more of a benefit because they have slightly different roles which may link more directly with the content we are learning. Although, learning about different areas definitely helps me put things into perspective and confidently see things in action, which is beneficial for different types of learners.

The workplace offers a variety of different things to get involved in. In teams, there are often social events for people to get involved in. As well as this, once or twice a year, there is a bigger event that takes place with different lines of service to celebrate, for example, Christmas parties. At work, the office also offers yoga and pilates before/during or after work during the week depending on individual's availability.

Yes

The overall office culture is entirely positive and makes you feel like you belong there. It is easier to make friends and get to know people because they are open and welcoming. The work in general can be tough sometimes, but that is what makes it a challenge, which can lead to things becoming easier later on. There is also a lot of flexibility, and having university on a friday is a nice change of environment.

I would advise people to have 2-3 key USPs to apply, as you need to stand out amongst other, more specifically with your mindset. The values and goals at PwC are crucial to them, so if you accustom yourself to these values and link them to your application, you are likely to be considered. Have an open mind and apply to multiple apprenticeships if you aren't certain of what you want to do as this will ensure you have multiple options.