Flying Start Degree programme - Associate, London Review

I am an audit associate at PwC. At the level of an associate I am expected to understand the client I am allocated to and its operations to start with. Further down the line, I document my understanding of the client and perform various tests to ensure that we have obtained comfort over the numbers presented by the client in their financial statement.

I have been able to work on my leadership skills by taking accountability for my areas. I have also been able to further enhance my communication skills and have become a great team player as well. My seniors were extremely helpful in helping me use several digital tools used by PwC to audit.

I really enjoy my programme and the experience of being a flying start, it really does give you the best of both worlds! I get a chance to work as a professional auditor and at the same time I can enjoy my student life as well. It has been a great journey so far!

In terms of the structure, it can be a little hectic as we study for a term, then we work and come back in the third term to write our exams. Almost all the students tend to get anxious due to this structure as we do not remember a lot of what we studied since it was months ago and we have had no practice.

I receive a lot of support in terms of my learning and development. We have an extremely wide network of support including career coaches and my team. We also have support from our Flying Start Manager at PwC. PwC also has several networks for various communities with different interests to rely on!

We tend to not have much interaction with ICAEW during the course of our programme. The university interaction is limited as well during placement which can be a little frustrating as it can get confusing as to who to approach with problems as a student. During term time, the university team is helpful!

The qualification that I am pursuing (ACA) is extremely helpful during placement as I possess basic prior knowledge which helps me understand concepts more efficiently and get on with the work given to me without facing a lot of challenges. I can even ask for complex areas to work on as I am well versed with my basic knowledge.

PwC has various social groups such as ones for table tennis and badminton which can be joined and there are several opportunities to involve in events to network with professionals as well. There are events to celebrate various occasions such as Women's day wherein a panel of professionals in the industry are invited regulary.

Yes

I love the friendly environment offered at PwC and the opportunity to learn something new everyday to enhance your knowledge and skills. The firm is well known for its outstanding quality of audits which further instills me with pride as an auditor here! I have been able to become a true professional and have a different mindset in terms of my career owing to the knowledge that I have gained at PwC.

Be yourself! Make sure that you do not read tips and try to become someone you are not during recruitment. PwC wants to know who you really are as a person and if your values align with theirs. Be relaxed and completely original with your answers, authenticity in your answers will definitely help you in your application!