Flying Start Degree programme - P1 and Bristol Review

I have been working as an Auditor at PwC. Essentially, this involves checking the client has been meeting the applicable standards and frameworks and performing business ethically. On a day to day business, I pick samples, talk to the client and document the relevant audit evidence. Occasionally, I work on client site.

Whilst on placement, I have learnt some new skills and developed existing skills. I have become a lot better at excel and other technological elements of the job, as this is something I was particularly poor at before placement. I have also developed my audit knowledge as I have been able to apply what I have learned in the workplace.

Overall, I enjoy my programme. It can be stressful but I have been very lucky and made lots of good friends. I find the teaching very good and so have learned a lot of technical audit knowledge. I find I am well supported by those around me which makes it a lot more manageable.

My programme is very well organised and structured. Everyone is always very clear on what they are doing due to the good communication and organisation. We have set times for lectures every week and on placement we follow a strict day to day structure. There is not much I would change.

We receive a lot of support from our employer. We have weekly wellbeing sessions and everyone always checks in on people to ensure they are doing okay. We also have a career coach that tracks our progress and makes sure we are keeping up with our work/are not feeling overwhelmed.

When working towards our qualifications we receive a good amount of support from our training provider. However, the University of Reading has an unfortunate structure as we learn the content for our exams in autumn term, go on placement over spring and sit our exams in summer. This is not good and not all universities do it the same way round.

I feel that the knowledge I have gained from my qualification helps me to perform my role better as I have a stronger understanding of the audit work i am performing. The preparation we receive in the lead up to placement also covers all the relevant areas and makes you feel prepared for the work ahead.

Whilst there are teams and committees at my work, I do not participate in any of them. This is a personal preference and I would join one if I wanted to. If i was interested in joining an event or team, there would be plenty of choice for me to choose from.

Yes

PwC is a good employer in the sense that there are many included benefits and wellbeing is such an important moral focus. They have many opportunities for those wanting to progress their career and everyone is very supportive. From my personal experience, I would recommend PwC as a workplace to others.

I would give the advice that it is good to revise for exams early and not leave it until the last minute. Also to take every opportunity to progress, learn new things and meet new people. I would say to be brave and be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.