Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 Newcastle Review

I was part of the centre of excellence team looking at more complex areas of a standard audit. My particular focus was on the audit of defined benefit pension schemes. I worked on numerous engagements and with multiple teams across my placement with different requirements and challenges for me on each engagement.

I have learnt numerous new skills in regards of audit and feel much more confident now when approaching an audit engagement. I feel the biggest development has been my ability to work under pressure and adapt to new environments given the number of different teams I have worked with during my placement.

The programme has been tough at times but can also be rewarding. The training for the centre of excellence role was not in depth enough which resulted in me taking some time to get to grips with my work. However, teams are supportive and have helped me to develop my skills during my placement.

The programme is fairly well organised with a clear timetable of what you will be doing throughout your placement. Most staff in the firm are aware of what the flying start programme is and what experience we have. Standards are clearly explained and it is clear what is required of you whilst on placement.

There are numerous support networks available to me whilst on my placement. There are numerous managers and senior staff who are assigned to flying start students to support them throughout their placement. It is clear that any issues you have can be resolved for your placement and future placements which is ideal.

The university continues to be in contact whilst on Placement. Senior university staff and tutors have reached out to students to check in on how they are doing and offer support and guidance for any issues you may have. Overall, the support from the university has been beyond what I expected.

The qualification from the ICAEW helps me to apply what I study into my work on placement. This has helped to ensure I have a good basic understanding of what an audit is in general which helps you to understand the complex areas that you find when you start placement.

PwC offers a variety of activities to be involved in during the year such as committees, sports teams and others. Social activities happen regularly with your team which helps you to get to know your office team. However, there is not much time for too many extra-curricular activities during the busy season.

Yes

PwC has helped me to develop my professional skills significantly in just a short space of time. They have also allowed me to grow my professional network which is a great benefit to me early in my career. I will finish my placement with a good foundation for a future career.

I would advise that people look to research the key behaviours expected by PwC in your professional role. Also having a deep research into what you are applying for will help to ensure that the job is suitable for you and that you can prepare for what you are working on.