Flying Start degree programme - FS2, London EP Review

I was an audit junior at PwC, my day-to-day responsibilities included conducting testing on numbers within the financial statements to see if they are indeed correct, liaising with clients and colleagues, visiting the client site and supporting those above me in their work, and overall working as part of a team.

Socially, I have learnt to speak about my work and testing conducted at a high level. This is a useful skill as it provides others with certainty that you understand what you are exactly doing. I have also more importantly learnt about the importance of auditing and the steps that need to be performed when testing.

A large factor of this placement is the atmosphere of your team. During both placements, I have found those who have coached and worked with me to be open to questions, and extremely welcoming. As a result, it has made the busy season and long hours a bit more brighter.

It is extremely structured, from the training that is provided as virtual classes from 9-5, to the clear emails detailing what tasks need to be done and when by. From entering the firm to exiting, the process has been clear and easy. Overall it is extremely organised, and easy to get help if needed.

PwC offers a variety of support to go to. The first port of call is the career coach that is allocated to you to support you (mine was amazing). Others who are approachable include Flying Start Champions, Resourcing, those leading the Flying Start programme (who helped with the onboarding process).

PwC's training is extremely applicable to my qualifications. Knowledge of accounting and the debits/credits are required, as it allows you to understand the task required much better, allowing you to ask more specific questions. Support is always there, from career coach to those leading the Flying Start programme.

The qualification is beneficial. During uni, you learn about accounting and financial management. By learning these modules, you will then understand the tasks required during placement, and the information provided by the client, e.g. listings and bank statements. This will result in you being able to ask tailored questions.

At PwC, they offer plenty of social experiences, as well as networks that can be joined. Some examples include weekly football, the step challenge (where teams are made, and they compete on how many steps are made), team socials to celebrate meeting deadlines and signings of files, religious events also.

Yes

I would recommend PwC for these reasons specifically: 1) If you enjoy learning, then PwC has a huge emphasis on learning on the job and coaching - you will be coached and taught how to perform the testing. 2) It's a solid job and the salary is rewarding. 3) Open and welcoming environments.

Firstly, do not be afraid to ask questions at all. Asking one question may lead to you learning so much, it may even answer future questions that would have cropped up. Secondly, take pride in the work that you complete - you have the capabilities, it just may take time for it all to click.