Flying Start Degree programme - FS3 - BRISTOL Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My flying start placement has been within the PwC Central Audit business unit. On a day to day basis I have to pick samples for audit testing from listings, document samples and deal with exceptions and queries with our client contacts.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed my communication skills whilst working with PwC. I have had opportunities to interact with a diverse engagement team and a wide range of client contacts. Also we use technology as part of our day to day tasks, and as a result I have developed my excel skills

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have really enjoyed my flying start placements with PwC. It is great being able to apply University lecture content to your everyday work. You can immediately see the practical application of the theory. It is difficult going between University life and professional work however, it sets you up for joining full time post placement and is a great opportunity.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The course is well structured. We have lectures in the autumn term, placement in the spring term and exams in the summer term. I would note that it is difficult to retain knowledge from autumn term to summer term, but it is achievable with support from lecturers.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support whilst on placement from my employer. We have a great flying start network within our offices (other students also on the programme). We also have more senior employees responsible for our career development. There is less support whilst not on placement, because we are at university, but I know that i would be able to reach out to anyone if I needed.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

We do not receive a lot of support from ICAEW. I have not had contact with them, but that is because our training is provided through our University.

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualification helps a lot with my role. Everyday I am applying what I have learnt in my accounting and Audit modules. I have found that it really helps to develop your audit knowledge, thinking about debits and credits etc.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are a few activities to get involved with. However, because I have done my first placements during COVID and then all of my placements are in PwC's "busy season" there are less activities. I have however been to a few office socials (board game night, pizza lunch, office drinks, xmas party and quiz night)

9/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

PwC is a great place to build you networks. There are always opportunities to learn and it is great to get the ICAEW qualification which also gives you really great transferrable skills. There are also opportunities to really progress in your career and if you wish to move internally within the firm.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

When applying it would be great to have examples to back up why you are interested in a career in accountancy. For example, have you done work experience? I did PwC's Business Insight week which I think really helped me when applying because they had already met me and knew how I performed.