Associate 1 Review

As a flying start student at the University of Reading, my day to day activities include lectures, tutorials and independent study. I also enjoy going to the gym and going out with my friends. In the first year of University, we are at University all 3 terms of the year but from the second year onwards, we are only at University in the autumn and spring term whilst we spend our spring term(January to April) on work placements at various PwC offices in the South East.

I have learnt so many new skills having been on this course and on placement. My excel skills are at an all time high as they were absolutely crucial during my placement in Audit at the Gatwick PwC office. I have also gained more of an insight into the world of Audit and assurance as I find it a lot more interesting than when I first learnt about it at University in my first year. I have also improved on my people skills as I had to constantly work in groups while on placement.

The programme is heavily screened and as such there are only a few of us in every year (30-50) and this allows us to get to know each other a lot more than other students on other courses. Also, the placements are paid which is amazing because not only do we get to have this awesome experience at the number 1 Accounting firm in the UK, we also get paid to do it! There's nothing like it.

On starting placement I didn't have vastly high expectations as I felt that I would be too junior to be cared about but I was pleasantly surprised as the people were extremely nice and considerate of working hours, well being and making work a little fun. I feel very valued at PwC. The company as a whole has definitely surpassed all my expectations.

The programme is very well structures. Our lecturers and contacts at the firm are always very helpful and very approachable. We got training before going on placement which helped us get a little bit acquainted with the software and how it worked which was very useful during placement.

I would say because she is not a University employee, she is not always at the university but we can usually contact her by email and she replies quite quickly as well as is always open for meetings if need be.

Whilst on placement we were each assigned a people manager who essentially was our guide and first point of call for any difficulties or challenges we faced. They also had various catch up sessions with us all through placement to ensure we were finding our jobs okay and didn't have any problems and also to make sure we were growing and pursuing development.

We were provided with accommodation fully paid by the employer and I would say that the salary package does cover my cost very well. I think it's really well paid considering that we are still at University.

There were loads of activities outside of work. The office I was in supported quite a few local charities and it's also a really social office so we had lots of meet ups to have a few drinks and chat and get to know each other which was very nice.

Yes

I feel that as a company, they understand that their staff work really hard and they never fail to mention how much that hard work is appreciated. Also, they care a lot about the well being of their staff hence different well being activities are carried out to make sure people are also getting the rest and nutrition they should. Besides, if you want to go into the field, why not go for the best?

I would say do your research and show a real passion for the job and the company. They want team players so be sure to demonstrate that. I would also advice that you ensure that you are commercially aware of thing going on in the field or in the business world in general and practice the psychometric tests, they may seem more difficult if the proper practice is not done.