Flying Start Degree Programme - Grade 1 Birmingham Review

In the first few weeks, I would complete a lot of project management and organisational tasks but further on into the placement I started to complete more meaningful work e.g. sampling. Daily, I will talk to at least one member of my team and receive work or coaching from them.

Definitely. My Excel knowledge has significantly improved during the placement and I am much better at picking up new types of technology. My networking and communication skills have also improved due to the open contact with more senior members of the team and networking events provided by the business unit/wider team.

I enjoyed the programme most of the time but sometimes it would get quite stressful and intense considering my team was relatively small in comparison to the workload. Although my work was fulfilling, I would often feel very burnt out when it came to Friday evening.

I think that the concept of the programme is incredible but it is in the minor details where the flaws begin to show. The University and ICAEW side is great, however the people at the office in PwC did not seem fully prepared for my cohort to start when we did, which led to us scrambling for work at the beginning. I do think that this programme is like any other in the sense that it prepares you for working life and board exams unlike any other degree programme. One thing to note is that the way the Audit & Assurance module is structured is inefficient and the weeks worth of learning was not productive.

I find that the support varies significantly. Some of the senior members on my team and throughout the business unit have been incredibly supportive whereas built-in support, like Career Coaches and Connect Developments have barely had any contact. My Buddy does not go to the office and does not provide any support. I think that it definitely varies from person-to-person more than it should but I have been very lucky in my personal experience. I also feel that I am able to approach anyone which is a key starting point in receiving support from more senior staff members.

Support from the University is not any different from any other courses which I find disappointing considering the stakes are higher for our degree due to the integrated placements and opportunity for a post-graduate role. I find that a lot of the lecturers and supporting staff are not as good at teaching as they should be and seem to be there just to conduct their personal research. I end up turning to other students and teaching myself from online resources that I have found myself.

Since the qualifications are mandatory to becoming an auditor, I think that it is great that we can complete most of them whilst at university. I think that the qualifications help with learning the general knowledge surrounding accounting but the work experience really elevates this.

Yes definitely. I have only participated in the networking events but these are very well-run.

Yes

Very diverse work environment that promotes fresh, new ideas and perspectives no matter your ranking in the company. A lot of options for jobs and the freedom to switch around.

Really read what you are signing up for, a lot of people didn't and were very shocked at how competitive and difficult it is to get onto the course and stay on the course.