Internship Review at KPMG

The Role

Role Description

I worked with the Corporate Tax Compliance team in the Edinburgh office, although I spent a couple of days doing some tasks for the Personal Tax team. I worked on tax computations, took notes during conference calls with clients, and carried out other general compliance tasks.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I gained a good insight into corporate tax and the different tasks involved. I enjoyed learning and found the work to be interesting.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My colleagues were very friendly and there was a great atmosphere in the office. Everyone I did work for was happy to answer any questions I had, and I was never made to feel incompetent if I didn't understand anything.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

As an intern, I was constantly asking questions and needing extra support to do tasks which were new to me, but probably pretty easy for staff who had been there a while. However, no-one ever assumed I would know what to do, all tasks were explained to me very well, and no-one minded answering my millions of questions.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The workload varied, however the managers were always able to find something for me to do, and did their best to give me varied work so I got as wide an insight as possible into the tax work.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given responsibility for tasks and trusted to do them well, but I was never made to feel as if I was on my own and couldn't ask for help.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Before starting my placement I was thinking about a career in tax, but after doing the internship I am now sure it is what I want to do. I gained a graduate job at the end of my internship and can go back to University knowing that as long as I get a good degree there is a job waiting for me when I finish that will provide excellent study support and career opportunities.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I enjoyed my internship at KPMG because everyone was very friendly and relaxed, and the managers were all very approachable.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The managers in the office were all aware I would be beginning my internship and had made an effort to set some work aside that they could give me to do. All interns had the opportunity to have a partner interview at the end of the placement to try and secure a graduate job. A laptop was provided for me and my lunch every day organised prior to me starting the internship.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I attended a 2 day induction course in Crewe which involved team-building exercises and an insight into what my placement would involve. I also attended the Tax Business School in London for a day to brush up on my tax knowledge. Additionally we had the opportunity to attend a CSR day (Corporate Social Responsibility) which is where employees are able to do volunteer work during working hours and still be paid as if they were at work.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I obtained a graduate job in tax with KPMG and as they are the only big 4 company to allow graduates to a joint CA and CTA qualification, I am looking forward to starting with them next year.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As I was in the tax team there was only myself and one other tax intern, whereas the audit team had more interns. We all got on well, but as it was quite a short internship no nights out were organised.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Edinburgh is quite an expensive city to live in, however I was able to commute from my home town, and so although I had expensive train fares I didn't need to worry about accommodation costs.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I didn't attend any nights out as it was a short internship.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

N/A

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Doing an internship is a great way to secure a graduate job, and even if you don't get a graduate job with KPMG it will look good on your CV when you apply for jobs. KPMG provide great study support and opportunities for career progression.

Review 141/141 for KPMG

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