Vacation Student-Audit (National Markets) Review

I enjoyed my time at KPMG. I felt the people were extremely friendly and the other interns were really easy to get along with. The work was varied and I felt I learn a lot about the company and the work I would be doing if I had a career in the industry. Sometimes I was really busy and other times I was not (however I still tried to actively look for work).

This really depended on what I was doing. At points I felt like a hindrance asking people for work and at other times I felt like my work was really valued by the team.

On the first day of the internship we had an induction day which was extremely well planned out and very informative. I felt I learned a lot about KPMG as a company and how they can help you grow but also offer you as much support as possible throughout your career which I really liked. However, the second day was not as 'supportive' as I'd hoped. You are given three points of contact when you start: a buddy, a performance manager and a people leader. On the second day when you arrive, you are meant to meet your buddy who would introduce you to your team and explain how things work around the office. My buddy was out of office (and stayed out of office) without contacting me for majority of the internship, which I was quite disappointed with. On the plus side, someone else from the team stepped in to help out and was extremely helpful but I did feel a bit of a hindrance as it wasn't their job and had other work to do. My performance manager was based in Glasgow, (I was in Edinburgh) so I didn't have a first meeting with her but I did meet with my people leader and the other interns performance manager, who I was then allocated to 2 weeks into the internship, he was extremely helpful. I personally feel that this system does not work and feel I would have benefited from dealing with one person. However, I was lucky enough to be working with an assistant manager in internal audit who provided me with incredible guidance and met with me weekly to ensure I was meeting all the 'passport goals' KPMG had set me. I feel that without him, my experience at the company would have been completely different.

I wouldn't say the work was extremely hard/challenging, but I don't think its meant to be as you are only an intern. However, I do feel the things I learnt from colleagues at KPMG would assist me in my studies and in my future career.

The application process was extremely smooth and well structured. Everything was well planned at my interview and I never felt out of place or like I didn't know what I was doing. The internship on the other hand wasn't as well planned out as I'd hoped. As discussed previously, some of my point of contact were not available and at times I did feel a bit of a hindrance when asking for work. However, I do think everyone at my office did try to get me involved in as many things as possible which I was really appreciative of.

The people at KPMG really are what makes the company. Everyone is super friendly and more than willing to help. We had socials organised which helped us to get to know the team which helped ease the nerves. I did love working alongside the people here.

There was a lot of training available that you would have to complete when you arrive (health and safety/independence etc.). Other than that, I wouldn't really say that training was necessary as it was only a 4 week internship.

When speaking to colleagues who also took part in the internship, they said that the graduate programme is not as different to the internship apart from the fact you are given a lot more work to do and it is more fun.

I would say that the internship did help me understand the company culture.

This was very dependant on the day. Some days I was working and kept very busy and other days not so much. Either way I feel this internship did prepare me for my future career path.

Yes, the company did have networking events and a lot of opportunities to meet employees of the firm.

Yes, there was a barbeque on the last Friday of the month and weekly drinks on a Friday with some of the employees.

Yes, there are many societies outside of work and a running club at lunch time.

Yes, it is a great opportunity and was exactly what I was expecting from an internship and more.