Audit Associate Review

I have just finished 3 weeks as an SVS which has enabled me to gain an invaluable insight into what working at Deloitte in Audit is really like. I throughly enjoyed my time on placement and would recommend applying for an SVS scheme to anyone!

One of the many positives of working at Deloitte for me was the sense of community I was welcomed into immediately. From day one I felt like a valued member of the team, working alongside employees in a friendly, yet focussed atmosphere. I was given the opportunity to contribute from day one.

Regardless of how many questions I asked, the willingness of everyone to help was evident. I received a lot of guidance during the 3 weeks as the majority of things were new to me. At the beginning of my placement I was invited to an induction in Birmingham and throughout my 3 weeks I was required to complete mandatory online e-learning training.

During my placement I was mainly situated on one Audit, gaining hands on experience. Being given responsibility to contribute to 'real' work has really allowed me to develop my knowledge of audit and learn what it really is about. I’ve learnt much more in 3 weeks than I ever thought I would. I feel I have developed many key transferable skills such as communication and leadership that will aid my future career however the audit specific knowledge will not assist me in my degree studies.

The insight was well structured with my first week spent at an induction and welcome event in Birmingham where we received a general introduction to what working at Deloitte is like. On the second day we split up to receive more specific training about our chosen service line. I spent a day working in my local office and then the remainder of my time was spent out on client sites.

Despite only being at Deloitte for a short period of time, I feel I have built good relationships; I was even invited out to a cocktail making session for girl’s night. The general atmosphere was very friendly and inviting. I went out for multiple meals with numerous colleagues and at all points could really see that the relationships between colleagues are strong. Everyone supports each other and gets along well.

The firm invested fully in me during my 3 weeks as an SVS. I was sent to an induction in Birmingham which included an overnight stay and travel expenses were covered. During this time I received general training for new employees as well as service line specific training. I was provided with a laptop during my placement and was required to complete numerous online courses for training purposes. At all points, personal training and development was pushed and highlighted as a very important factor. I could see that investment into training and development was high for all employees and is an important thing for Deloitte.

From day one I was fully involved with work on a client. During my 3 weeks, all work I completed was for a 'real' client. I was really able to see what a full time job would be like at Deloitte as I was submerged into work from day one. I was treated as another employee and not differentiated due to being an SVS. Whilst on client site I was introduced as a staff member, not as a student on placement. I really have gained an insight into what a full time role with the firm will entail.

The insight really helped me to understand the company culture. From the induction talk, to speaking to other colleagues during working days, I have been able to fully see all aspects of the company culture. The online training courses I completed also fully explained all areas of the company culture and I was encouraged to do more research about this on Deloitte's intranet.

The content of my day consisted of exactly the same work I would be completing if I held a full time position at Deloitte. I was treated as a full member of staff and experienced exactly what a working day at Deloitte would entail. I was completing real work during my placement for a big client which really enabled me to see what a career at Deloitte would consist of, helping to shape my future career path. I was encouraged to ask as many questions as I wanted about what a future at Deloitte would be like. I had the opportunity to speak yo current graduates and learn from their experiences what a graduate scheme at Deloitte would be like. From my placement, I have been able to decide that a career at Deloitte in audit is something that I want to pursue after I graduate from university.

All expenses were covered by Deloitte during my 3 weeks. I was lucky enough to stay over several times at hotels with the full cost covered. I was also reimbursed travel expenses outside of travelling to my local office plus a food allowance was provided for each night.

During the induction event at Birmingham, there were many opportunities to network with a range of people including other SVS students, current graduates plus more senior members of staff. During my placement, everyone was very happy for you to go over and talk to them to ask questions. I met numerous employees of the firm in various different positions. Everyone was very open and I got the opportunity to ask many questions.

The first induction event was the best opportunity for networking as a range of current employees moved around tables at dinner so you got the opportunity to speak to a range of people and ask many questions. Drinks were provided and this was a good opportunity to speak to other students starting an SVS scheme. Whilst in the office and on client site, there were opportunity to speak to numerous members of staff. Whilst on client site, many colleagues got out for dinner each evening providing more networking opportunities.

There appear to be many opportunities to get involved in outside of work. Many colleagues I spoke to were training together for a 10K run. There was an office newspaper highlighting many events outside of work that have occurred such as girls night which involved a cocktail making session. I spoke to many colleagues who told me they regularly meet up for drinks outside of work as everyone becomes good friends with other employees starting at the same time as you.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. I throughly enjoyed my 3 weeks and gained an invaluable insight into what working at a company like Deloitte is really like. Despite the lengthy application process, I would encourage all of my friends to apply to an SVS to allow you to see if this is a career you would want to pursue after graduating. I feel during my 3 week placement, I really developed as a person and my confidence has been boosted. At the end of the SVS, you are fast tracked to a partner interview for a graduate scheme with the firm. This is such a valuable opportunity as returning to University for your 3rd year with a job confirmed for after you graduate is a great feeling. You no longer have the stress of applying for jobs during your final year and can focus on your studies.