Associate 1 (Business Placement Review

by PwC

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.3/5
  • The Role
    4.5
  • The Company
    3.9
  • The Culture
    4.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • Even though I found it quite difficult at the start, mainly due to the transition of life between being a student to an external auditor. However, after a few months into my placement, I started to understand the work I was doing and why. I have enjoyed every part of my placement year from that point onward!

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I feel valued by everyone that I have worked with, the recognition awards and feedback system at PwC ensure individuals are recognised for their hard work. There is also a variety of socials taking place from time to time, which allows people in the office to get to know one another, across different grades and lines of services.

    4/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • The coaching culture at PwC is definitely my favourite part of the firm culture. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunities to work with a lot of patient and caring individuals that are above my grade. They always take time to answer all my queries, this helps to improve my understanding of audit. Everyone at work is also assigned to a people manager, which you go to them with any problems you have, either personal or work related. My people manager was very supportive of me throughout my time at PwC.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • I always had things to do on a daily basis. The normal hours are normally 7.5 hrs. However in busy season (typically January to March), you are expected to work overtime to ensure all work is done before the deadline. There are always people to go to when you are struggling with your own workflow.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. However, this really depends on the size of the client and the team structure. During my busy season, I was the only placement student/1st year trainee out of the whole team. And after I had finished with the original work assigned to me, I was able to take on other tasks that are usually performed by someone above my grade, which helped to improve my technical capabilities hugely.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The skills I have developed during my placement year are far beyond from what I expected. My knowledge for external audit has greatly improved, both in terms of business acumen (understanding of different industries) and technical capabilities (documentation skills, audit knowledge). My interpersonal skill has enhanced by speaking and working with different teams/clients on a daily basis. I also have a much better idea of what I want to learn at my final year of university, I have chosen modules which will be of use if successful in coming back to PwC.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The atmosphere is very friendly in the office. You get to know people around you fairly quickly once you join.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • The overall placement was well organised. We received a numerous of emails before the start date, giving very detailed joining instructions (travel, accommodation etc.). There was also an induction week at the very start of the placement year, which we were tutored by senior associates of the audit software, firm's code of conduct etc.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • PwC has invested a lot in me during the placement year. There were a number of internal trainings throughout the year, to teach us things such as audit fundamentals. There were also external trainings for us to work towards the ACA qualification. We were given days off to go to college/self-managed learning.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • National Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Above 25 days holiday

    Working from home

    3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • We are still waiting to hear back from the recruitment officers. There will be end of year face to face discussions soon (typically a week or two before placement ends). If successful in getting a return offer, one of the conditions would be to pass all our exams and to get at least a 2:1 when we graduate next year.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Yes, there are many social events going around in the office from time to time.

    4/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Cost of living was not really a problem as the office is quite easy to get to from my rented flat. I would say it is a good idea to rent somewhere that is walkable to the office (takes me 20 min. on foot approximately). The rent is also affordable. There are many shops and places to go to nearby where I live.

    4/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • Bristol has a very vibrant nightlife, the city never sleeps!

    5/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • There are endless opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work, as long as you look out for it!

    5/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Accounting

West Midlands

July 2018


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