Associate Review

I very much enjoyed my team here at PwC in the St.Albans office. The atmosphere in the office is very friendly and I got to speak to many clients. I performed a wide-range of tasks that were actually useful to the audit process and therefore I felt like a valued member of the team.

I felt very valued by my colleagues from associates all the way up to managers. Performing actual work for the audit process and being a valued member of the team made this internship a truly worthwhile experience. I was given a range of responsibilities many of which were fully under my own control.

Support was readily handed out and it was encouraged for interns and all colleagues to actively ask for support and guidance. When support and guidance was given it was delivered in a friendly but efficient manner that encouraged you to learn quickly but did so without alienating you or causing too much stress.

Whilst client-side the days were full and busy with various jobs such as completing EGA's (Evidence gathering activities). This includes going to speak to clients, requesting and receiving documents and then documenting our findings. As a result days were usually fairly busy but throughout the year I have been made aware that Assurance and Audit are somewhat seasonal.

I was given a surprising amount of responsibility whilst on my placement here at PwC in the St.Albans branch. My responsibilities were fully my own which was surprising and refreshing as I was under the impression that on internships most interns are given "busy work" but at PwC this was not the case.

Over the course of my internship at PwC in the St.Albans branch I developed a wide range of skills. From a technical standpoint I am much more informed from an accounting and auditing point of view. Similarly, my soft skills with regards to working in a professional environment have also increased.

General atmosphere in the office was pleasant and very friendly. As a fairly small office most individuals know everyone so there is a nice group environment. Hot-desks help with the intimate environment whilst larger sectioned off office rooms help provide privacy when teams need to meet to discuss their audit projects.

I thought that overall this internship at the St.Albans branch of PwC was very well organised right from the start. Completing the online tests were straightforward and as I progressed through to the final interview stage the organisation of the firm was impressive. Regular communication through email helped kept things organised.

It is evident from the very beginning that PwC as a firm invests heavily in its people. From the assessment centers to the residential inductions to the actual internship there has never been a moment where I have felt like a number in the system or that I was neglected.

I would be pleased to continue to work at PwC in the future. In the first three years I like the idea that I would be working to get my ACA qualifications as these are highly valuable and a real asset to my own knowledge. After that PwC is a large firm with a number of roles which is a positive.

The social scene at the firm was pleasantly surprising. due to the fact the audit teams are usually made up of young post grads the social scene is active and friendly. There are regular events and even on a work basis there is a good workplace social scene that is valuable.

The cost of living and socialising was high but that is to be expected in this location. St.Albans is predominantly an affluent area and therefore the costs of living and socialising are high, there are less than being in Central London but a fair bit more than being in the midlands or further up north

St.Albans has a relatively quiet nightlife but there are countless pubs and a few bars which are a real treat. London is also a short train ride away and trains are regular so therefore it is within easy reach and access of larger more vibrant nightlife should you desire something like that.

As an intern there were a few opportunities available but I fully aware that as full time employees there are a wide range of activities to get involved with outside of work. Also, due to the flexi working hours it is easier to adapt your work schedule around other hobbies.