Vacation Student Review

I really enjoyed the vacation programme as it provided such a good insight into what Audit involves, scaling from small companies to much larger ones. It provided the opportunity to complete work on projects, interact with clients and understand the type of work that you would be doing on the graduate scheme.

The multiple teams that I worked with were all very encouraging and greatly valued the work that I completed. As the vacation programme progressed I was given more and more challenging work from colleagues which interested me greatly and really made me feel as if I was making a contribution to the project.

I definitely felt that I had support throughout the programme from my buddy, who I knew I could ask any questions. Within the teams I worked on the colleagues that gave me work to complete were all very helpful in initially explaining what was required and were always happy to answer further questions as the work progressed.

The skills I obtained will be invaluable on the graduate programme next year, making the transition of joining the firm as a graduate much smoother as I already have a much deeper knowledge of audit. Other skills that I developed using excel will also aid the data analysis component of the final year of my degree.

The induction day was very helpful for a general overview and setting up IT equipment. The first day in the office was also extremely informative due to my very helpful buddy going through the welcome pack and any extra relevant information. The rest of the programme was split between three projects, work was given as it arose.

Everyone that I worked with was very welcoming and created engaging atmospheres to work in. They were very helpful answering questions for further clarification on work, forming a strong team environment where group discussions would often take place regarding areas of difficulty in the work in order to find the best solutions.

Throughout the programme as I was given increasingly challenging work to complete I definitely feel that KPMG invested in me and my future at the firm. Colleagues ensured that I had a proper understanding of the work that I was completing so that if I were to progress with my future career this would form a sound basis.

The vacation programme definitely gave a strong insight into what life working for KPMG would involve. Talking to colleagues at different grades formed an informative picture of what life on the graduate scheme would entail, particularly as I was completing work that a graduate trainee would, as well as understanding what life at the firm beyond would entail.

The vacation programme provided a strong insight into the company culture and the values that they portrait. The induction day highlighted the key values of KPMG and involved workshops to fully understand what each of them involved. In addition watching colleagues demonstrate these values within the work environment really reinforced the culture of KPMG.

The content of the vacation programme was invaluable in helping me to decide on my future career path. Before the programme I did not really have a strong idea of what audit involved, but the programme provided such an immersive insight into the area, and through completing work it solidified my decision for my future career.

I was paid according to the annual salary stated in my contract and was reimbursed for all expenses while at client sites including lunch and travel.

There were networking opportunities at the induction day and a social event for all vacation programme employees at the regional offices. While on my first day in the office my buddy was very helpful and introduced me to a range of employees in working in different areas of the company.

The networking at the induction session was helpful although was only with other vacation students and employees of the Birmingham office and so was not that helpful if you were not working in that location. I was unable to attend the social event for vacation students as it was hosted in Bristol and would have involved +4 hours of travel.

Particularly during the induction day I heard about volunteering opportunities that employees can take throughout the year. I was also invited to play badminton with colleagues from my office which is run on a weekly basis.

I already have recommended this vacation programme as it provided such a good experience and insight into audit and the work actually involved. I was given work to complete that made you feel as if you were contributing to the project and was given a good understanding of what working for KPMG in the future would entail.