Assurance Associate Review

Although intense with ACA exams, it was an enjoyable experience and the exposure to a variety of clients/colleagues is exciting, with lots of support throughout the placement. (The monthly social is good too!) I met people from different offices and have made life-long friends whilst beginning the professional qualification. There is lots of opportunity to get involved in things outside of work such as sports and charity.

The people at the firm made it a very enjoyable and rewarding 11 months. On away jobs, you often go for meals with your team and there are lots of opportunities outside of work to socialise and meet new people. Everyone is very friendly and provide feedback for each job you're on.

Everyone is willing and keen to help. There is a supportive network and everyone is assigned a 'People Manager' who is there to help with any issues. Managers and seniors are also there to support you whilst you are working with clients. If they are not on client site, they're always contactable on phone.

At times, it was very demanding, especially when studying for the ACA exams. Workload can be intense but there are always people to help and you go through it with your peers. You also get some time off as revision before your exams but time management is key and some social aspects may be sacrificed.

Responsibility grew throughout placement. I attended client site on my own but knew I could always contact my manager if I needed. You are responsible for your own work and as you get more competent you get more responsibility. You can opt to be involved in things such as the sports committee or the group competition and organise social events.

The time management and work ethic gained at PwC are very useful entering into the final year of university. As confidence grew, networking skills were also very valuable and will be in any job. Beginning the ACA a year early is a massive stepping stone before graduating and helps you understand the work you are doing.

The hot-desking system works well as you get to meet different people. The office tends to be quiet as you are usually on client site but there is time to catch up with colleagues and share experiences with your peers. Everyone is very friendly and it is a productive working environment

I found it good that we were combined with the graduates and were on the same pathway. So we got to meet lots of people who were going through it at the same time. People took into consideration that you were a placement student and if needed, you can request time to do university assignments.

There is so much training offered from PwC. From the first day you are given training in a class room to learn the basics of the jobs. Most of the training is learnt on the job, with the support and guidance from seniors. Kaplan is the institution for the ACA exams and they provide lots of support

Very. It is a good way to progress onto the graduate scheme after university, for the office or service line you have done your placement in. There is also chance to talk to other people in different service lines to get an insight into their work and the chance to transfer departments.

The social side was very good! There is a office monthly social on the last Friday of the month, organised by the social committee. You also get discounts off lots of sports/theatres/event tickets. As part of the BCASS society there is an annual ball. There is a christmas party and an assurance ball which is good fun!

Living in Birmingham city centre wasn't too expensive. Any travel to and from client site could be claimed back (when the criteria is met). The cost in Birmingham is what you'd expect from any major UK city, but a lot cheaper than London. As a placement student you can still get access to unidays which is always helpful!

Nightlife is fun! There are lots of pubs and bars in Birmingham such as Brindley place or Grand Central. There is also Broad Street which has the clubs. Nightlife is good and theres lots of live music venues or other entertainment such as karoake or ghetto golf in digbeth which also has Digbeth Dining CLub.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in things outside of work. You can be on committees such as the sports committee, the BCASS committee or organise socials with your team. There are also lots of charity events throughout the year and you can organise any event if you have an idea.