Women In Business Insight Scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my insight scheme with PwC because it gave me a realistic view of what it would be like to work for the company. Time and time again the staff I asked said their favourite thing about PwC was their colleagues, that the people were great, and it was very true. Despite it being a short visit, I too felt the people made the office, and they were all very welcoming and keen to help, even if they weren't directly involved in the Women In Business Scheme.

I felt like the majority of the tasks I completed for the Senior Associates were valued and appreciated. Although at the start it was difficult to find me jobs, I felt my interest and flexibility in what I did was valued by the team when looking for jobs I could do. I guess since our levels of ability are unknown, the work we complete is always quite basic and some of which could be sent off to admin staff, but this didn't bother me as I was able to get an insight into every stage of the audit process and provide assistance wherever possible. When giving this firm a star rating for this, I think it's fair to say the staff were ever so welcoming and grateful for everything we did, but it was too short a time period to say they were "like family" just yet.

Absolutely every question I had was answered, without a hint of inconvenience. And they always answered fully and completely, sharing insights I may not have known - going above and beyond to ensure they were completely understood. Anything I asked regarding recruitment was also answered and guidance was given, and for anyone that didn't know the answers, they knew people who did.

In the most part, I will continue to take forward the professional working attitude in life, and I now that beyond all else, my opinions developed regarding working in audit and for this company will guide my decisions in the future too.

The insight scheme was well structured on the first day, with clear introductions and delivery of equipment etc. However, once I got passed over to my buddy in the afternoon, through no fault of their own, it became more difficult. This was because planned work shadowing required independence checks which had not been sent in advance, and could not be completed at the time since technology took a while to kick in. Due to this, the plan for work for the next few days was less plain sailing, just because we had to find appropriate work among a wider variety of staff. Although this broader range of insights was appreciated by myself. For others on the scheme, who had meetings in the diary, or client visits, there was a bit more structure for them to follow.

The atmosphere among the students, buddies and general office was very positive and enjoyable. It was clear to see from talking to the staff that hard work gets done at PwC, but that most members of staff seriously do enjoy doing it and working there. I think all of us on my Bristol based scheme felt like they came away with worthwhile insights and were pleased they took part.

We were taught about Vantage, their internal training platform, and were sent training courses via email, that would ordinarily go to all related staff members. In addition to this, they taught us what they were doing, and how to complete tasks as we went along, so I was still learning the whole time.

This was provided regularly from the initial Introductory sessions, to any questions asked throughout the visit. People were honest and truthful, and genuinely seemed to enjoy working here.

Again, by seeing first hand how they work, the hot-desking and busy seasons, I felt I had a much better understanding of the day to day life. It was different for everyone I asked, but the flexibility of work, and willingness to get involved, and get the job done was a great atmosphere to be in. A group came to visit one day, asking real staff on the floor how they could improve working methods, particularly using technology, in the Assurance sector. This really demonstrated how PwC are trying to be their best and aid life for everyone. Talking to staff hearing that they really do participate in Corporate League sports as well.

I had enough insight from processes in different teams and departments to allow me to make informed choices about my career moving forward.

Not yet paid, but have been told we will be.

Everyone I wanted to meet, I met. Staff at every stage of their career, even parents who were between parental leave. I got to meet colleagues across sectors and now have contacts who have offered me further advice for the future.

During the day, all of the before mentioned occurred. Outside of working hours, I was invited to play corporate league matches and go for lunches with the teams, which had I known would have occurred in advance, I would have made my diary clear for.

As previously mentioned.

I would definitely recommend this insight program to a whole variety of friends to participate in. It has a wide range of sectors to ask about and has helped shape my decisions moving forward.