Deal Advisory Vacation Scheme Review

The programme was very enjoyable. All members of the team made me feel very welcome and were happy to answer any and all questions I had. I completed the Vacation Scheme in Deal Advisory, so got to experience 2 weeks in the restructuring department, and then two weeks in transaction services.

I felt very valued - everyone went out of their way to introduce themselves and ask you how you were getting on. Everyone was very friendly and I got the impression they wanted to make me feel part of the firm. Also, KPMG gives you an allowance for lunch every day which is great.

The level of guidance was ideal. For each task, someone would explain what needed doing/what was expected and then I was left to complete it, but always had the option to go back and ask more questions. There is also a formal appraisal-like system in place to ensure you meet proper goals during the 4 weeks.

I study economics at university, so working in deals, TS and restructuring wasn't entirely relevant to the degree itself. However the skills I developed will help hugely, e.g. networking with colleagues, properly formatting emails, taking notes and minutes and using Excel and Outlook efficiently just to name a few of them.

The programme was split into 2 weeks which gave a nice balance to the month. Day-to-day, tasks came to me as and when people needed them done, so there was less "structure" as such for this, but my manager always made sure I had something to do/not too much on my plate.

KPMG is known for a great corporate culture. The office is great, everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

There are online training modules via the intranet that you must complete within your first week of joining. Beyond that, there are other training modules available to you if you choose to complete them, so the option is always there if you want to learn more. When it comes to day-to-day tasks you are encouraged to ask lots of questions, so there are plenty of chances to train/develop your skills.

I was made to feel like a full time member of staff whilst I was here - I was included in team meetings, went for lunches with colleagues, was copied in on relevant emails/correspondence even if I wasn't in direct contact with the client and everyone kept making sure I felt included and invited me to various events.

The insight hugely helped me understand the company culture - which is very open and friendly.

I was offered the chance to sit a Partner interview at the end of the Vacation scheme to be assessed for a Graduate role to train as a Chartered Accountant. The vacation programme was so well executed and the company felt great to work for, that I decided if I was offered a graduate role I would take it.

I was paid an hourly rate for the vacation scheme - I had to fill in a timesheet to ensure my hours were checked and then paid to me via bank transfer. The first day was held in one of the offices in London (I live in Edinburgh) and the firm paid for my flights and accommodation for the induction.

I was introduced to every member of the teams I worked in, and even more people outside of the team.

Very good - student recruitment organises social events for vacation scheme interns after one of your days working to get to know each other outside of an office setting. We were taken to escape rooms as a group one evening which was great fun and let us work together as teams.

KPMG encourages charity work, and there are a variety of networks you can joint hat run external events too.

I would definitely recommend this to a friend - the company made me feel really valued and invested in.