This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
This internship allowed me to experience a variety of roles within the corporate tax department. I have gained a deep understanding of what it will be like to work for PwC as a graduate. I think one of the main things that made this internship enjoyable was the people I was working with. Although I spent the majority of time with my team, everyone else I spoke to was welcoming and willing to help.
My colleagues made me feel extremely valued throughout this experience. My team would give me a variety of work throughout the internship so that I was always kept busy, and so that I gained an understanding of the variety of work that happens. There were multiple opportunities to spend time with my colleagues, such as team lunches and drinks after work.
Everyone participating in the internship is given a career coach and a buddy. Your career coach tracks your progress throughout, and your buddy is available to ask any questions you have (along with all other colleagues). I had multiple catch up meetings with my career coach, who would support me by giving me work throughout my internship. My buddy was always willing to listen and answer any questions I had.
Some days I was busier than others, but this was highly dependent on how busy everyone else was on my team. The busier my colleagues were, the more likely I was busy as work would be handed down to me. However, you can always say no to work if you already have quite a lot. On the quieter days, there were always opportunities to shadow meetings/calls, or develop your own learning by using the internal learning programmes.
I was given full responsibility to manage and organise my own time. In terms of work, the majority of work you complete (such as draft emails), you will send back to the colleague(s) that have assigned you to this. I do believe that this is a sensible procedure as interns have little experience.
I have developed how to build client and colleague relationships. I have also learnt how to manage my time in a successful way. For example, if a colleague assigns me work that is not urgent, I know that it is important to update them that you have not forgotten about it, but instead that you have other priorities before this.
The Company
I worked in the Milton Keynes office. This is one of the smaller offices within PwC. I think working in a regional office means you can get to know everyone within the office. There is a friendly atmosphere within the tax and assurance teams, but also between the teams. The office was mainly quite calm and quiet.
The internship starts with a 3 day residential, that includes training, networking and team building events. This was a great way to meet some of the other interns that you will be working with throughout your internship. On the first day of being in the office, you meet everyone in your team and get a tour of the office. You will be set some initial tasks, and your workload will build as your colleagues get to know your strengths.
PwC supplies you with a laptop and an iphone to help your development. The 3 day residential is the first chance to teach you about the specific area you are interning in. The firm also arranges for you to shadow a partner/director for the day, in order to experience a day in their life.
Flexi Time
Company Parties/Events
Participating in the internship means you gain an understanding of what the current graduates do on a day to day basis. It seems like they participate in a variety of work, and are able to get involved in lots of projects if they want too. I therefore think the future employment prospects are very appealing.
The Culture
There was always opportunities to go out for drinks after work, and go to lunch with your colleagues, especially on a friday.
Cost of petrol and parking were the main costs, but you have access to a parking permit.
I did not have an opportunity to experience this, but have heard it is quite good
Yes. Your team will organise social events that are funded by the company.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
East Midlands
July 2019