Pensions Summer Intern Review

I greatly enjoyed my internship. I received a good volume of work and was involved in a variety of projects. I felt like a valued member of the team and felt trusted to complete important tasks. The team was very welcoming and sought to get me involved in work and social events. At the beginning of the internship all the interns met in Windsor for a 3 day induction which was fantastic, there were large social events which allowed us to network with PwC staff and get to know each other.

I felt like a valued member of the team. I was trusted to complete important tasks and would receive work relatively quickly when I informed the team that I was light on scope. My colleagues made an effort to introduce me to the team, check on my wellbeing and took an interest in my development. They were always open to answering any questions I had and made an effort to ensure I got the most out of my experience. I was invited to and enjoyed going to all the social events organised by the team.

I had an initial meeting, mid internship review and end of internship review with my career coach, which is a manager who is your contact for your career development. My career coach was always willing to listen to my feedback, answer any questions I had and gave me feedback and guidance on what I was doing well and how to improve. I also received detailed and prompt feedback from my colleagues when I asked for it.

For the most part, I had plenty of work to do. The work I received was varied and interesting as the team tried to ensure I was receiving tasks which would benefit my development. How busy you are does depend on your own engagement, if you ask what people are doing and offer to get involved the team are happy to involve you in their projects and find things for you to do. Sometimes work comes to you, but for the most part the initiative is on you to go out and find it. This allows you to get involved with what you find interesting. There were occasions where I was left without tasks to do when days were quiet, but this was rare. Even so, there are plenty of learning videos to complete online so there is never nothing for you to do.

I felt I had a reasonable amount of responsibility during my internship. The tasks you complete are around the same level as a first/second year associate, as you mainly receive your work from them. There is no pressure or penalty if you get it wrong, as all the work you complete gets checked by a manager. During the first few weeks of my six week internship I only worked on internal tasks like business development and research, however as I gained more experience I was mainly involved on client based, billable work during my final three weeks where you have more responsibility to meet deadlines. Everyone makes sure your workload is reasonable and it is encouraged to speak out if you feel like you have too much. I felt comfortable and confident with the amount of responsibility I was given.

I have gained invaluable experience of what it is like to work in an office team during my internship. I have learned a great deal of technical skills on windows and Microsoft products as well as technical skills relevant to my line of service. Also, I have gained a great deal of personal development as I am responsible for my own commute to work, looking after a laptop and company phone and being responsible for the work I am assigned. I have learned valuable skills which can only be gained through experience, such as how to reply to formal emails, the best ways to get involved with the team both professionally and socially and how to research independently.

The atmosphere in my team was friendly and relaxed. The dress code is casual, which definitely adds to the relaxed feel of the workplace. The team are very friendly and I took part in various social events which I enjoyed. It feels like my colleagues genuinely enjoy being part of the team and their work.

The internship was very well organised. There is a dedicated student recruitment team who send you weekly emails to check on how everyone is doing and to update you with any tasks which need completing. I had a buddy who was very friendly and worked to integrate me into the team, show me around the office and was always available and willing to help me and answer any questions I had. Any issues were rectified quickly and the student recruitment team were always on hand to help.

I feel the company invested a great deal in my personal training and development. My first three days were spent on a residential in Windsor on a very impressive location where we had a lot of training and seminars introducing us to our roles. I felt like a new graduate joiner, as we received all the same technology and accessories such as a phone, laptop and rucksack that a graduate would receive. I was fully trained on the tasks I was assigned and my team made an effort to take extra time to explain the context behind the tasks I was completing to help my understanding of the bigger picture.

There is a clear career progression structure with incentives to get promoted and pass exams as an employee of PwC. You have a fantastic opportunity to prove yourself during the internship, get a good picture of the organisation and have a great chance of a graduate job offer if you are enthusiastic, make an effort to get involved with team events and are always looking for work to do. I accepted a job offer at the end of my internship!

The induction at Windsor was a fantastic opportunity to meet and get to know the fellow interns with opportunities to socialise every night after the presentations during the day. There were team building activities where teams were made up of interns from your office which was a great opportunity to have fun with other interns. The presentations were interactive and encouraged you to work with your colleagues. I built a good network with the other interns and we meet for lunch, travel to work together and socialise after work. There are many social events within the team too, including team lunches, sports and after work socials.

I work and live in Birmingham, so the price is what I am used to. As with anywhere, there are cheaper places and more expensive places. I don't think the cost is too expensive compared to elsewhere, it is certainly cheaper than London! There is plenty of choice and always something to suit everyone.

The Nightlife in Birmingham is strong. There is plenty of choice of venues around the office and in the city. Once a month there is an office wide social in one of the venues around the office, and there are team wide socials which take place occasionally. There is a wide variety of bars, clubs and pubs to suit all tastes.

Yes, I took part in a football tournament in a team with other interns and played sports with members of my team. There is an office wide social once a month which you are invited to and many team wide events which you also get the opportunity to attend. The team treats you like any other team member and you have the opportunity to take part in the many events which are organised.