Vacation Student - Audit NM Review

I found the experience very enjoyable. All employees were very friendly and willing to help. The work I did was varied, which kept the 4 weeks interesting, and gave a good insight into daily life as a KPMG employee. The structure of the internship allowed me to gain experience both in the office and on client site.

The atmosphere was a lot more relaxed than I had expected, and I felt like I became a member of the team, rather than just an intern. My colleagues were keen to chat to me and make me feel welcome. If I had questions regarding general admin things, or more detailed questions to do with audit work, I was always provided with a helpful response.

The support system is well structured for the vacation scheme. Each intern is assigned a Buddy and a Performance Manager who are a great help. My Buddy was able to assist me with settling in and understanding how different processes work. I had weekly meetings with my Performance Manager to review what I had been doing, how I was finding it and any short term goals.

During my first engagement, I had days when I hardly had anything to do as it was coming towards the end of the half year audit, and there wasn't much I could help with. However, on my second client, I was given lots of work every day, helping various team members with tasks and was almost always busy.

I was given much more responsibility than I had expected. For example, I was trusted to speak to the client by myself regularly to discuss our findings and ask questions which I would report back to my team. This was great for putting myself out of my comfort zone and experiencing Audit work first hand.

The skills I learnt were not directly linked to my degree, however I did greatly improve my Excel skills which may help me in my studies. The training is extremely helpful if you want to pursue this career as a grad, as the insight and experience you get is so valuable.

Although I didn't spend much time in the office, mostly on client site, the office atmosphere always seemed highly relaxed and friendly. The dress code is 'dress for your day' which makes it seem even more casual. People are able to chat which makes it seem like an enjoyable place to be.

The internship was planned out well, with each intern being assigned two or more clients to be at. The structure of the feedback sessions was well organised and logical, and the progression throughout the 4 weeks was clear. However, during my time at the office between engagements I was left without much to do, which could have been improved.

We received some online training which was mandatory for working at client site. I feel the employees gave the most personal training in terms of explaining processes, procedures and general life at KPMG. Other than that, it was more a case of learning on the job, which is the most useful way.

There are lots of opportunities within KPMG, where progression within the firm has a clear structure, and lots of possibilities. Interns can be offered a grad job at the end of the internship and therefore would no longer need to go through the application process for the Graduate Scheme, which is highly appealing.

When at client site, I attending dinner with my colleagues. The interns were also invited to the summer ball, and had leaving drinks planned for them. When at the office, during lunch I spent time with the other interns to get to know them and talk about what we had all been up to.

Living at home, I did not have to consider the cost of living. Socialising is an average price in this area.

Although I did not attend any nights out, some of the other interns went out after the summer ball. Bristol is an extremely good area for socialising and nights out, with plenty of different options for restaruants, bars and clubs. The office is very central, making this all very accessible.

Aside from the summer ball and leaving drinks, I did not do any activities outside of work. However, I know some other interns played for the firm's cricket team multiple times. If I was there for a greater period of time, it would have been easier to get involved in things like the sports clubs.