Associate in Assurance Review

Though the tasks I carried out on a day-to-day basis were not always particularly inspiring, the people I came into contact with, both in my job teams and around the office, were all so friendly and fun that I found myself laughing a lot more than anticipated.

I was always made to feel like a part of the team and any good work I did was praised, as it would be with anyone else. This feeling of being valued was supported by the trust they put in me with tasks I was given, and the time they took to guide me through new tasks.

From the word go I felt surrounded by people offering support, the greatest of these being my assigned buddy who was always happy to answer my questions, however silly they seemed. Throughout my on-site jobs, my other team members offered significant guidance at all times. I was never left feeling out of my depth or without understanding for long. My team leaders were always happy to give thorough and constructive feedback when requested.

As it was not busy season and I was in a Northern regional office there was not always specific Audit work I could do with my limited knowledge and skills, but I kept myself busy with all the e-learning classes available to me. My team members tried to give me as many Audit-related tasks as possible, even if they were fairly menial. There were very few times when I was left to get bored.

I was given as much responsibility as my level of skills and experience would allow. After initial training and guidance I was let out to perform tasks on client sites and was expected to speak to clients and gather from them any information I felt necessary to complete the tasks I had been set. Though at first this was very daunting, it soon became routine.

Most likely very little in my degree course but they will certainly be of use once I reach the working world as I shall be taking a job doing the same thing as I did on my internship.

Though I was on client site a lot of the time so didn't spend much time in the office, there was always lots going on. From sports days and socials, to baking rotas and competitions, there was plenty of things which encouraged members of staff of all levels to get involved and get to know each other. They definitely worked hard and played hard.

It seemed a well-oiled machine. Everyone knew where we were meant to be at all times and I ran into no problems with the internship organisation.

We had an intense 3 day residential induction at the beginning of the internship, which featured a lot of classroom learning and gave coverage to many things (some a little out of our range) which we could have faced during our time with the firm.There was then infinite numbers of elearning courses for us to complete, some which were recommended and the rest we were free to complete out of interest. Throughout the 6 weeks, we were given constant training and tips, being asked to complete more substantial and technical tasks as we gained more knowledge. We were also given feedback from all jobs, including development points. We completed a list of personal targets at the beginning of the internship, with the aim of reaching our targets by the end. We were assigned People Managers to help with these.

From my internship I have been offered a job with the firm, as part of the Graduate scheme. From this, I will gain my ACA qualification which opens a lot of doors for me, both within the firm and outside it.

All internship colleagues were keen to get to know one another and we often went out for drinks and dinners, both with colleagues from our own offices and from other regional offices on days when we were required to work together, e.g. Development Day when we all went to Manchester.

Leeds, so generally all very reasonable (though I lived at home so I did not incur costs related to this).

Great atmosphere, plenty of variety, and generally good value for money.

Many different sports events and team activities were available for those interested (not for me) and of course socials which generally took place in Tiger Tiger or The Living Room which appealed to everyone - plenty of free drinks!