PwC Talent Academy at PwC

10.0/10

About You

10.0

The Organisation

10.0

Everything Else

10.0

About You

Role Description

3 day residential work experience programme. The main activities were individual and group exercises based around a hypothetical business.

1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

I really enjoyed the Talent Academy, as it gave me the opportunity to experience what life at PwC is really like. The activities were challenging, but really fun. I would recommend anyone with an interest in professional services to apply to the programme.

10/10

2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

I felt very valued during the Academy; the staff made us feel as though we were part of the team, and did not patronise us.

10/10

3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

Staff were always available to answer any questions that we had. In the main group presentation task we were also given the opportunity to attend a special clinic to order to obtain expert advice from the PwC team.

10/10

4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

The skills I developed at the Academy will be immensely useful in my future career; the ability to work in a team and the ability to adapt to changing information were both strongly scrutinised.

10/10

The Organisation

5. How well structured was the insight?

The programme was very well-structured and there were few overruns, each activity was scheduled well, and there was a large variety of activities.

10/10

6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

There was a very friendly atmosphere throughout the Academy; staff and students alike contributed to an enjoyable working environment.

10/10

7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

The investment by PwC was invaluable; we were given frequent opportunities to seek advice and feedback from the recruitment team. The opportunity to take part in several supervised activities allowed me to receive a lot of high-quality feedback on how to improve.

10/10

8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

I felt as though the project activities were an accurate reflection of the kinds of work that PwC employees deal with on a day-to-day basis. The activities were done under severe time pressure, with new information frequently added just before the deadline, which made them realistic.

10/10

9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

The staff consistently gave the impression of enjoying their work at PwC, and we were shown a presentation on arrival that described the ethos of PwC. We were also able to see that the staff enjoy socialising after work and that there is a vibrant atmosphere outside of the office!

10/10

10. How valuable was the content of the day in helping you to decide on your future career path?

Attending the Academy has certainly made me more committed to pursue a career with PwC. The event allowed us to sample multiple service lines at PwC, including Financial Advisory and Consulting.

10/10

Other Information

11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

I will be reimbursed expenses for bus travel to and from the Academy. As of July 2013, PwC reimburse travel expenses of up to £150. Taxi travel from Great Victoria Street station to the event location was also paid for by PwC.

12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

Yes, there was a Pimms reception with senior staff, as well as a networking formal dinner. After the dinner there was a further opportunity to network at the bar with staff.

10/10

13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

The networking and social events were brilliant! On the opening night we had a quiz, which allowed us to better get to know other students. In addition, the Pimms reception and networking dinner with senior staff was highly enjoyable and very informative about life at PwC.

10/10

14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

PwC staff are able to take part in an annual pantomime that benefits disadvantaged children. There are also PwC sports teams.

10/10

15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

Certainly! The Academy has improved my employability skills and has helped me to better determine my career path.

10/10