Gap year Intern/Gap scholar placement Review

I felt that I was sufficiently challenged day to day, but that there was a great network of people there to support me and to whom I could direct any questions. I felt that I was included and treated with respect, even though I was a low ranking employee.

The relationship I developed with my colleagues is such that I am still very much in contact with them. I felt that they were very supportive and valued my input to the team.

I never felt alone or worried, as there were always people I could ask for help - this included a 'buddy', a coach, the placement coordinator, and the team who I worked with.

Work varied a lot - at the beginning of my placement, given the nature of the job I was working on, the hours were long and I was very busy, however I enjoyed this and did not feel as though I was pressured into anything that I did not want to do. Occasionally, during my second placement, there were times where I did not have enough to do, but these were few and I could usually fill the gaps.

I was surprised and pleased with the amount of responsibility I ended up having, especially towards the end of the placement. I felt that I earned the respect and trust of my seniors, and they gave me more responsibility as this relationship progressed.

The skills I learned and improved upon ranged from everyday, broadscale skills, such as handling clients, answering queries and questions appropriately, and dealing with people in a business environment. I also learned more specific skills and about the field I was working in, especially regarding investment banking, consultancy, forensic services, and BRS.

The atmosphere was great within the teams I was working with, and in the office as a whole. Even when everyone was very busy, there was an effort made to maintain morale.

Although the basics were covered, at times I have felt that there could have been more communication. Ultimately, however, there were no significant issues.

The mere fact that the company provided such an extensive placement for people of a younger age contributed hugely to my personal training and development, as I now have a much clearer and more substantial understanding of the company, and indeed the working world. The continued support and communication I have with pwc, and the fact that I can return during my summers of university, illustrate their investment in me as an employee.

I am hoping to join the internship programme for next summer, and at the moment I am strongly considering joining them as a graduate.

I am still close to many of the other people on the placement, even though they were mostly in different offices.

I live in London anyway so the cost was not a shock to me.

I did not go out in the area I worked in, apart from to a few bars after work with colleagues.

I live in London, therefore I am aware and involved in many activities outside of work