First Year Insight Programme Review

I took part in the KPMG First Year Insight Programme held in the Manchester office. It was over two days and consisted of around 29 students. It was extremely enjoyable as over the two days, we had presentations from the different business areas and thus could learn more about the various divisions within KPMG and what they do.

Upon arrival on the first day, we were warmly welcomed with breakfast served for all the participants. Breakfast and lunch were provided for the two days. Besides that, the HR were extremely friendly and made an effort to make us feel part of the firm by ensuring that everything was alright.

There was no work shadowing during the insight. However, there was a business challenge involved on the second day. Support was given such that before the challenge, there was a workshop on presentation skills and we were also given an insight into the challenge on the first day. There was also a networking opportunity at the end of the first day so that we could ask the business professionals any questions we had.

I feel that during the insight I was able to learn more about the firm, and more about the different service lines. Also, I learnt more about the competencies the firm is looking out for. Coupled with the fact that there was a networking and presentation skills workshop, I feel that all these skills will help me when applying for my summer internship next year or even for a graduate role when the time comes.

It was very well structured. I felt that over the two days we managed to cover a lot which is great for the participants. On the first day, we were already shown the schedules for the two days so that we could be mentally prepared. The schedule was packed but it did not feel too tiring or intense at all. It was enjoyable!

The general atmosphere was really great! The participants were extremely friendly and since the group was not too large, this made it easy to have a chance to mingle with everybody. The KPMG staff were also very enthusiastic, friendly and forthcoming with advice. They seemed like they genuinely wanted to answer our questions and provide us with some advice.

The firm gave workshops on networking and presentation skills. They could not do much personal training and development since it was only a two day programme and it had to be balanced out with providing informational talks on the different business lines such as financial advisory, consulting, tax and audit.

I felt that it was good as they got people working in the firm as an associate to those at partner level to come speak to us. This allowed us to understand what having a full time role with the company would be like, and how the job scope and role changes as you are in a different position of responsibility.

We managed to gain an insight of the company's culture by talking to the employees and asking them questions.

It was very important. As participants did not have to specify which business area they wanted to join before coming on this first year insight programme, it was possible that some participants changed their minds after listening to the talks given by a business area. Thus, as they provided us with much insight into the various business lines they offer, it helped me to decide which one interested me the most.

They did not pay us for this insight. They only reimbursed transport and the maximum was £100 for two days. As it is also a non-residential programme, you have to find your own accommodation.

Yes, there was a networking event organised at the end of the first day. It was about an hour and a half to two hours long. They invited associates from different business lines to mingle with us over drinks and canapés. It was very useful and beneficial as it was a chance for us to find out more about what it is like working in both KPMG and that specific line of service and ask them questions about their day to day work life and the kinds of projects they work on etc.

It was good.

Yes. I feel that it is an excellent opportunity as you can take it as a learning opportunity and if you do well you will also be offered a summer internship for the next year. They assess you based on the business challenge on day two which is like an assessment centre i.e. a group discussion on a case study and there will be assessors assigned to you to assess you.