Risk & Regulation Consultant Review

Overall, my experience working at KPMG was very positive. I enjoyed the varied nature of consultancy meaning no two days while at the company where the same. In addition, I enjoyed going to work every morning as everyone in the office made me feel very comfortable to be there.

While working for KPMG I felt my colleagues valued my input and work highly. I received many requests to complete different pieces of work, always receiving a positive response and feedback from others. I never felt I was under-appreciated and was kept busy during my time on the vacation scheme.

Upon starting the vacation scheme I was assigned a 'buddy' who was a recent graduate, now working at KPMG. My buddy met me on my first day and introduced me to everyone in the office. Their role was to answer any questions I had and provide support on the work I was doing on the vacation scheme. We met regularly to ensure I was enjoying my time on the vacation scheme. In addition to a 'buddy' I also had a project manager who I had regular meetings with to check the vacation scheme was meeting my expectations and if there was any areas I wanted to work on. Overall, the support during my month at KPMG was excellent.

The work I was involved in during my time at KPMG was not directly applicable to my particular degree but the skills I developed were. For example, I helped to write multiple reports over the course of the month in which the writing skills I developed can be applied to many of the assessments in my degree. In addition, my role as a consultant at KPMG involved a lot of interaction with different clients and people meaning my communication and people skills were improved. These skills are important both in my studies and beyond. The main area I feel I developed while working for KPMG is my professionalism which will be a great benefit to me after finishing my degree and entering the workplace.

The vacation scheme began with an induction day in London with other students also on the programme. In this we learnt more about our role at KPMG, what we should expect and how to use the company's internal system. Following this, we joined our home office in which we would be based for the rest of the month. Due to the nature of consultancy, the type of work that I was doing varied on a daily basis. One day I was in the office helping write a report, the next I was travelling to a client site to meet with a client and gather information. I met with my buddy and project manager on a weekly basis to talk about my progress and raise any issues.

The general atmosphere in the office was very relaxed and friendly. After introducing myself to everyone in the office I quickly felt part of the team. Senior colleagues respected that I was a vacation student, realising I may not know how to do certain things. If I was unsure about a particular piece of work other colleagues were happy to explain to me what needed to be done. I never felt intimidated or unable to raise my opinion.

Upon joining, the company provided me with a list of activities and skills that I could develop over the course of the vacation scheme. My buddy and project manager met with me regularly to check that I was developing in these particular areas. They also asked if there was a particular area that I wanted to develop further or an area I wanted to get involved in which I had previously been unable to do.

The vacation scheme provided me with a strong idea what it would be like to have a full time role with KPMG. The work I was helping with was the work graduates at the firm were also completing. This gave me an idea of what to expect if I were to work at KPMG after graduating from university. In addition, particularly for consulting, a large amount of travelling is involved. My month at the firm allowed me to actually experience the amount of travelling the would be involved and the different location I may be sent to if I was actually working for the company.

Before joining KPMG I had the perception that the company and environment would be very intense. However, after my experience on the vacation scheme I now understand the company culture is relaxed and supportive. I enjoyed going to the office in the morning and got along with everyone in the department I was based.

Consulting has always been an attractive future career path for me due to the varied nature of the work. Taking part in the vacation programme has consolidated my desire to work in this profession.

The salary offered for the vacation scheme at KPMG is based on an annual salary of an 'E grade'. I was very please to be paid at all for my time at the company as the experience gained is extremely valuable. All expenses you may spend on travel or food while working away from the office are reimbursed.

There were various opportunities for networking during the month. In the first week of joining there was a networking event in the office with other vacation scheme students from other departments. Drinks and snacks were provided. This was a fantastic opportunity to get to know others on the scheme and find out about the particular role they were involved in. Another event took place towards the end of the month, again with vacation scheme students. This was bowling and food after work. On the last day of the month office drinks were held for the entire office. This was an opportunity to speak to senior colleagues from various different departments.

The networking events were well organised and provided all the vacation students a great opportunity to get to know one another. It was good to hear the experiences of people going through the same scheme as yourself, allowing you to compare different roles and departments.

The company has a weekly e-mail the informs staff of any activities that are occurring outside of work. In the case of vacation students, KPMG organised a Corporate Social Responsibility day outside of the office in which we delivered employability events to people who are in long term unemployment. This was a great opportunity to see some of the things KPMG does outside of the normal work environment. Staff at the company get a certain amount of days to take to get involved in CSR days.

I would recommend the vacation scheme to a friend. Particularly, I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about a career in financial services.