Vacation Scheme Audit Review

Right from day one I was given the chance to work on client site with my own work and responsibilities. They really try and vary the work you are given to ensure you get as good a picture as possible about life at KPMG. Only thing I will say is that towards the end they were struggling to find interesting work for me as I would be leaving soon and didn't want to leave with work unfinished but this wouldn't be an issue with a graduate job.

The best thing about KPMG is the people. Everyone from graduate trainees to partners were always available if I needed help and advice or just wanted a chat and to tell me their stories. I felt a valued member of the team even though I was only there for 6 weeks!

I mainly worked with 3 managers/assistant managers during my time at KPMG and these were my first point of call if I needed help with anything and they were always happy to help. Although everyone is always available if you need help and support. I was given a buddy when I first joined who helped me settle in and we went for a meal after my first day to give me the chance to meet some others who work at KPMG. I had a bit of a problem in that my performance manager was based in London so couldn't really help but this was made up by the in charges on jobs being a big help. I don't believe this would be an issue for a graduate job.

The first 5 weeks I always had lots of work to do and it varied which kept the work interesting. However the last week had a few parts where I was stretching out the work to keep me with something to do but this was just because anything else I started wouldn't be finished before I left. Not a big issue.

You are given lots of responsibility from day one and I even had 1:1 client meetings during my stay so there are lots of opportunities to prove yourself. Although all work completed was reviewed by a manager or partner it was still work I had responsibility to complete. If you're worried about being given too much responsibility don't worry, there's always someone around to ask for help and the work you're given high risk but is still important. I felt like I was given responsibility from day one but I always felt I had support if I needed it.

My excel skills were pretty bad before joining having never done IT since year 9 but now I feel as if I know excel quite well. Also the interpersonal, presentational and business knowledge and skills you gain from an internship are invaluable. In particular I feel I'm a lot more confident speaking to those I don't know very well than before my internship.

The office had a relaxed but busy atmosphere. There are no strict working hours as long as you get your hours in for the week so lots of people were coming and going. People were always working but the office never felt overly pressured. Client sites varied but generally had a relaxed atmosphere and all clients I worked with were very friendly.

At times it felt a bit ad hoc. Work wasn't planned for me in advance apart from my first job so work was given on a finished the work before basis. We were given buddies upon joining but I didn't see mine much after week 3 as we were on different jobs and he went to college. Also we were told we would have a day shadowing a partner but of the 5 in audit at our office only 2 actually had this opportunity. However we did have a CR(corporate responsibility) day organised for all those on the vacation scheme in which we volunteered at a local trust and got help some disadvantaged individuals with CVs and interviews. Then afterwards KPMG had organised a meal and bowling which was well planned. Although at times the internship could've been organised better I never felt out of place or that I wasn't of value to the team.

As this was only a 6 week internship not much training was given to us. We had an induction day where we got to see the office and learn a bit more about our areas and then from there training was given when we needed it. So when preparing working papers colleagues would show me what to do and help if I needed it. There is online training which I used a few times when work was quiet that gave some help with what I was doing.

I have been offered a graduate position after I finish my degree and I will definitely be taking it. I would recommend KPMG to any of my friends. From the vacation scheme there are good prospects of being offered a graduate position. I think 85% on average are offered graduate jobs and from those who don't get offered most decide the career is not for them which is why they aren't offered a graduate job.

We met up for drinks a few times and most lunches in the office were spent with other interns. Also the bowling night was organised for the vacation students.

Leeds is pretty standard compared to other cities outside London. Definitely affordable.

I've never been but I hear Leeds has a really good nightlife.

During the internship no really as we were there for so little time. However there are many sports/music teams which you can get involved in and many volunteer opportunities for those there longer term. Also there were lots of socials being organised and I hear the Christmas ball is really good.