First Year Insight Programme Participant Review

It was a really enjoyable experience that enabled me to learn about differences, those significant and minute ones, between different departments of KPMG and their programmes. It made me think about my future career, I could expand my professional network and I was offered a summer internship after my participation in an assessed element of the day.

I felt welcomed, it was really easy to connect with everyone, talk to and ask questions. The staff wanted us to be there.

All queries I had were answered, the atmosphere was relaxed, yet professional and whenever I was unsure what to do during exercises I was provided with guidance.

I managed to secure an internship for the next summer, which is invaluable for any person wanting to work within the finance industry. Speakers at the event helped me understand complicated matters connected with how firms work, e.g. I had a chance to explore how insolvency issues are resolved or appreciate the importance of pensions departments.

It was structured very well, everything was explained in the beginning and the firm stuck to the timetable. Some workshops or Q and A sessions were longer than planned, yet it was a positive thing - there was more to learn ! The first day was more about exploring the firm whilst the second focused on workshops. I also liked the idea of the assessed element being placed on the second day, as this way everyone could adjust to the environment on the first and prepare for the challenge.

I enjoyed the experience in general, the employees were really friendly and wanted us to learn, have fun and be active. They were professional in their behaviour but laid back at the same time when some amusing situations happened. They also made some jokes during presentations. It shows they had a positive approach towards the attendants. However, because of the assessed element one could feel the tension in the air coming from the university students as they were awaiting for this and knew about its importance. After it took place, a big sense of relief was apparent and suddenly all partakers became more open.

I had my travel expenses reimbursed and we were provided with food along with refreshments. What I was disappointed with was not being able to have the costs of accommodation covered.

It was amazingly helpful, one cannot just use Google to find out the same information I could hear about. I know now which career paths are for me and which are not. Networking sessions opened my eyes on matters I had not considered before.

I believe that the culture of a firm is a matter of the feel when one enters the office and can sense it. Here, it was apparent that the values that KPMG upholds are embraced. I also got to know that all workers are assessed against them. In addition to that, we could hear how the firm defines each of the values in practice.

As mentioned above, it has been very influential on me. This event was an opportunity that every student should partake in to understand their future career choices.

There were Q and A sessions with interns, associates and partners. There was also a networking session at the end of the second day of the programme.

I had occasions to chat during breaks and after the sessions with both employees and participants.

I heard about them but I did not ask further questions as it was not important for me.

Definitely, it made my future brighter.