Summer Vacation Student Review

Overall it was an enjoyable experience. However, as my internship was in audit, the 'low season' occurs during the summer months - therefore it would often be quiet at work with fewer tasks to do.

Every single colleague I met (from managers to graduate students) made me feel completely part of the team. I was commended for completing tasks, which was very encouraging. Socials were also organised to get to know people around KPMG!

Everyone I worked with was very patient and willing to help when I didn't understand the jobs I had to complete, so I never felt out of my depth. I kept asking questions constantly and my managers were always more than happy to help!

As it was low season for auditing, some days do get quite quiet. However, managers do try their best to find work for you to keep you engaged! If there genuinely are fewer tasks to do, there are always online training sessions that are available.

I felt that I was given the right amount of responsibility. Naturally, I didn't understand the majority of the tasks I was given immediately, and managers and graduate students were always willing to help to ease the pressure of difficult tasks.

I think the most important thing I learned during my internship was understanding what it's like to work in a business environment. This is invaluable for future jobs. I also learnt many practical skills - for example, a lot of different Microsoft Excel functions and auditing concepts which are a great asset for both my degree in Management and for future work.

The atmosphere had a good balance of being both relaxed yet professional. There was always an atmosphere of being able to speak when you wish without feeling like you were disturbing somebody, as my colleagues were always happy to help at any moment - meaning the atmosphere was always very friendly.

Overall it was very well organised. I was given a 'buddy/mentor' at the start of the internship who set me up with how things were (office tour, how to work the online portal etc.). I was also given a timetable and appropriate contacts/addresses if things didn't go to plan (e.g. late cancellations).

I felt KPMG invested in me as I was assigned to a different engagement/job each week - meaning I got to travel around London and UK to experience working with many different types of firms to see how they differ - great for training and development. We were also assigned both a 'buddy' and a 'performance manager' that were here to help.

I had an interview with a Partner, and my overall performance was assessed for the graduate position.

As we were all placed in different departments, I did not work with any placement students. However, socials were organised to get to know each other!

Mostly based in central London - therefore high cost of living and socialising.

Central London - great nightlife (but pricey).

Socials were organised to get to know other colleagues in KPMG and fellow placement students.