Audit Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the experience that the insight provided me with, given that I had never worked in this field before. It has also given me a better idea of what I would like to do with regards to my career. The people I worked alongside were all very welcoming and were always happy to help.

I felt like each of the colleagues I worked with took an interest in me and provided crucial help and support throughout my time with the company, helping to explain the tasks I had been set. Furthermore, I felt like I was given responsibility for tasks and was therefore able to contribute positively to the company’s work.

Each of the teams I worked with helped me with the tasks I had been set, and this was particularly important for me given that I had no previous experience working in this field of work. On occasion I became stuck on the task I had been assigned to and sometimes felt like I was interrupting my colleagues work by asking them for help. However, in general I felt able to ask for help and this was keenly given and my colleagues were able to work through the task with me, which meant I could then apply their guidance to future work.

I was able to draw on many of the skills I already have and apply these to the work I was set, I also feel that the skills I learnt and developed over the course of the programme will prove useful with regards to my future careers plans. Whilst some of the skills I developed are not directly applicable to my degree course, skills such as working with a team of people have already invaluable within my work.

I was set specific tasks to do and this gave me a sense of responsibility, which I relished. Certain teams provided more structured work than others, and on occasion I was left with little to do as I had completed the tasks I had been set. However, in general my colleagues were able to find work for me to do which allowed me to contribute to their own work.

Everyone was very welcoming, and although it was definitely an adjustment working in an office 9-5 each day, the people made the experience more enjoyable. I was also surprised at how young my colleagues were in contrast to my expectations and this meant that I felt I was able to relate to them more easily and I was able to talk to them about their own recent experience of the transition from academia to work.

Each of the interns were provided with their own laptop and email address meaning we were able to take responsibility for our work. I was given technical training and I was also trained on the system that the company uses which will prove useful if I decide to pursue this field of work. Given that the insight was only for a short period of time, there was not as much opportunity for any further training.

Working on real life projects gave me an insight into what working with the firm would be like and the work I completed contributed to the company’s work. Whilst I was able to work on a variety of projects during my time with the company, I would have also liked to have the opportunity to work on a project from start to finish as I feel this would have furthered my understanding of how the company works if I had a full time role.

I met with a variety of other employees from recent graduates, mangers and a company partner, this provided insight into the structure of the company and also the opportunities for career progression that the company provides.

The insight provided invaluable experience and has given me lots to think about in terms of my future career path. I have looked into graduate schemes as a result of the experience and although I am not sure the insight programme is what I want to continue doing career wise in the long term, it proved a very useful starting point.

I was paid a competitive rate for this insight programme and my expenses when travelling to sites beyond the company office were also reimbursed.

I worked on several projects whilst with the company which gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of people. As a result, I was given insight into what other employees experiences of the firm had been, how they had got to this position and also what career plans they had for the future.

Social events for organised specifically for those participating in the in insight programme, this provided an opportunity to meet with people in a similar situation and be able to share your experiences of the programme. Each intern was also assigned a buddy who could answer any questions you had and also attended the social events.

Not really.

I would recommend this insight to a friend if they were interested in this field of work, as a means of gaining experience. The application process was also beneficial in preparing me for any future applications I may make and I feel I was able to enhance my interview skills. The company worked hard to make sure everyone felt welcome and I was glad that there were other interns who I was able to talk to about my experience.