Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme was a valuable and enjoyable experience. The work undertaken was, in my opinion, very interesting, and Deloitte offered the opportunity to explore all aspects of the role of a full-time employee, which gave a rounded experience. For two weeks, I was at a client-site, which was thoroughly enjoyable and again allowed me to understand what it is like to work at Deloitte.

I was made to feel extremely valued during my three week Vacation-Scheme, despite the short nature of the process and the limited knowledge that I possessed prior to the scheme. Deloitte gave me responsibility in my work but also provided a platform on which to learn about Audit practice through the buddy/champion scheme. Overall, I felt a valued member of the team.

During the Vacation Scheme guidance and support was delicately balanced in order to ensure that I was given responsibility as well as assurance in the tasks I was undertaking. Guidance was usually provided at the beginning of an exercise or task, in that a colleague would explain the process, why we need to undertake such process and also provide an example. After that, provided there were no anomalies in the sample, guidance was limited, which ensured that I felt trusted in the work I was undertaking.

With respect to Audit knowledge, my vacation scheme did not directly assist in my studies, as I study History. However, the skills that I developed through meeting other vacation scheme students, meeting graduates and meeting more senior management, means that the vacation scheme left me feeling considerably more confident in entering the workplace.

The vacation scheme was well structured, with a welcome weekend in Solihull for all vacation scheme students outside of London. However, this welcome weekend was slightly poorly run, in that some time was wasted through miscommunication. However, the briefings that we received on our first day in the office were excellent, and the introduction to the technological systems were perfect for showing us the ropes.

Fantastic! Every Deloitte employee that I meant was very welcoming, and very interested to ask questions about university, hobbies etc., which helps to settle one in. There is a great emphasis on teamwork and team spirit, and a real understanding that people-skills is what drives business and ensures quality work. Everyone was very positive, and encouraging, which helps in an unusual environment.

The vacation scheme provided me with a brief insight into the financial world and more specifically the Audit practice. In terms of investment into me, I was fortunate in receiving a graduate offer for the following year after my vacation scheme (and after 3rd year of University). This was a massive indication that the firm were willing to invest in me and appreciated the work undertaken during the vacation scheme.

Fully. Employees are very approachable and are quick to explain what their day-to-day work is like, and they want you to ask them questions (they want you to get the most out of the experience). Also, the fact I was able to go out to a client outside of the city meant that I experienced what it is like to work away from home (Monday-Friday).

Deloitte covered the cost of all travel that I undertook during the three weeks, as well as the cost of the hotels stayed in during the time at the client site. While away at the client site, Deloitte covered the cost of the evening meal. Pay was definitely adequate, in my opinion.

networking events were limited with respect to Deloitte employees. In the welcome weekend, there was the opportunity to meet other vacation scheme students, which was enjoyable. However, because we had all applied to different offices, it meant that we no longer came into contact with other vacation scheme students, which felt like a bit of a waste!

Yes, I was quick to ask employees about the opportunities to get involved in work-related extra-curricular activities. Deloitte runs a big cycling event from Land's End to John O'Groats each September, which is something I would be keen to get involved one year. Like many work places, Deloitte runs sports teams and also charity events.

Absolutely. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as well as it being worthwhile with regards to professional development. The vacation scheme allowed me to experience what it is like to work for Deloitte and, more widely, what it is like to work in the accountancy profession. The vacation scheme has improved my people-skills, as well as my technological skills (ExCel).