KPMG Black Heritage Talent Week Insight Review

This was one of the best insights I have experienced. We got to see so many different parts of the business over the week that I developed the best all round view of what the company is like and could truly understand better for myself what area would be best suited for my skills and personality type.

KPMG employees were super friendly and willing to come and talk to us throughout the week and many came to the evening networking event that was organised. We even had more than one partner give up their time to come and speak to us and people came back to say bye, wish us well and ask us to keep in contact.

The insight was very well organised and there were always two members of the team in the room if you needed to ask questions or weren't 100% sure what you should be doing. We felt very comfortable to be able to email or call the team at any point if we needed guidance.

The week has made me motivated and energised to excel in my degree studies so that I put myself in the best position to secure a graduate job. The skills I learnt this week will stand my in good stead for the rest of my career as we worked on industry specific but also personal branding and skills identifying sessions.

The insight was very well structured. We had a thorough schedule throughout the week and the timings were largely kept to (aside from occasionally running over due to having lots of questions from the group). The structure of the week was very well rounded, covering all areas of the business and different types of activities so you were never bored.

The best atmosphere during the week. Due to this insight being organised through SEO and being made up of a diverse group of student of black heritage the atmosphere was very welcoming, friendly and upbeat throughout the whole week. I have met some wonderful people and made friends through this insight week.

There were a number of personal development exercises spread throughout the week. We had personal branding sessions, skill identifying sessions and mock interviews with members of the team with individual tailored feedback. We were also persistently encouraged to approach everything with a positive and learning attitude so that we could make the most of the insight.

We got to speak to so many different people throughout the firm and so many different views really helped to shape an overall picture of the firm. We also got to meet people from the regional offices so it wasn't a purely London centric insight scheme. We were also informed of the grade system and how our career progression could work at the firm.

We experienced the company culture all week by being immersed in the firm however it may have been a little better if we could have spent some more time out with the different teams in their offices rather than people coming to us in our training room to speak to us.

The team were great in laying out the career path. Especially the graduate academy process was explained well. The week even touched on how and when the process of promotions worked and how we would eventually be able to move up to partner and the skills we would need to develop to reach this level.

Paid the London living wage. Expenses reimbursed up to £200 but this did not include tube fairs for those living in London. Breakfast, lunch and drinks provided throughout the week.

There was a networking event on Thursday and we met many different employees throughout the whole week.

The drinks reception was a good and more informal environment to speak to employees. We also had ACS members and presidents from universities around the country to network with as well.

Yes we were informed all about the African Caribbean Network and how this is a positive aspect in many of the employees lives. We also had a corporate responsibility session which explained all the charity events we could take part in and that we could set up new initiatives by ourselves as employees.

I would definitely recommend this insight. The knowledge I have gained this week will be completely invaluable to me not only in the early stage of my career but for the rest of my life. Also it has left my feeling really energised and positive about applying for internships with KPMG.