Assurance Associate Review

The job was enjoyable, interesting and challenging. The more experience that I gained throughout my placement the more I enjoyed the work.

The people at PwC are an important part of your day to day work, as you are constantly working with different people. You are made to feel very welcome, and are instantly recognised as an important member of the team as soon as you start.

There is huge network of support in PwC. There are a range of managers at different levels who support you in different areas e.g. when working on a specific job, for progression in your career, for when you are studying for the accounting exams etc. You receive on-the-job coaching when you at clients, and there is always someone to help with any queries. There is also a strong social network within the firm through working in different teams and groups, as well as with your peer group within which you join.

There was work to be done pretty much most of the time. It is your responsibility to complete the work that is assigned to you, and the time that you do this can vary depending on your contact with the client and the information you have received. There are of course busy times of the year where everyone is stretched with their workload.

There was a lot of responsibility to manage your own time and workload. The more experience you gain and the more knowledge you have allows you to be given more responsibility.

I have learnt to manage my time and work effectively, as well as understand how businesses are run which is very useful for my degree. I will always be able to use the range of skills that I gained in the future, with future employees and in anything that I do.

The Birmingham office is extremely friendly and personal. The people are great, and there is always events going on. A lovely place to work.

The placement was set up well, although some things were changed throughout as it was the first year that placement students were involved in taking the accounting exams. If we ever had any problems or concerns there was the opportunity to voice them.

The company invested a huge amount in my development. The first month when you join is induction which involves a range of courses and training. There is also the periods when you are enrolled at college to study for your exams.

Most placement associates get offered a job and get the opportunity to return after university.

Placement students are treated as one of the graduates when they join, where there is a big social scene.

Pretty average. I still lived in the student area during my placement so the rent was pretty cheap. But others lived in the centre which was still reasonable. Birmingham isn't a particularly expensive place to live.

There are sports teams and community groups run by PwC, and lots of other groups for you to get involved in if you want to.