Black Heritage Insight Programme Participant Review

Overall, the Black Heritage Insight Programme was a very enjoyable experience. One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was the partner presentation on our first day. I found that the partner was charming and engaging but more importantly very open about their experience at the firm. Another aspect I enjoyed was the work shadowing day we had were you got to spend the day with someone from a business area you are interested in. This was useful as I got to ask any and all questions I had and got a real sense of what it was like to work there.

I felt very valued throughout my time there. We were all seen as potential employees and the time and effort put into the programme reflected that. For instance, all the activities and sessions were catered to ensuring that we learnt as much about the firm and our areas of interest.

I was able to receive support from the coordinators of the insight when I needed it and I also received guidance from the employees we were introduced to. For example, during the work shadowing session, one of the employee I shadowed gave very valuable advice about what it takes to succeed and do well at the firm.

As part of the programme we had very skills sessions and one of the skills sessions was based on networking. The networking session is something I think will prove very valuable going forward as it is essential to be able to build relationships and connect with people as you move through your career.

I would say the insight was well structured. We had presentations from various business areas on the first day that gave a good overview and insight into the firm. We were then able to gain more in-depth understanding of our business area of interest through work shadowing on the second before taking part in skill sessions and assessments on the last day. This structure allowed for a good understanding of the business and the areas that would suit you.

The general atmosphere was very jovial. This was down to the coordinators of the programme who made sure everyone was looked after, the employees who gave presentations and who we shadowed who were engaging and open to us and the other participants on the insight programme who were also down to earth.

The skills sessions was useful in aiding our development.

The best way the insight helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company was through the work shadowing day we had. I had the chance to understand how the business area I was interested in was structured, the type of work done day to day, the skills needed to do the job well etc.

The talks from employees from all over the firm from partner to recent grads was really helpful in helping us understand what the firm culture actually meant to the individuals there.

The overview of various business areas and work shadowing session was helpful in this regard.

We were paid and reimbursed expenses.

There was a formal networking event that gave us the chance to meet with representatives from all over the business but apart from that I had opportunities for networking during my work shadowing session as I was introduced to range of people from the business areas I was interested in.

There was one formal organised networking/ social event but opportunities to network informally throughout the programme.

At such a big firm like KPMG that is always a lot you can get involved in. I found out about the sports teams they have such as football but also found out about the importance placed to volunteering and helping out with charities as they even allow you to take days off to volunteer.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend as I feel that it is a great way to get an in-depth understanding of the firm and its culture, the business area you might be interested in and to understand what it actual means to work day to day at the firm.