Audit Vacation Scheme Student Review

Really enjoyable, I was lucky in that I got along with everyone who I worked with, so the working environment was really friendly and sociable. Everyone was really enthusiastic and welcoming which helped me to settle in straight away. It was good to get an insight into what Audit is really like.

All the people were really welcoming, whether that was a recent graduate, manager or partner. Especially after the first week I was given varied tasks to do which gave me responsibility and made me feel like I was actually doing something of value. Everyone was willing to help if I needed it.

My performance manager was always willing to help. We had weekly meetings to check in to see how I was progressing and to see if I had any questions or concerns which was really helpful. He was always there if I needed, and really supportive throughout the vacation scheme which was invaluable.

The level of work did vary a fair bit throughout. Most days I had the right amount of work- enough work to keep me busy but not too much so that I was snowed under. However towards the end of placements at client sites they tended to run out of tasks.

I felt like I was given a fair amount of responsibility but not to the extent that I felt overwhelmed. We were performing a half year review for a company so I completed many work papers for this, which gave me responsibility and made me feel like I was making a difference.

The skills I learned will be really useful for later in life, especially those in Excel as I hadn’t had that much experience in the software before. I think I have gained client facing skills too in terms of going to speak to clients and organising meetings with them etc.

The atmosphere was always extremely friendly and I felt at ease at all time. Everyone tried their best to make me feel welcome and a valued member of the team. The work environment was one of the highlights for me and I couldn’t recommend the working atmosphere enough- it was ideal.

It was well organised, however in the lead up to the internship I was unaware at where I was supposed to be on the first day until a few days before- it felt quite last minute. However once I had started it was very organised in terms of what clients I was working on and what tasks I had to do.

Especially when on client sites, the in charge was always there to assist me if I had any questions, and to help me improve my skills in Audit, Excel and client facing skills. I learned a lot and this was down to the people always being open to help me with anything I needed.

I don’t know where I will be in terms of career goals this time next year but it is a definite possibility. I love the values of the company, and I got on really well with everyone I worked with which makes a job with KPMG really appeal, so a high chance!

There was a social in London for interns in different offices in the South of England, however this did not integrate different groups as well as it could have. There were two other interns at my office and we organised things outside of work which was really nice- I think it depends on office location and who else is interning with you.

The office was in Milton Keynes and the cost was fairly average- not too expensive but not really cheap. On the internship social in London we noticed a much higher cost however this is to be expected due to the location. However if you budget right it’s possible to still take part in all social activities.

Most people in the Milton Keynes office drove to work so it was hard to experience the night life, not sure what it would have been like in the area however there were plenty of cocktail bars and restaurants. But there is easy access to London/Watford so easy to have a good night!

There were a few things however these were not frequent. They ran a football club every week but this was in Watford so quite difficult to get to. From talking to employees, they had some socials but these didn’t seem to be that often- some quiz nights and other nights out.