PwC Assurance Intern Review

I enjoyed my work placement a lot because I had the opportunity to work in both the Risk Assurance and External Audit departments which helped me develop an understanding of the PwC brand. I was also given responsibility and more difficult tasks once my colleagues had assessed my capabilities which I valued highly

I felt valued by my colleagues, because they allowed me to take on missing colleague's work because they trusted that I would be able to complete tasks to a sufficient standard. I was allowed to fully participate in internal meetings and on client site, showing my colleagues trusted me to get necessary information.

I am been very impressed by PwC's supportive ethos. No question is ever too stupid and asking questions is very encouraged - after all it means that the work is done properly so when reviewing comes around, it is easier for managers to understand the work done if done properly. I have also been impressed by the guidance offered in terms of everyone's future plans and recommendations regarding the ACA.

If anything the weakness of doing an internship in August is that this is a quiet season in the Audit team. I have heard many stories of jobs which require late nights and early starts, but I would say on about half of my working days, I have had at least an hour of nothing I can get on with, because all the work I am capable of/qualified to do has been finished. In this instance, I have been able to shadow what others are doing, but this can be difficult without the prerequisite accounting knowledge.

I was given more responsibility than I was expecting, because two of my colleague went off on holiday and with a bit of coaching, I essentially took on their work for the week alongside my own. It was a challenge, but one which I think I rose to reasonably well.

My degree subject is very different to accountancy, but I could apply the time efficiency and ability to ask probing questions to my skill set when preparing essays for the former and when receiving feedback for the latter. In terms of future career, I have learnt that I enjoy interacting with the clients on client site and the importance of understanding how the company being audited works, because then the quality of our work increases significantly

PwC's office structure is one of its greatest assets. The atmosphere is very relaxed, aided greatly by the dress for you day policy where jeans are acceptable - in this respect it feels like a continuation of university. The culture of asking questions also greatly contributed to my enjoyment of being in the office - at no point was I worried that my questions wouldn't be answered in a kind and constructive fashion.

I think the layout of the internship has been good. Although there was a lot of information to take in on the three day induction at the beginning, it was lovely to meet like-minded people and feel a little bit more knowledgeable heading in to the office. The next 5.5 weeks in the office have been well-organised for me, because I have had the opportunity to work on three different clients. The length of time and variety of clients has left me with a good idea of whether PwC is for me or not.

I have felt invested in at every level. The career coach system has been so important, because I have been able to discuss my progress in formal meetings or just sending a quick message to check I am on target. Furthermore, my senior colleagues on jobs have not held back in trying to help me understand my tasks at hand and have bothered to go above and beyond in their explanations of complex issues. The firm also gave me a three day induction on the basics of accounting and lots of e-learns to make sure I was fully equipped for client site!

At present I am waiting to hear whether I have been offered a job or not. I would be delighted to stay on with PwC, because their culture is exactly what I am looking for within a graduate organisation. They have a great deal of opportunities and benefits to offer should I stay with them.

I was pleased to be invited to an Assurance Sports Day for the whole team of any pay grade. I could not participate due to rehabilitation from a dislocated shoulder, but I still went along anyway because I felt very much welcomed to do so and it was a good opportunity to catch up with my fellow interns within the division. I can see that other social opportunities would be available if I were here for a longer period of time.

N/A I lived at home.

N/A - I did not explore the nightlife.

There was plenty going on including the office sports day and drinks at a local bar every Friday. I would also have liked to attend a Board Games night in the office, but unfortunately I was working on client site that day so I was unable to go. Opportunities were definitely plentiful!