External Audit Intern Review

I really enjoyed my 6 weeks working at PwC. The first week was a residential induction in Windsor followed by some training in the local office. The team I have been working with have been really supportive and encouraging and I have also enjoyed working on client site and seeing first hand what a graduate role at PwC would entail.

The team I was working with were very supportive and grateful for all of the work I completed. They valued me as a team member despite me being an intern. I was also given high levels of responsibility from the very beginning of the internship and not treated as a complete junior.

I was given lots of guidance but also freedom to complete tasks at my own pace. My supervisors were willing and keen to answer any questions at any time and took the time to explain things in detail to me if I did not understand any of the work I was doing.

On a daily basis I was relatively busy. The team I was working with had a taskplanner so I could start or continue on any other tasks if I reached a point where I needed assistance or was waiting for information from the client. I was busy but not rushed in completing my work.

I was given specific EGAs to undertake and these workpapers were listed on a googledoc so I could update my progress with each to keep my team aware of what I had been working on. This allowed me to manage my time accordingly to complete them. I was also given responsibility from the first day as I spent lots of time working alone with the client to gather and analyse information needed to complete these workpapers.

I have really developed my Excel skills. Before I did the internship I was confident using excel but I have learnt far more about Excel and Aura (PWCs online system). There was training at the start of the internship but a lot of the features I learnt came from on the job learning and advice from colleagues.

The atmosphere was great. Although we were on client site and out of the office for the majority of time I really enjoyed the team I was working with. Outside of the office we did team bonding activities such as 80s aerobics with the Partner and went out for a meal too.

The 3 day residential in Windsor was well organised and a timetable provided for each day. However after this there were not any other intern events organised. It was a shame as the 3 day residential was so well organised and it was great spending time with the other interns but after then I did not see many other interns.

We had quite a lot of training on their personal software during the 3 day residential in Windsor. However after then the training was mostly on the job training as I learnt how to navigate the systems

I would love to work for PwC in the future as I think the Audit Graduate scheme they offer is a fantastic opportunity. I also want to qualify as a chartered accountant so this would be possible. I also like the way one progresses up the company as they qualify.

The 3 day residential at Windsor was really good fun and I got to network with all of the other interns. However since then there hasn't been any organised events. This is a shame as I have been told PwC used to arrange intern dinners/events in the past. A last day dinner/drinks/presentation would be a good way to end the internship.

As I don't live in London it has been hugely expensive to pay for rent and transport. Food is also really expensive. Despite the high cost of living I have really enjoyed living and working in London as this is where I want to work after I graduate so this has been a good taster.