Associate Review

I would say I have enjoyed my placement year here at PwC (11 months in total). I have made some great friends who I have already made to plans to see after this placement has finished. I found the work challenging but also rewarding with the PwC experience on my CV.

PwC have a huge amount of staff, around 22,000 in the UK. This means you will find many helpful colleagues who will answer any question you may have. Of course some colleagues may be a little busy for a new joiner to ask them questions so you have to be cautious who you ask.

Supervisors are very helpful for a new joiner at PwC. As they expect you to basically know nothing about the job they will take to explain everything! You also receive 6 weeks of training when you first start so are well prepared to start working for clients when the time comes.

Working in audit there are certain busy periods and certain quiet periods. Graduate intakes start September normally so the run up to Christmas is pretty quiet. January to March is the busiest period for the firm and significant overtime will be required (of course paid overtime as a placement student). I worked various 12 hour days in this period!

As a business placement student you are the same level as a graduate new joiner. Colleagues in the firm would not know you are a placement unless you told them. This is good as you are treated with the same respect and therefore performing essential work for the firm. (So zero photocopying or tea making).

As I worked in the audit department this will provide me with a vast amount of knowledge for my accountancy degree. There is also a final year module on audit so my placement will certainly assist me in that module. Also, if offered a job after the completion of my degree I would re-join as a 2nd year so making great progress on becoming a chartered accountant.

The business placement is very well organised. You receive joining instructions months in advance and also leaving instructions in advance. You are automatically enrolled onto the Kaplan college course for your exams. The firm also pay for this as part of your contract. The IT equipment is very good, all joiners receive an Iphone and a brand new laptop.

To qualify as a Chartered accountant you have to work and pass exams for 3 years at PwC. The good thing about a placement at PwC is that it counts as year 1. Therefore, the future employment prospects are good as you would only need to work there for 2 more years if you wish.

The social scene at PwC is very good. Every month there is a social event organised which could consist of bowling, pubs, quizzes or anything as such. The firm also has big christmas and summer parties with a free bar. There is no expense spared really on the social aspect.

I worked in Leeds so the nightlife here is very good. There are numerous pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to socialising on a night. There is also the well known Otley run which is a great and long day out in fancy dress.

There are the obvious many social events which I had talked about. These are a great chance to relax with colleagues and talk about things other than work! The firm also offer you to take time off for charity work. This is limited in what you can take but if there is something you are passionate about then the chance is there.