Women in Tech - Insight Experience Review

Over the course of the 3 days, the programme was really well structured and informative. I enjoyed the experience a lot as it was a safe environment to ask open questions and find out information about KPMG and life at KPMG. The sessions were interactive and the group work meant that although it was virtual we could still collaborate and get to know our peers. Overall, a really enjoyable experience and I would highly recommend.

From the start of the programme, the recruitment team emphasis that the virtual environment is a safe space and to ask lots of questions. So immediately, you do feel included and valued from the beginning. During the group work and presentations, we were able to receive questioning and feedback which does give a sense of purpose to our work. Additionally, senior members of KPMG Tech were also open and willing to take the time to listen, present and answer our questions.

There was a lot of guidance and support during the insight. Throughout the day there was always someone from recruitment on a call that could assist and guide us. Additionally, during group work we had a point of contact that we could reach out to for help and clarification. Also, during calls with graduates they were all very open to connecting on Linkedin etc and answering questions further beyond the insight scheme. Overall, I felt well supported.

I think as it was an insight programme you didn't get a lot of 'hands on' experience which is to be expected - but you did receive a wealth of information and loads of personal insights about technology and KPMG which is hugely beneficial for future applications etc. However, through the group work and ice breakers, you're able to develop confidence and adaptability working and collaborating remotely. Both of which will be useful in assisting with remote learning during COVID.

The insight programme was really well structured and sign posted. I knew exactly where I needed to be / which call I needed to be attending. Information is sent out the week before detailing it all and there is an opportunity to email prior and during the programme if we're unsure. At the start of the programme we found out more about each service line before speaking to graduates and senior members of staff about their work. I think this order was really good in helping us understand where people fit in within the company.

The general atmosphere during the insight programme was really positive and light. Given the circumstances and COVID 19 I think everyone was appreciative that it was being run despite the odds. The recruitment team were really encouraging and pushed us to get involved with asking questions and taking part in ice breakers to get to know each other remotely. This helped to create an inclusive environment and made it enjoyable to be a a part of.

The company choosing to run the insight programme virtually is already a display of their investment in us. I think in terms of development the talks from graduates and leaders in business areas helped deepen our understanding of the firm.

The insight helped me understand fairly strongly what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. Through listening to the graduates speak to us about their day to day roles and then being able to ask questions we could gain a good personal understanding. Additionally, these were conducted in groups of 2/3 which made it easy and comfortable to ask the questions we wanted. Presentations from different business lines about their line of work and the types of work they do was also insightful.

The insight did help me understand the company culture as many of the speakers spoke alot about collaboration and a unity with helping eachother out. Additionally, there seemed to be an emphasis on learning and pursing your interests.

The content was very valuable in helping to decide my future career path. As technology is really wide and covers a lot, the presentations from the different service lines were beneficial to helping my understanding of what each one entails. Further, speaking to graduates and getting that 'insider' insight was really great to gauge their day to day work and see hear what they liked and didn't liked. Through the senior panel Q&A it was also inspiring to listen to the panellists career paths.

I was paid for the 3 days.

There were lots of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company. From the start, we heard from leading people within each of the technology service lines and had the opportunity to ask questions about their work. And then through smaller Teams calls we had the chance to talk to a good number of graduates from around the business. Many of which were happy to connect on LinkedIn and network on that platform too.

There weren't many social opportunities because it was a virtual event. However the networking opportunities and small group calls were good.

I did find out about the activities that employees can get involved with outside of work. This included a number of societies within KPMG and volunteering.

If you are keen to learn more about technology and about KPMG's aims and ethos then I would highly recommend the insight experience. You get the opportunity to hear from KPMG employees about their experience and have the freedom to ask questions. Additionally, a lot of advice is given out on how to tackle questions relating to the strengths KPMG looks for. All of which is really beneficial for those who may be looking to work for KPMG in the future. Besides that, being able to collaborate with others who are interested in tech and listen to a panel of senior women within tech is also very inspiring.