This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
The insight was highly enjoyable. Pwc took very good care of us. There were lots of different events throughout the day, so we weren't just listening to talks all day. There was a good amount of groupwork, presenting, and talks. We also got to interact with nearly every other person at the Talent Academy, which was great for networking. Our accommodation and food was also included, with social events in the evenings.
We were treated like adults and respected. Due to the nature of the talent academy, we weren't able to really add anything to Pwc.
We received a huge amount of guidance. Over the Talent Academy, we sat in talks from every department which offered a summer internship. The talks were by professional working in the department at Pwc, and it was useful getting a first hand experience. We were also told about the application process, what to expect and what skills we would need to get a job at the end.
We got a lot of practise with the assessment process, with practise and real assessments. These were numerical, logic reasoning and a group assessment. In addition, through the information that we received, many people changed their minds about which department to apply to within Pwc.
The Company
The 3 days were well timetabled, and events usually stuck to time. There were occasions where talks overran, but we were always given sufficient breaks and opportunity to have a tea/coffee. The day usually consisted of talks, assessments and group activities. We received a 2 hours break (from 1700-1900) before the evenings dinner and social activities. The days were busy but thoroughly enjoyable!
The atmosphere was quite relaxed. You would assume it to be a very competitive and tense environment, but the Pwc staff were very friendly, as were the other people at the Talent Academy.
The firm helped us to develop skills in presenting. We had to present to Partners of Pwc on the final day. In addition, we were given a lot of information about the skills required to go into different departments. The firm invested a lot of money during the 3 days, as all accommodation, food and drinks were provided by Pwc.
During the Talent Academy we were not actually working for Pwc. However, through the talks by employees within departments, we got a thorough understanding about what life would be like working in each department, with regards to the nature of work, time spent in the office etc.
We got a big insight into the culture at Pwc. We heard from staff that had been at the company for decades and learnt why they valued the company so highly. We also learnt about the main values of Pwc and how it uses these to succeed.
Through various talks and Q&A sessions, we all got a good and honest insight into working for Pwc in different departments. Many people changed their mind regarding which department to apply to as a result of the academy. The talks, along with asking the employees during Q&A sessions, helped me to understand which department would be right for me.
Everything Else
Our expenses were covered upto a limit. We were given the option of arriving one night early if we lived far away. Food, drinks and accommodation were all covered by Pwc.
We had a huge amount of opportunity to network with a range of people. One night was dedicated to socialising with Partners of the company. Another night was for socialising with the recruitment team at Pwc and learning more about the application process. We worked in many different groups which were with different people every time, so over the course of the academy, we pretty much talk to everyone else there.
Every evening, we had a networking event. The first evening was an informal event, networking with the Pwc staff. The second was a formal event, networking with the Partners at Pwc. These were extremely helpful to build connections and ask questions to more senior people in the company. It also gave us a chance to get to know the recruiters, and why they are at Pwc.
All the employees commented on sporting and extra activities that we can get involved in as employees of the company. It gave the impression that Pwc is a big community.
Definitely. I learnt a lot over the 3 days, and met a huge variety of people from all around the country. In addition, I got a thorough understanding of each department and has helped me decide where to apply to. The Talent Academy was hugely enjoyable, and you get the opportunity to stand out.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
South East
September 2014