Talent Academy attendee Review

I really enjoyed the insight, it was a great chance to meet a lot of new people and also to do something that I have never done before.

I definitely felt valued, we had the opportunity to network with Directors and Partners of the company that had worked there for over 20 years in some cases. Everyone was more than happy to answer questions and the company clearly spent a fair amount of money on us with all food and drink paid for, a few free items to take away and a good expenses reimbursement system.

There was always the opportunity to ask questions, during our group project we had a member of the student recruitment team coming round to check we were okay and give us any hints or tips and many of the workshops were aimed at giving us advice and guidance over interviews and getting a job.

A lot of the information will help with interviews, the application process and future potential internships. As it was only two days and we did no actual accountancy work or assessment it won't really help with my degree.

The insight was very well structured, we were given a timetable of the two days on arrival which outlined everything that was happening, where and when. We were also made aware of the groups we would be in for our projects and we were given constant support as to where we were meant to be during the two days. There was even some space for free time, which given that it was two days and there was so much to do showed that the company were flexible within the structure to help the students out.

The atmosphere was really good, it helped that everyone attending the insight was really chatty and looking to get to know new people. All workshops and sessions were done on a friendly personal level, no one looked down on you because you were a student and all of the directors were more than happy to chat, answer and also ask questions during networking.

The company invested in me through conducting workshops on employability skills and being able to talk to people within the department I have applied for an internship in. I do think that more could have been done however this was partly due to the fact that we only had two days and the schedule was very full and also the fact that we were still in the early phases of being with the company having not had an interview for an internship yet.

Whilst we couldn't actually do any work or go into an office and hence couldn't get that much of an insight, we were able to ask questions to current employees and quite a few new graduates who could give us a brief insight and share their experiences.

A lot of the workshops and talk we heard involved what PwC's culture is like and how we as students could fit into that. A lot of the employees also shared what it is like within the company and the atmosphere among workers.

It was reasonably helpful, it reaffirmed that I believe I have applied to the right division within PwC and an internship would be a great opportunity. It has also emphasised that I think PwC would be a great company to work for, albeit that everyone there was biased.

We were given an expenses form upon arrival to complete and send off. I have not received reimbursement yet but from previous experience with assessment centres I know that PwC are very efficient and good at reimbursing.

On the evening of the first day we had an hour to network with employees over drinks and we then had dinner and had a different Director/Partner on our table for each of the three courses so I was able to have many different conversations that all gave different insights into the company and what it would be like to work there.

As it was only two days there was only the first evening to have a networking/social event but it was very well organised, was really good fun and I really felt I gained from it.

I was able to ask questions of current employees about activities but perhaps there weren't as many opportunities to do this as possible as often conversations with employees weren't long enough to get into those questions.

I would definitely recommend this to a friend, it was really good fun and I have definitely learned stuff. I was quite nervous arriving on the first day but everyone was very friendly, willing to answer questions and I met and spent time with some really good people. It also really motivated me to want to push on and get an internship and try and work for PwC.