KPMG First Year Program Participant Review

I attended the First Year Insight program and I had an excellent time meeting new people, having the opportunity to talk to KPMG staff and be immersed in a variety of different activities over the two days.

Throughout the 2 days, the focus was completely on us the participants with talks and workshops designed just for us. The second day we were challenged through different activities with staff acting as mentors for any guidance. I felt very comfortable and that my input was always appreciated and welcomed.

From insights into the different divisions within the company and the networking sessions, I was provided a strong platform to not only learn about the company but also be able to ask any questions I had. All the employees were very welcoming and ready to help with in any way.

The skills I learnt will definitely stay with me for the future. I was able to improve a variety of skills from negotiation to presenting- skills which I use consistently in university and in life.

I felt the two days were two completely different experiences. It was well structured whereby the skills and insights we learnt on the first day came into use on the second day when we had to employ them during our team activities.

In generally everyone was very enthusiastic- from participants to KPMG staff. It was a conducive environment to not only learn in but also one that challenged you to think creatively and have fun along the way.

By having employees give workshops on softer skills such as negotiating, KPMG has helped me developed skills which I would not have the opportunity to anywhere else. Similarly by challenging us with a case study and a client, the firm has helped me develop tremendously in terms of working under time pressure, within a group while also having to think creatively.

Each division was represented by experienced staff who gave presentations about the division and also explained the differences within the division. The different graduate routes which could be taken were very clearly laid out and I was able to ask any questions at any time.

From talking to staff and through the presentations, the insight program showed me how much more there was to KPMG than just the working life. The staff were very enthusiastic to share their stories and show how the KPMG culture was very strong and supportive.

I received very valuable information which was detailed, up-to date and clear on different divisions and entry routes that I could consider for the future. From this I have been able to have a much more clear idea on what career path I would like to go down.

I was reimbursed the full amount for my travel expenses.

Throughout the two days we interacted with staff from across the different divisions and had the opportunity to ask and talk to them. There was also a networking session on the first day which was a lot more informal and I was able to ask a lot more detailed questions. They even had staff from different offices such as London come up for the networking event which was very useful as they had different insights too.

We were able to network with employees throughout the two days, primarily the ones which gave presentations or talked to us. There was one networking event on the first day but as this was just a two day insight program, I felt it was sufficient enough.

Yes, the company highlighted the different things employees can do including social work and the chance to live and work abroad. Employees also elaborated on different experiences they had, giving us first hand accounts of what you can do in KPMG apart from your day to day job.

Yes, I had an excellent and very productive two days with KPMG. The insight program not only helped me develop a range of skills but also allowed me to gain a deeper insight into what working in a professional services firm is like.