KPMG First Year Insight Programme Review

Thoroughly, the insight although only lasted for 2 days had invaluable information about the company and different departments within. Furthermore there was a real chance to receive advice and guidance from employees who worked in various departments, this aided me in choosing which department I wanted to apply for, for the vacation scheme.

I felt valued to a large extent there was only a group of around 20 of us, and I felt everyone had an opportunity to ask questions and get to know whoever was leading the presentation etc the reasons why they chose KPMG and what it is like as a company to work for.

There was guidance throughout every stage of the insight, everyone was informed of the programme over the two days. Also after every stage if anyone was confused as to what the next step was or didn't know what department to choose there was always someone to ask in order to support you and make an informed decision.

It developed my skills and widened knowledge of companies like KPMG, as a law student it definitely broadened my view of what form of employment I could go into. For example it was evident that you didn't need to do a degree in economics, there was plenty of transferrable skills from my degree that KPMG valued and that assisted me in choosing consulting as a career for me.

Incredibly well structured, as previously stated every stage of the two days was set out into a time table, even with 10 minutes to spare after every segment in order for you to ask questions. It ran smoothly and we were finished on time after every day as the leader of the insight had promised.

I was apprehensive before going into the insight day as I had never been to one of the 'big 4' before and did not know what to expect. However I was put totally at ease the moment I walked through the door Blair England (who ran our session in Bristol) was so welcoming and I did not feel like i was in a tense environment at all. It made the whole insight so much more advantageous as no-one felt nervous or uncomfortable, it was a very comfortable environment and even employees who were not part of the insight said hello when you passed them in the hall. Basically a lovely company because of how welcoming the staff are.

It developed my knowledge of the different departments and what courses and qualifications you need to work for each of them and the process of this. Furthermore they invested in us by giving us advice for the next stage in 'getting your foot in the door' as it were in KPMG for the vacation scheme.

Not only were there presentations from real employee's from each department but there were also informal drinks organised in which you could network and gain a valuable insight into what the company was like. There was a general consensus from the people I had talked to that it was a great place to work because of the people and that really appealed to me.

The main focus was the culture of the company, other than information about the departments. It is evident that KPMG's involvement in the local community and charities and all the benefits they give to their employees demonstrates how much they value their workers.

It was clear to me by the end of the two days which departments appealed to me and which did not so much, this conclusion was after a combination of all the activities. Therefore the content was valuable aswell as the advice from the employees, without it I would have been far less informed and less certain of my career path.

Expenses for travel were reimbursed, however accommodation was not and if you do not live in the city then you will almost definitely have to pay for accommodation as the day starts at 9:00 am.

As previously stated you could ask generic questions after the presentations and more tailored questions during the drinks, there were great networking opportunities if you took them. I would recommend asking as many questions as possible to take full advantage else it is a great opportunity for insight wasted.

I did employees told us about sports clubs they were involved in and charities, furthermore they highlighted how each department is like a little community and they will all go out together after work if an email is sent round, this suggested how close knit they were.