Forensics - Business Placement Associate Review

The year has been enjoyable throughout, consistently facing new challenges and working with new people in an enjoyable work environment.

As a business placement student I feel I have been treated exactly the same as that of graduates, often with colleagues not being able to differentiate. This has undoubtedly been a good thing in the sense that I have been given responsibility and treated equally to that of my colleagues throughout. I taken on work with real responsibility and have provided management with work which they have found invaluable.

The support network provided throughout the placement is excellent. Upon joining the firm, experienced colleagues were assigned to support me throughout the year, as well as the general support and willingness to help provided by colleagues around the firm. I have always felt that, should I require assistance, there is always someone willing to help me. This being both in terms of the technical work and my general well being. As a result I have always felt comfortable at work.

In a project driven industry, the work demands often vary. Deadlines often dictated when the busiest periods were which determined the amount of work I had to undertake. At times, this could mean the requirement to work overtime to meet client requirements. In between engaging on different projects and non-chargeable pieces of work, however, the working intensity often fell which I feel created a good balance. Ultimately, the working hours throughout my year have been fairly consistent which I have enjoyed.

I feel that I have been given as much responsibility as is possible for someone of my experience and technical ability. There's no doubt that my colleagues have had the trust and belief in me to produce work with the requirement of high levels of responsibility. Whilst making my work more enjoyable, it has also been a great opportunity to learn and face new challenges that I otherwise wouldn't have thought I could approach.

The work I have been involved with has not had much direct relation to my studies and therefore isn't very applicable in a technical sense. However, there are lots of soft skills that I have further developed which will no doubt help me in my final year studies. These notably being time/self/project management and general people skills. Throughout my year and my engagement on projects I have had to manage my time and work effectively to ensure that my work is being delivered in the desired time scales. As a result, I feel I have improved my ability to plan and execute work in a more organised manner. Working in project teams and with new people has also strengthened my people skills in terms of communicating with others, attending and contributing to meetings and fulfilling my role as important team member. I think I've definitely improved my professional communication skills which will benefit me with future university projects. I've also improved my general analytical and reporting skills as a result of the work challenges I've faced. For example, reporting my findings at work in a concise and accurate manner, I feel, will benefit me when studying for future modules.

I enjoyed the atmosphere in the office. It operated a hot-desking system meaning staff don't regularly sit at the same desk. This I found good because it helps to encourage people to meet and work with new people around the department. The general office atmosphere was fairly relaxed with people taking responsibility of their own work. I also liked the fact that there were few formalities to the working day e.g. taking lunch as and when you wish.

I think the scheme was set up very well and enabled us all to get the most out of our year. The 'purpose-built' support network for the BP students in Forensics was extremely useful and helped us express interests in trying out new projects/work specialisms. I thought we were welcomed excellently and provided support and development advice throughout.

The firm took plenty of time to ensure that we came out of our first week with a solid understanding of Forensics, as well as providing periodic meetings throughout the year to focus on new areas to learn about. As a result, I think I've come out of the year with a solid experience and understanding of Forensic services when combined with practical project work. I did not undergo my studies for the ACA accountancy qualification during the placement because of its requirement to work in assurance (a different department). Instead, the process of study begins as a graduate which I intend to complete after university.

I fully intend to return to the firm subject to a graduate offer. In my opinion, studying for and receiving the ACA qualification will be invaluable for my long-term career. I feel that PwC is the best firm to study for an ACA qualification with excellent support throughout as well as an excellent reputation. My experience of Forensics so far has shown ranging and interesting projects. Working on such projects in the future I think would make an challenging and enjoyable career.

I think the social scene is dependent on the department and people you work with. In the Forensics department in Birmingham, we actively try to have socials on a monthly basis. I've really enjoyed attending the socials which vary from meals and drinks out to pizza making and gin tasting classes.

n/a - I have not been living in the area during my placement. Depending on where you go in Birmingham, food and drink can vary. From my experience of socials at bars and restaurants central to the city, prices have been fairly high.

n/a - I have not been on a night out in the area during my placement. (Although I know Birmingham has a good nightlife!)

There were opportunities to get involved with activities outside of work. For example, staff have regular games of football as well as other sports matches amongst themselves and against other firms. There were also one off opportunities to get involved in, including charity bike rides and sky-dives.