Vacation Student - Audit Review

At first the work felt quite hard and confusing, even coming from an accounting student. However, within no time at all I was able to quickly get into it, understand it, and enjoy it through the help of my colleagues around me. I was provided with a variety of tasks and tests to carry out so I was not simply doing the same thing all the time. This variety helped keep things interesting whilst providing an all-round experience.

I got on really well with all colleagues I worked with and employees I met. They treated me as if I had been working there forever (with some obvious exceptions like asking for help!) and asked for my opinion on things rather than just discuss problems amongst themselves.

Management were always ready to give assistance when I needed it, and should they be particularly busy, they always let me know who I could turn to for support and guidance within the audit team.

The work plans provided to me at the start of each job kept me perfectly busy throughout the week. Although, at the start of the weeks sometimes things were a bit slow and at the end it often became a lot busier. However, the overall demand was perfectly reasonable.

During the placement I was given responsibility as if I were a graduate just starting out. This enabled me to gain a true insight to where I would be starting should I want to join the firm and should they want me. This level of responsibility was perfect.

The main skills I developed will definitely assist me in my degree studies and beyond. My computer and IT skills have definitely seen an improvement which can only enhance my degree education. In addition, my professional communication has improved as well as confidence in talking to people in difficult situations.

The general atmosphere in the office was one of openness and friendliness. Everyone, whilst getting on with their own work, were always willing to help and always kind if they were not able to, perhaps being too busy, and pointed you in the direction of something who could help. At no point during my internship was the atmosphere tense, strict, or unfriendly.

The internship was very well organised. My 4 weeks with KPMG were planned in advance and intending to give me a wide variety of clients; from public sector to middle markets and big to small. The only hiccough was during the last week when I was changed so as to work in the Bristol office and then the audit got cancelled so I was left with random jobs for colleagues, however, this situation could not have been prevented.

During my first day I was made to sit a short course, or tutorial, in ethic and independence as well as correct office behaviour and positioning so as to minimise health and safety risk and maximise personal comfort. This shows that KPMP invests in its employees from day one. Not to mention throughout the internship other colleagues helped me to understand and learn about what I was doing and not just simply doing the job or doing irrelevant tasks.

After completing the internship I sat an interview with a partner at the Cardiff office. Afterwards, I was told that I had been successful and they have offered me a position on their graduate programme, should I want it. I knew that during the internship I would want to accept such an offer, should I be made one, as my experience was nothing but positive and thoroughly pleasant.

Yes there was. As soon I started, I was invited to a summer BBQ hosted by the social committee, who, I understand, organise various events such as this throughout the year.

The cost of living and socialising in the area I worked was no different than what I was used to. This is because I am a university student in Cardiff, where my placement was. Definitely cheaper than being at home, in Leicestershire, to use a comparison, so I have found it sufficient.

As I mentioned previously, I already study in the area I worked so the nightlife I have experienced as been all year round and I can honestly say that it is fantastic and I would not change it in the slightest.

Outside of work there were a few opportunities to get involved in activities. From organised events like the summer BBQ to meeting up with colleagues for dinner.