Audit Assistant - Reading Review

I worked at 3 different client sites in the four weeks that i was working at KPMG. Each was different and provided me with a variety of work that meant i was always enjoying what i was doing.

I felt like i actively produced work which was of real use to my colleagues. They often complimented me on the standard of my work.

I worked under a number of different managers, and all of them were happy to guide me if i was struggling. I was set tasks to at first try and figure out using my intuition, but any problems i couldn't get my head round i could ask the manager and they were always happy to help.

Some days i was constantly busy from 9 until 5, some days staying later to finish work. Other days there was not a lot to do and so spent some time waiting for work to come in. This is because summer is the "quiet" period for KPMG.

I was given as much responsibility as a graduate would and felt like i was contributing well to the overall project. I was given whole sections of the audit file to complete.

I learned how to use Excel effectively, which is vital for my specific degree. Face to face contact with clients also helped me improve my communication skills. The skills i learned will undoubdtedly help in any future career i pursue

The atmosphere was always friendly, and i never felt out of place or any negativity. There is a real "family" feel among KPMG, which is one of the values they try to push.

From day 1 i had 3 "buddies" assigned to me whom i could email at any point throughout the placement to ask about anything, I was given different clients throughout the weeks in order to give me a range of experience, which i was grateful for as it obviously required some work on KPMG's part.

I was constantly being given feedback throughout the weeks and was shown how to tailor my skills for use in KPMG. I was given various training exercises to complete in order to help me settle in and understand the values of KPMG

I ended my placement with a Partner Interview and was then offered a job to start after i graduate next year!

I didn;t see a lot of the other students in the office because they were assigned to different teams. However the first day involved ice-breakers and various games to help us get to know each other. I attended social events such as after-work drinks with the KPMG staff some days

I lived at home so didn't have to pay living costs, but was living in South West London so i didn't experience living and socialising in Reading. It seems cheaper than London though!

Didn't go on any nights out but i know that there is University of Reading, so it is likely there will be good Nightlife for people of a similar age.

Yes, i was invited to lots of events such as BBQs, drinks, meals etc. I attended a few of these and enjoyed them a lot.