FS Tech Risk analyst Review

I greatly enjoyed it - it was a good way of not only figuring out what kind of work suited me but also to build contacts and knowledge for returning as a grad. The work was varied, giving me a chance to see different parts of different departments.

I feel that KPMG has a good, honest culture in feedback generally. For example, my engagement managers would thank me for going above and beyond their expectations and recognise this through the reward system. I was never made to feel like 'just' an intern!

Everyone I worked with was truly great at supporting me - I felt a little more thrown in the deep end with every client project I was on, but this was a good thing! I knew I had help if I needed to ask and management would regularly ask how the work is going and if I had any questions about it. Each newbie is also assigned a buddy (someone around the same grade from your department) to settle you in and a Performance Manager, who oversees your progress and gives a bit of guidance!

The first few weeks on placement were painfully slow while I was waiting to be assigned a project. However, this quickly changed to be lovely and busy! I had a few late nights but nothing too crazy - I worked with people who would appreciate that you have a life outside work (and they also did of course!).

As I was on client engagements, I had a great deal of responsibility by the end of the year. Initially on engagements, I shadowed a more experienced grad and picked up knowledge slowly. By the end of the year, I was setting up one-to-one meetings with clients for walkthroughs and leading meetings under the watchful eye of more senior members! I learnt so much more from taking on more responsibility.

I study Maths, which didn't come into use much (except that basic MATLAB helped me have a better understanding of SQL, for example). However, I have developed transferable skills such as the ability to get a lot done in a day and still have a social life! The skills that I learnt will be great for returning to work.

Each department is different, but my department was bubbly and fun. It made working for people more enjoyable. The office as a whole (Canada Square) also has a great atmosphere, with regular events and a few famous faces appearing for a visit! Everyone seemed happy and friendly.

I didn't feel that my department was that prepared for a placement student (or even knew what one was at first!). The first few days were unorganised. However, I was then integrated into the grad training and treated as a grad, so it all picked up!

A great chunk of my time was spent on training - with 10 courses in the first few months. Some were a day long, others a week. They encourage people to sign up to training and I was always on the lookout for something new! I did things like Consulting Skills, IT Security Concepts, Excel Intermediate etc.

I should be returning as a second year graduate in my department after graduating- which is great as it means that I'm still at the same stage as I would've been if I had joined as a graduate rather than a placement student!

I didn't come across many placement students, but we were all integrated into the graduate induction so met approx 150 people there! We would all regularly go out for drinks as a large group or as smaller groups. The social scene within my department was also great.

London! Drinks are expensive, rent is expensive but I loved living there and not having to commute too much.

Bars are busy and people would regularly meet for drinks at the end of the day - especially towards the end of the week. We did different things too such as ping pong bars, table football bars, karaoke, dinners and urban golf.

KPMG has a good corporate social responsibility initiative, where you can dedicate 6 days a year to volunteering through them. I helped at mentoring classes for sixth form students in Tower Hamlets.