Associate 2 Review

As a second year Associate, my principal role is to help my engagement teams progress audits and deliver high quality in-sights to clients. My day-to-day activities involve: Completing various tests over the clients financial data, concluding on this data and subsequently reporting back to my engagement team on my findings.

The programme is structured very well, there is an even split between University activities and placement related work. Prior to the start of each University semester or work placement, there are always inductions from the programme leaders, to help explain what is upcoming. Whilst, completing this programme, there are many individuals to reach out to on both sides (PwC and the University), in case you have queries or are struggling with any aspect of your studies/work.

PwC provide a large number of support networks to help you progress over placement and answer any questions that you may have. These include your Career Coach, a manager that you can reach out to and catch-up with if you have any concerns about both work and non-work related issues. HR and Resourcing are also available and can help with any specific issues over client bookings, etc. In addition to this, there is the Flying Start Champion, someone who has been in your shoes and that you can reach out to about absolutely anything. Everyone is always more than happy to help, and also very timely with their responses!

The University, similarly to PwC have a number of people you can reach out to if you require any support when it comes to working towards your professional exams. Firstly, there is the Course Director, who oversees the entire course and can help inform you about anything regarding the structure, exam dates, how to prepare for the start of a University semester and so on. As well as this, all individuals have a personal tutor who you can reach to you and talk to about more personal issues or circumstances that may be affecting your studies. Overall, the course team are happy to help and available whenever you need.

As mentioned previously, firstly the structure of the course whereby you can complete a semester learning academic theory, then the next semester be working and applying this theory in real-life is great. In my opinion much more advantageous and useful than completing a traditional three year degree course, then applying your knowledge in a subsequent graduate job.
I have most definitely applied various theoretical concepts learnt in my studies, whilst on placement at PwC. It is great to be able to talk to seniors and have thoughtful discussions about different accounting treatments and gain their point of view on such matters.

Yes

There are many reasons I would recommend PwC. Firstly, the culture, everyone at PwC is extremely helpful and always keen to help answer your questions and queries. I have been lucky enough to experience some great coaching and gained invaluable insights over several areas. Secondly, the exposure, as a Big 4 Accounting Firm PwC has a number of larger client engagements where you can really develop your skills at a great pace.