summer intern Review

I was part of the Pensions Audit Centre of Excellence (PACE) team within Deloitte's Pensions Portfolio. Throughout my internship, I worked alongside experienced auditors and received guidance from colleagues while contributing to a variety of pension scheme audit engagements. On a day-to-day basis, I assisted with audit testing and documentation, including balance testing, cash testing, lead schedules, trial balance work, internal review reports, and SORP-related procedures. I also worked on engagements such as National Grid and the Joy Pension Accounts, helping to gather evidence and support audit conclusions.
This experience provided me with valuable insight into how pension scheme audits are planned, executed, and reviewed. I developed my understanding of key audit concepts such as materiality, audit assertions, risk assessment, and substantive testing, while also gaining exposure to pension scheme accounting and regulatory requirements. The internship strengthened my analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, as I regularly collaborated with team members, sought feedback, and managed multiple tasks to meet deadlines. Overall, the experience gave me a strong understanding of both the technical and professional aspects of working in audit and has increased my interest in pursuing a career in professional services.

Understanding Deloitte as a business gave me insight into how different teams work together to deliver value to clients. Through networking, team meetings, and discussions with colleagues, I learned about the variety of career paths available within audit and professional services, helping me better understand potential future roles and the skills needed to succeed.

During my internship, I developed both my technical and professional skills. I improved my understanding of audit concepts, pension scheme accounting, and testing procedures through work on real client engagements. I also strengthened my Excel skills, attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and ability to manage tasks independently while meeting deadlines and responding to feedback.

The company culture was very welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. Everyone was approachable and willing to answer questions, provide guidance, and help me develop my skills. The atmosphere encouraged continuous learning and teamwork, making it easy to contribute while gaining confidence in a professional environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight as it gave me the opportunity to work on real client engagements, develop new technical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the audit profession. The supportive team environment and exposure to different aspects of Deloitte made the experience both enjoyable and valuable, confirming my interest in a career within professional services.

Yes

My advice would be to be yourself throughout the application process and demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn. Deloitte values curiosity, teamwork, and a positive attitude as much as technical ability. During the internship, I found that asking questions, being proactive, and taking every opportunity to learn from colleagues helped me make the most of the experience.