Graduate Case Studies - Danielle - Summer Internship - PricewaterhouseCoopers
Summer Internship
Danielle
Age: 20
Danielle is in her final year of a biochemistry degree at University College London. During 2007 she completed a summer internship programme with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). She was working in tax, within the Human Resource Services (HRS) department. During her time on the programme she undertook a number of activities which included attending the departure briefings for those who were going on international assignments from different companies. She also had to answer queries from assignees and support the rest of the team.
What was your motivation in applying?
PwC is one of the biggest financial services firms in the country and I was keen to find out more about who they were and what they did. In 2006, I did a two-day insight course at PwC that I found really interesting, which in turn, prompted me to apply for the internship programme.
What did the application process involve?
There was an online application form followed by some online tests. I had a first interview followed by an assessment centre, which included a verbal reasoning test, a group exercise and an interview with a partner.
What did you do?
I mainly answered queries that assignees sent into us. I wrote drafts of replies which senior people then reviewed. I worked on a number of spreadsheets. For example, I compiled a spreadsheet of which assignees had completed their tax returns and which ones were outstanding.
How will you sell the experience on your CV?
It was good for developing my communication and numerical skills. It was great to get the experience of working in an office and having that exposure.
Did you enjoy it?
Yes, I enjoyed my time there. In particular, the training was really good – it was definitely a highlight. Everyone who was on an internship attended the training at a conference center which we all found very useful.
What did you learn?
Work is harder than university! That said, the early starts were not too bad and I actually have to get up earlier for university.
Best part?
Going to face-to-face meetings and interacting with clients.
Worst part?
Some of the more mundane jobs such as online filing. But fortunately I only had a few things to file each day.
What advice to readers do you have?
Make sure you are really prepared for interviews. Do practice tests and expect interviews to be very thorough; companies will want to see what you know about business. Also, when you are on the internships have a positive attitude – that way people will want to give you more work.
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