Launch Pad Preparation Pack

KPMG Launch Pad Preparation Pack Launch Pad days can be challenging, but this pack is designed to supplement your own preparation and focus your research. During the day you will be assessed at all times and the activities are designed to push you out of your comfort zone, as a way to really test your resilience and ability to cope with challenging situations. Although this pack has plenty of information, you will need to go above and beyond what is written here to do your best on the day.

There are nine behavioural capabilities which you need to be aware of both on the day and whilst you prepare, and you can find more information about these on the KPMG website: https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates/how-to-apply/behavioural-capabilities 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Career Motivation Delivering Quality Driving Collaboration and Inclusion Striving for Continual Improvement Exercising Professional Judgement

6) 7) 8) 9)

Making an Impact Seizing Business Opportunities Demonstrating Innovation and Curiosity Resilience

Activities on the day will be focused on a fictional organisation based on KPMG, to give you a feel for what day-to-day life at the company is like. The exercises will be a mixture of individual and group-based exercises, and you day will look roughly like this: 1)

Registration and a presentation on KPMG This is your first opportunity to shine! Make sure you’re smartly dressed and engaged right from the start of the day.

2)

First Group Exercise This is the first task of the day, and will start with a presentation about a company, market of product.

It’s really important that you take lots of notes throughout this, as everything you hear now will be important for the group task. You will then be split into groups of 5, and have two hours to do a range of activities, including presenting a pitch and group discussions. This exercise will be looking at how well you demonstrate the behavioural capabilities, and a chance for you to learn something new.

Make sure that you speak up, contribute and bring other quiet members into conversation. You may want to be the group leader, but also consider other leadership roles such as the person who keeps notes or is timekeeper. You will be assessed by a number of different assessors.

3)

Lunch Although lunch is a chance for you to relax and meet other candidates and current KPMG graduates, make sure you remain professional and polite – remember, you’re always being assessed. Ask lots of questions and make sure your interest comes across.

4)

The Analysis Exercise The analysis exercise is also laptop based and involves reading and reporting on financial/business related information regarding a client or case study. It is designed to test your analytical skills and your ability to compile, evaluate and summarise complex information into a well-written report. This report should not only be a summary of the information, but also a critical analysis with clear recommendations. Remember to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the client. You will have one hour to complete this task. ● It is unlikely you will have enough time to read all of the information. This is deliberate. ● Structure your time before starting and stick to the time allocations you’ve decided on. ● Seek out and underline the relevant information to make your key themes obvious. ● Don’t get bogged down in unnecessary detail. ● Focus on your intro/conclusion, main topic sentences and finding the primary arguments. Be thorough, but concise. ● You do not have time to turn this into a university essay. Your ability to read and write effectively, quickly and under considerable time pressure will help you succeed on this task. ● Tailor your report for the intended audience (managers or partners) and don’t sit on the fence.

● ● ●

Check your spelling and grammar, there probably won’t be a spell checking tool.

Don’t leave any sections blank.

Don’t panic!

This task may be challenging for those who struggle with essay writing, but we suggest that you give yourself one hour beforehand to read a few industry reports or business case studies and then summarise these succinctly. Try to provide compelling recommendations! This may sound time consuming, however, it only takes an hour and is brilliant practice for when you do the real thing. You may also be asked to fill out a self assessment form, which should be honest but optimistic. Be humble, not arrogant, and show a desire to develop your skills and improve yourself.

5)

Market Stalls You will also have the opportunity to visit lots of KPMG ‘market stalls’, which may just look like a careers fair. This is your chance to speak to both KPMG graduates and senior members of the team.

You will be able to find out lots about the company, its different sectors and also ask lots of questions. Don’t forget, you’re always assessed so think about who you’re talking to at all times.

6)

Partner/Director/Senior Manager Interview This interview will take around 20 minutes, and will be conducted by a senior member of the business area you’re applying to. Please don’t worry, the person interviewing you is on your side and simply wants to get to know you better. Always keep in the back of your head the nine behavioural capabilities when answering questions, and have a think about answers to the following: BUSINESS AWARENESS The partner may ask you about recent business news that you found interesting. You will explain what happened briefly and then you will be asked questions about that piece of news.

You could be asked some additional questions:  What routine do you follow to keep yourself up-to-date on business news?  What have you seen about KPMG recently in the news that you find interesting?

LEARNING NEW SKILLS  Could you give an example of a time when you had to learn a new skill What did you learn, and how did you learn it?

CAREER MOTIVATION (some of these questions will come up)  Why KPMG?  What do you know about KPMG?  Why is KPMG different from the other big 4 firms?  What do you know about our clients?  Why have you chosen to apply to this business area?  What do you think a normal day as a graduate employee would be like?  How do you think you will be able to keep motivated to study for your qualifications?  What is your general career aim?  Where do you see yourself in 3 years’ time? (or even 15 years’ time)  What do you think the biggest challenge will be when working in your chosen role?  How do you think KPMG can help you?  If you don't get this what will you do?  Why that particular office location?

OTHER QUESTIONS THAT SHOULD BE PREPARED  Tell me about yourself.  What’s your greatest strength?  What’s your biggest disappointment?  How do you think KPMG gets new clients?  What support do you expect from KPMG during your training?  How much do you expect to be spoon-fed the answers and solutions during your training?

Some further links that you may find useful are: https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates/how-to-apply/application-advice https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates/how-to-apply/application-process Make sure you prepare thoroughly and try your best.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.