EY Insight Day Review

I really enjoyed EY's Insight Day. The whole day was well structured, with a variety of tasks and opportunity to talk to people from different business areas, and at different levels. The day consisted of a few talks, which was nice - not too many so that it felt like a lecture, but just enough to receive the key information. After a few ice-breaking exercises (which were more creative than the typical 'interesting fact about you'), we had case studies, and were involved in delivering a presentation for a client. After the day we received feedback on how we did, and an opportunity to ask questions, both of which were really useful in terms of applying for a position at EY.

Although it was just a one-day Insight programme, I already felt like I would be welcomed to join the firm. Especially the case study, talking to two different people representing the same client, and delivering the presentation, made me feel like I would be valued, especially combined with the feedback, which I felt really aimed to instruct how to make the most of the application process.

Again, I felt like there was just the right amount of talks and background information given. In addition, we were given a booklet that contains different techniques of approaching a case study, tips for presenting, definitions of terms etc which was very useful especially as a non-business, finance or economics student. And again, the feedback at the end was invaluable.

During the scheme I certainly gathered new insight into things like body language during presentations, how to conduct or structure a client meeting, and, as part of the ice-breaker session, learned about different personality, learning, and working types, and how they should be taken into account in works and studies. Due to the limited time spent there (just 1 day), not a huge amount could be developed, but it certainly opened my eyes to things I had not considered before.

I was extremely satisfied with the structure of the insight. Having been to a couple other ones, too, it was really enjoyable to know from the start what the day will be like, and to see that the whole day essentially works and builds up towards the final presentation. The time was very effectively used, with several breaks (with snacks/lunch etc), but very little of 'excess' time.

I enjoyed the atmosphere in general, it was a nice combination of being relaxed but also professional. The only down-side was that, as a Music student, I felt a bit out of place and intimidated at first - though this could also be just my mindset (and would depend a lot on the group one is assigned to). That worry certainly dissipated throughout the day.

There is not much room for personal training and development in the space of one day, but even in that time I thought I gained quite a lot. The activities were designed to not only break the ice or teach about the work at EY, but also to learn something about oneself. The personal feedback session (around 10 minutes) and chance to ask questions individually was great.

Again, it was only one day, but even in that short period time I feel like I gained a lot of understanding of a role within the firm. We were given an overview of the different roles, and had some exercises and tasks that highlighted some of the key features and skills needed in the role. Each group had their own 'supervisor' who works at the firm and stayed with us throughout, so I feel like we maybe learn a bit more about that role.

A bit unsure about this, as it is difficult to say whether the culture is actually similar to what we experienced at the (quite intense) Insight Day. It certainly did help in terms of understanding the type of people who work there, and who would succeed in the company, and in the different departments within the company, and how it might differ from other similar firms.

As someone who hasn't really done any work or guided study in a commercial environment, the content of the day was extremely valuable. I learned about the differences between different roles, and what kinds of tasks and projects one could be involved in. Of course we didn't quite experience what the 'real' work would be like for a longer period of time.

I was reimbursed my travel expenses - they are very accommodating even with accommodation, if needed.

Having one person from EY in our group throughout was very good, and the personal feedback and chat at the end was a good networking opportunity. There was a chance to briefly talk to other people too, but not time for much other networking. It did introduce us to the Student managers and recruitment people, though.

Given the length of the Insight Day, they were quite limited, but surprisingly good.

Not except for a few mentions in the presentation at the beginning, although I could have asked about it in the one-to-one chat.

I would definitely recommend this insight.