Intern Review

I really loved my internship with EY. It was simply unrepeatable - great support, interesting projects, and amazing fellow interns. This opportunity enabled me to increase the trust in my abilities, and to improve beyond my expectations. I enjoyed being able to work from home, and meet amazing people working for EY. I believe that it was for sure one of the best ways to spend the summer.

My team really made a difference - they helped me, supported me, and we became really good friends in the process. We had a lot of team working activities - from going out for a lunch to playing golf. That really helped us to team, and work better as a team. When I needed, they would help me, and would always appreciate the work done. I did not feel rivalry or hostility at all - the atmosphere was the opposite.

The support received was great, it enabled me to take up a substantial amount of work within the team, and learn quickly. Though the support is not as great as for the Graduates, the amount was enough for me to be able to work, but not too much to bore me. I received a few presentations to go through before I joined the team, which helped to learn what is waiting for me. Asking questions proactively is always a good idea, and it helps to find out what you don't know.

The work-life balance was really great. My supervisors tried to make sure that I am not too bored, and have a challenging experience. However, at the same time, the amount of work was not too much - I still had time to spend with my friends and to enjoy the summer. I believe that it is important to proactively search for opportunities to get involved in more work, which would interest you. This was what I did myself.

My team gave me a lot of responsibility - I was able to contribute significantly towards the workload. I was given my own papers to write, a deadline, and guidance. This allowed me to feel like an integral part of the team. As well, I was taken to some 10 meetings with clients, during which I had an active role to perform. This high level of responsibility made me enjoy the experience, and be happy with the internship.

What I was working in does not directly help me in my studies, however, I believe helped me to develop my logical thinking and analytical skills. I received great support, and learnt how to deal meetings with clients, and prepare presentations. As well, I improved my communication skills, and writing skills. As well, I leant more about the business environment. The before-mentioned skills I believe will be very useful in University,

The general atmosphere was rather good. People seemed enthusiastic, and keen. This is, of course, compared with the general grey atmosphere of Canary Wharf. In the office, there was a game room where we could relax during the lunch break. As well, free coffee was provided for the staff, which allowed to feel more sharp during the day. At first, there was even a mini-golf course, however, it was later disassembled. People in the office are always busy and in a hurry, but if you know them, they will spend some time chatting.

The overall placement was organised in the beginning, but lost the structure later. At first, we had some events with other interns, and received training that was supposed to help us on the projects. However, I believe it rather made us under-prepared. Some interns followed their interests and joined other teams on their own, while some stayed on the assigned projects. There were no official rotations for most interns, expect those with pre-assigned work. At some point during the internship, I was not assigned on any project, staying idle for a few days.

EY provided CSR day, and induction. All of that was done rather well, and helped during my time in the internship. However, what could have helped would be department specific induction. This would help to learn more about the job on-site. A lot of fellow interns though under-prepared for their projects. EY could have a deck they give about the assignments to the interns before they join, or could provide other training in the department. I am sure all of that is done for graduates, but could also be done for interns too.

The future with EY is really great - every who is worthy - receives an offer. There are no quotas or maximum number of offers. I feel that this is important when considering an internship. Thus, this made the experience really great. Going forward, it is possible to climb the ladder rather quickly, if you are eager to work for it. My colleagues received promotions, and it was evident that they were not the only ones - there is plenty of work to do at any level of responsibility.

The social scene among colleagues was really great. We went out almost every week - attended beer festival, went out, and played golf. This was really great and helped to bond. With the fellow interns, we had a few organised events, and organised some ourselves - went out for brunch/drinks. However, most of us had very little time for the activities, taking into account the working hours and commuting time.

The cost of living in London is very very high. The rents do not reflect the quality of accommodation - usually, the quality is very low. The rents more reflect the area that you choose. Bad news - Canary Wharf is very expensive. Hence, very few stay within walking distance of the office. Going out is another expensive part of living in London, and working in Canary Wharf. There are mainly chains in the area, and they are rather pricey. As well, you can go to Waitrose if you fancy something not expensive - they have a dining area.

I am not aware of any nightlife in Canary Wharf. It is a grey working area that people try to escape as soon as possible after work. Though, Shoredich is rather close, which is where a lot of people go out. Canary Wharf is really not for those who hate commuting to the office, or enjoy grabbing a pint after work. If you want to go out, you will have to commute pretty far away for nightlife. However, having in mind the working hours, probably the only time you will be able to go out is on Friday, as there working hours tend to be rather long.

There are a few activities to do outside of work. There is a badminton, football and other clubs. If you wish, you can gather a group of people and play golf or other sport. There is a possibility to attend exhibitions in V&A and Tate Modern for free, which is great. That saves quite a bit of money. EY sponsors more art museums, and if you have time after work - you can always grab a ticket or two, and visit. Sadly, there is not much more in the offer...