Leadership Academy Student Review

I was involved in the Leadership Academy last Easter and I enjoyed this insight thoroughly. The tasks and activities were extremely beneficial. They had a great balance between learning and fun. EY ensured that there were socials at the end of every night which gave everyone a chance to let their hair down after the tasks throughout the day. An overall enjoyable experience.

I met lots of interesting and motivated students as well as EY facilitators which helped to provide a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. They valued everything that you had to say and allowed time and the right environment to express opinions. They took an interest in everybody there and gave everyone a chance to lead a task or activity. No one was left out and they encouraged everyone to get involved.

The EY facilitators were extremely helpful throughout the week. Each group of 6 students had an EY employee who helped to guide you through certain tasks. The lecturers as well explained everything clearly, ensuring that you were never left in the dark about a certain topic. You were also given the opportunity to have one on one sessions with EY facilitators in order to express your opinions and receive guidance to develop your skills.

The insight undoubtedly developed my leadership skills. I believe this is an area which is extremely important in my degree, Business and Management. The insight helped me to analysis my leadership patterns as well as acknowledging the importance of self development. The insight focused on taking time to realise your strengths and weaknesses after an activity and I feel I am able to transfer knowledge to my degree and general life.

The insight was extremely well structured. Over the four days, we would develop upon what we learnt the previous day. It concentrated on all areas of leadership and helped to develop individual skills as well as group skills. There were clear learning objectives and the insight gave enough time to work as well as social time. By the end of the programme, I was a lot more aware of how to lead. It was well structured.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming and relaxed. From the very beginning, EY provided the right environment for students to feel comfortable. The actual location where the programme took place suited the insight very well. The facilitators were friendly and understanding. They provided the atmosphere that meant no question was silly and promoted group interaction. It was all very good.

I feel that EY invested a lot into me, alongside all the students. To put such a programme on is undoubtedly very expensive but it definitely promoted EY as a company and firm to work for. They made everyone feel very important and ensured that we received the skills to develop our leadership. The fact we were on this course means that they believe in our ability and the programme has only helped to improve us as candidates for other roles in later life.

Since the insight let us talk to EY employees, it meant that we could ask questions and get an honest answer. The EY employees could speak any higher of EY as a firm and this has helped me to gain an insight into the firm. We also had the opportunity to have dinner with senior partners and they gave speeches explaining the culture and traditions of EY. This was all very interesting.

As I have mentioned, the insight gave me a great look at how employees regard the company. They promoted the company's culture and I understand just how much importance they place on the employees. This is undoubtedly one of their major advantages over competition so they take pride in their employees. Talking to employees and senior partners helped to reiterate the culture of the company.

I believe that the insight concentrated more on self development rather than necessarily career paths. It undoubtedly helped me to understand the importance of leadership within groups and firms. The content helped me to develop my leadership skills. The actual insight also encouraged me to follow my career path with EY and so the programme was extremely useful in that aspect.

I was reimbursed for my travels and despite expenses being £100 maximum, they reimbursed me £150 since I had to travel further than other candidates.

There were extensive opportunities to network with employees. Since my group leader was an EY employee and I had one on ones with him, it gave me the opportunity to ask questions about EY and increase my knowledge about it. In addition, the senior partners dinner helped me to network and make connections.

All networking and social events were extremely entertaining. They provided an atmosphere which was approachable for students to network with employees as well as creating more informal situations in order to have more relaxed conversations.

Yes, I am aware that EY provide lots of activities and projects outside of general work. They sponsor many large events. Recently, they have sponsored the Rugby World Cup and I am aware that employees were given the opportunity to help out at them. EY obviously take considerate involvement with their employees and this is evident with all the extra activities they provide.

I would undoubtedly recommend this to a friend. I have managed to secure a summer internship place through this programme so there are apparent opportunities after the initial insight. I would also recommend this programme since it develops yourself and skills. I have benefited from being involved in this programme and I feel that everyone participates in it, benefits too.