EY Leadership Academy 2016 - Spring Insight Review

The Leadership Academy was immensely enjoyable. I learnt so much and the company went to great lengths to ensure everyone was having a fantastic time.

I felt incredibly valued as the firm placed a lot of importance on getting to know us, allowing us to understand our strengths as leaders.

Ernst and Young brought in experts on leadership that supported us over the four days. The facilitators were fantastic in guiding us, providing one-one feedback sessions continually over the day. I felt I had a really supportive network around me that were there to help me better myself. I particularly appreciated all the advice and support my facilitator, Emma Robson gave me.

Everything I learnt on the academy will stay with me throughout my career. I can't believe how much difference four days makes in assisting your personal development.

The insight was clearly well planned and I really appreciated the great lengths the team went to in order to ensure every little detail was well organised.

The atmosphere was so fun. Even though we were all learning a lot, and working hard throughout the day in a challenging environment, there was plenty of room to have loads of fun. The teams really bonded, and everyone made great friends. It was honestly a really fantastic experience and I would strongly encourage future students to apply.

I am astounded at how much EY invested in us. The whole aim of the academy was for us to walk away as better leaders and business people. They invested a huge amount in our personal training and development as well as ensuring we all had a fantastic time on the academy. The firm were incredibly generous and genuine in their want for us to develop and better ourselves.

The academy gave a great insight into the firm's culture and access to people working at the firm. I felt I came away with a clearer understanding of what makes EY special and the working atmosphere that they encourage. However the aim of the insight scheme was not to introduce you to working life at EY, rather to teach you about leadership and teamwork. Therefore I was not able to fully understand what it would be like to have a full-time role at the company - however this was not my expectation, nor the aim of the Leadership Academy.

I felt I came away with a clear understanding of EY's culture, the values they look for and encourage.

The content of the Academy really helped me understand the strengths I have. This has helped me tailor my skills to certain roles and positions, encouraging me to "play to me strengths". I am also now considering divisions I had previously dismissed thanks to the Academy.

The firm ensured we all wanted for nothing throughout our time with them and reimbursed travel expenses. We were thoroughly spoiled with fantastic food, private hotel rooms and EY gifts.

EY encouraged us to network with their employees, many of whom came down to Surrey for a networking dinner with us. We also had a Partner dinner where we could network with senior employees in the firm.

Loads of opportunities to network with employees. Several social events each evening where we could all spend time together and mingle with our peers.

Without a doubt, it was a fantastic opportunity and I would strongly recommend future students to apply.