Discover EY Review

Before the Insight, I didn't really know what to expect. However, it was an enjoyable, informative experience that gave me a better understanding of what EY does and how I could be part of such an organisation.

There were great opportunities to speak to employees from different levels in the firm, from trainees to partners, especially when we were taken out for dinner, which was nice.

The insight was fairly structured and informative, so there wasn't much need for personal support.

We did a case study presentation on the second day which has helped with my presentation skills. However, the information on the service lines that EY offers I found to be much more valuable.

Very well structured.

It was quite informal and relaxed, which made it easy to get along with other people on Discover EY

As the programme was only two days long, opportunities for personal training and development were limited. However, there were signs that this is an important part of the business and there were seminars directed towards personal development. One involved education and activities around understanding different personality types.

There were many opportunities for networking throughout the insight. We were able to speak to employees at a junior level currently completing their training contracts, and there was a dinner which also allowed for networking. Employees rotated around the different tables, giving an opportunity to speak to as many different people as possible about life in the firm.

Throughout the experience, it was made clear that EY puts a special emphasis on its culture as a differentiating factor from the other big four professional services firms. This was done by repeated emphasis on EY's Vision 2020 and flat corporate structure. Through networking, it also became clear that most employees felt that the culture was very good.

The insight focused on EY's tax and assurance lines. This gave time to have a more in-depth look at both of these service areas, and I learned a lot about what each career path may practically involve. It was also useful to learn more about how progression and achieving your qualification typically works in a professional services firm, as this was something I was not particularly clear on.

We were reimbursed for travel expenses up to one hundred pounds, however, it was possible to apply for more. EY also provided accommodation in a hotel less than 10 minutes walk from One More. The accommodation was well organised and easily accessed. As I came from Edinburgh, this was extremely useful for me.

There were many opportunities for networking throughout the insight. We were able to speak to employees at a junior level currently completing their training contracts, and there was a dinner which also allowed for networking. Employees rotated around the different tables, giving an opportunity to speak to as many different people as possible about life in the firm.

The networking opportunities were very relaxed and it seemed as though the employees were very genuine about their experiences and happy to answer any questions I had. The networking dinner was also very nice, at Jamie's Italian just across the road from the EY offices, and of course was all expenses paid. One of the best aspects of the networking was the ability to speak to employees at all levels in the company.

Through networking, we found out that there were many different charity events run by the company that employees could get involved in. According to one person I spoke to, there are hundreds of EY newsletters that you can sign up to, some of which are directed to activities outside of work. Otherwise, it seems for the first few years at least employees will be very consumed in the job and have little time for many outside activities.

I would definitely recommend the insight to a friend. I believe it gave a fantastic insight into the world of professional services and has inspired me to learn more about potential future career paths. Perhaps the insight could have been longer, in order to look in more detail into EY's other service lines, however, this should not deter anyone wishing to apply.