Audit Intern Review

I was treated as if I was a graduate who had just joined the firm which I really enjoyed - I was able to experience exactly what the start of the graduate programme would be like. I worked on major clients, helping teams in any way I could. The work was challenging and I received lots of help from more senior colleagues meaning I left having learnt lots in just six weeks. I attended several networking and social events within my department, however I was disappointed by the lack of opportunity to meet other interns, which was particularly difficult given I worked at client sites for most of the six weeks.

I felt highly valued by everyone at EY. Whilst working on client projects colleagues were grateful for the work I produced, meaning I really felt I was adding value. Colleagues of all levels took the time to explain complex processes, talk about their department or their career path/time at EY in general. I attended a 'family meeting' with another intern and we were made to feel particularly valued as we gave feedback from the perspective of someone new to the firm which the Partner found very useful.

Whilst working on client sites I was given lots of technical support from other team members - they took the time to carefully explain what they needed me to do, and how this fitted in with the bigger picture in terms of the project we were working on. Moreover, the firm allocated me a first year buddy, a third year buddy and a counsellor - I had many points of call whenever I had a question.

My workload varied a great deal. Some client projects were very busy, requiring me to stay at work a little later, but some days there was no work for me to do given my lack of experience. The resource allocaters generally found me work to do, but I would otherwise fill my time working towards internship goals, managing a mini project with other interns and speaking with people from other areas of the firm.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility during my internship. Whilst working on client sites I was often tasked with making and compiling documents which would be main components of the final product and was often asked to speak directly with clients to reconcile any problems the team had found. At times it was difficult to have too much responsibility however as I was held back by a lack of expertise and had to rely on more experienced colleagues.

The skills and training I received have little bearing on my degree studies. In terms of softer and professional skills I feel EY developed these well. Every week we had a 'Lunch and Learn' session where we were taught things like how to manage your personal brand and had the opportunity to ask questions. I left feeling I had learnt a great deal about EY and professional services in general and developed many professional skills such as networking which will be highly useful in whatever career path I pursue.

The overall internship was managed well by a dedicated Summer Internship Programme Team. We attended a welcome event on the first day, attended by interns from all office locations in the UK which gave a general introduction to EY and the internships. Every week we had 'Lunch and Learn' sessions and opportunities to attend partner breakfast sessions (London offices). Throughout the internship we had to seek feedback and meet with our counsellor, this then formed the basis of whether you were offered a graduate role or not. This process was made clear to us and the overall structure worked well.

The company invested in training and developing interns via the 'lunch and learn' sessions and various networking opportunities such as the partner breakfasts. It was very evident that once you join the graduate scheme the firm invests in you a great deal as you begin a programme where you work and study for a professional qualification - you are given every opportunity to develop at EY.

EY seemed like a very positive and amicable environment to work in - everyone wanted you to succeed and was extremely friendly. The firm invests a huge amount in its employees via the various qualifications you can study for, as well as supporting ideas you may have, I met several individuals who had pitched ideas and set up new business lines within the firm. The firm is very global meaning the opportunities to work in other locations seem plentiful - most senior members of the firm had worked in another office location at some point. I would be very keen to work for EY, but I would advise finding the department that is right for you, this can be done while you are there as it is very common to go on secondments or move between departments.

The summer internship team did not organise any social events for interns which was highly disappointing. It was particularly difficult for the audit interns to attend socials or lunches given we were largely out at client sites. Interns did organise social events of their own volition but these were infrequent and not attended particularly well.

The London office which I worked in was in More London near Tower Bridge. This was a very expensive place to live and socialise during the internship. Moreover, as an audit intern I had not appreciated that I could be working wherever my client may be based, therefore I had some much longer commutes than anticipated. One intern even worked abroad for several weeks!

There were several sporting opportunities - you could play as a reserve for many of the netball, football teams etc, and there was also an opportunity to participate in an inter-company run. The EY Foundation is their charitable arm and you could contact them if you wanted to get involved with any aspect of that. There were several department socials which I attended, and a number of partner breakfasts which enabled you to ask questions to more senior members of the firm.