Assurance Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with EY this summer. Having heard a lot about the intensity and fast-paced environment that a big four firm provides, I found it a very satisfying experience that fulfilled all my expectations. Having done a variety of jobs and volunteer work before, I can comfortably say this has been the most enjoyable experience of the working world I have had so far.

Despite being "only an intern" this summer, my colleagues treated me as a full member of the engagement team. Right from day one I was given responsibilities for my own tasks, as well as the freedom and independence to go and do them. I was never left alone though, the team were always on hand to help me out and very willing to answer any questions I had (no matter how silly they were!)

While on a busy engagement, I was fully supported by the management. My line manager was always around to answer any questions I had, and even agreed to go the extra mile and support me in organizing client interactions. My intern supervisor, while not based at the same location, was again always very willing and quick to respond to any queries I had and help me out.

Work levels varied from 'enough to get through the day' all the way through to the intense and fast-paced environment promised by a big 4 firm. While I usually busy with work assigned to me, a number of times I had to use initiative to go and ask the team if they had any work or needed support, but that is expected as part of the internship.

To start with I was supported in being assigned simple tasks to ease me into the internship. However, after 4 weeks I was being assigned full responsibility equal to that of a first year on the graduate scheme. This was tough but exciting, and good exposure to what working at the firm full time would look like.

While I study a STEM subject at university (so no direct relevance between it and the internship) I feel the high levels of detail and analysis I have learned in this internship will really help me going back to my degree. Also getting used to the routine of working life will definitely be a benefit for university.

The office in Edinburgh is a very relaxed atmosphere. There is definitely the feeling that you can approach anyone and ask for assistance if you're unsure on something or need help. However it is also a very professional environment and one that is very different to any I have experienced before.

Overall the internship was very well organized. Prior to the placement beginning we received plenty of support and information as to the details and logistics of the first few days; while the first few days themselves were a series of inductions that were very helpful in orienting us and preparing us for the coming work. This help and support continued throughout the whole experience.

While not setting much time for training aside from the induction days (and 1 hour a week timetabled for "lunch-and-learn" conference calls with all the interns together from the whole UK), whenever there was downtime we were encouraged to engage in the online Web Based Learning activities provided by EY. These were very helpful and taught a very wide range of subjects, from introduction to banking regulations to excel skills workshops right through to lessons on how to spot money laundering.

For interns the prospects are very good for future employment. To reach the internship you have already completed nearly all the same stages of a job application as you would if you applied for a graduate scheme, with a 'final interview' being replaced by the internship itself. A large part of the induction focuses on 'how to get a job offer' so going into the internship you feel well prepared and informed on what to do/not do in order to secure a grad scheme offer.

There was a very good social scene at the Edinburgh office. At the end of my first week the office had its annual summer party at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a funfair, food, ceilidh and open bar all provided - and the best part was that the interns got to go for free. We also had other frequent social events throughout the internship, both those organized by the social committee and organized by the group of interns ourselves.

I was based in the Edinburgh office for my internship. Edinburgh is a fairly expensive city, especially as the internship ran into the Fringe festival where the city increases the price of everything. Being a student in the city helped as I was already used to the cost of living; while accommodation is relatively reasonable over the summer while most of the students are away (until the festival starts again in August). The salary offered by EY for the internship was enough to cover any cost of living and socializing however in the city, so it was not an issue.

Edinburgh has a very good nightlife. There are a wide range of clubs for all tastes (cheap and nasty through to quite classy) but where Edinburgh really comes into its own is with bars and pubs. There's a great amount of unique pubs scattered all over the city, with more being in the old town; while there is a large number of classy high end bars towards the new town area that are great for drinks and socials. There's also a number of fun places such a jazz bars and karaoke, as well as pool halls and other places to suit all wants/needs.

There were a few activities out on outside of work, such as the summer party and team trips to go see Fringe festival shows; but there wasn't a huge opportunity to get involved in different activities. I think this is largely dependent on what team you work in, how sociable they are and how long the hours you work are. Other interns in the same office (but different teams) definitely had more experience of getting involved in other activities.