Intern Review

The insight was enjoyable but I would have much rather have been in the firm; instead we were put in a local hotel. The hotel was lovely but I think it doesn’t give as good an insight as the firm would have if we were say shadowing someone. The event did at times feel a little bit like a show rather than an honest representation.

The firm seemed to be advertising itself to us rather than expecting us to impress them which removes a lot of pressure. There were a lot of people at the placement together though, and that made it feel quite impersonal. Some people might prefer not being constantly under the spotlight though.

We had a person in our group from the firm who had been through the grad scheme guiding us through the activities who was really helpful. Any questions we wanted to ask were answered and she was able to give really useful advise about the firm and applications to it.

My degree is mathematical and the insight didn’t have a lot of data content. The insight did develop soft skills but these aren’t really necessary for a degree in maths and stats.

The insight was very well structured. Every day had a precise plan for what was going to happen that was sent out to us beforehand. The plan given out was really good for putting us at ease when considering what to expect. Also the activities included in the plan were well thought out and ran smoothly.

The atmosphere was really friendly and everyone was really welcoming. Each member of staff made efforts to make you feel comfortable and they were all really good role models for us. Each speaker seemed very genuine. The food was also a bonus as well as the ever flowing cup of teas.

It was only a two day programme so there was a limit to how much they could’ve invested in us. For two days we did receive a lot of information but it was only two days.

We were able to talk to a lot of people in a lot of roles but at times it was a bit of an overload. I still don’t feel that I understand the each business line in its entirety and I was kind of hoping that I’d leave with an idea of which one I’d like to go to. A good attempt was made so maybe someone else would’ve had a better experience.

They constantly reinforced their people culture which was really nice to hear. They gave clear instructions as to what kind of people they were looking for which was good for interview prep. They also gave clear expectations for skills to develop both before you get to the firm and once you’re there.

They did give us a lot of information on future paths, business lines, and divisions within them but I still feel confused as to what I want to go on to do. Perhaps someone else might know because I am indecisive. EY was constantly compared to the other big four but I didn’t think it was clear what the difference was.

The food and accommodation were provided if you needed it as well as travel expenses to get to the accommodation. There was no pay however, but for a two day programme I don’t think it’s a reasonable expectation to get pay. As well as this it was mainly workshops and activities so not really anything you could be paid for.

There was speed networking as well as plenty of question and sneer sessions with lots of different members of staff all doing very different roles. It was refreshing to see so many people similar to myself and from a similar background as well as people to aspire to in partner roles.

The social event which was bowling in London was really fun and everyone got an invite. The food was incredible and everyone got some free drinks. Everyone was really chatty and sociable and this made the entire event really chill. I think I would have preferred a more formal event with higher up people in the firm however.

Our table host who was with our group the entire time talked us through her hobbies and interests which was really cool to learn about. We also learnt about the various networks within the firm as well as getting to meet people from one of those networks and ask them questions.

Depending on what that friend was interested in maybe. It did feel like a show rather than an insight because we didn’t actually get to go within the firm. Saying that it is a good springboard into the summer internship and the application process is not daunting at all compared to other firms.