Work experience student Review

I enjoyed the insight quite a lot. It was a really good opportunity to see what a functioning business is like. It helped to me to get a real understanding of what an auditor actually does in their line of work. I loved the atmosphere and the people I met being here. Despite their not being a lot to do, it was interesting observing what was happening.

I felt valued by the company during my time with them. Aside from leaving us to do nothing, the managers and buddies constantly messaged us always asking how we're doing. They did not forget us and took an active role in making sure that our health and wellbeing was good.

I received a lot of advice during this programme from my buddy and other seniors. I received a lot of advice from a senior on my work desk, called [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], who was really open to giving us advice at lunch times. Although my buddy wasn't at work for two of my insight days, when she did come, she made an active effort in engaging with me. She was very friendly and even taught me how to use the underground, which is a very useful life skill. I enjoyed spending time with her and she really inspired me to pursue a career in finance as it was nice hearing honest opinions about the industry. When my buddy was absent, the other buddy stepped in and she was really lovely as well. She supported and guided me through the process.

The networking skills that I developed being here, did help me in making more connections with people. I managed to create a LinkedIn profile with over 100 connections. Before this programme, I only had 7 connections on LinkedIn. As well as that, the talk that I had with the women's network helped as she gave me some advice that I could really use even after I leave this programme. Upon having lunch with the seniors, the advice that they gave me was very helpful for me in making a decision for my university degree and my future career choices. It allowed me to make a more informed decision about what I want to do with my life. Hearing about the types of jobs on offer was a highlight of my time here.

The placement wasn't structured very well as there wasn't much for us to do. Most of the work was confidential, so we were unable to assist at all. Our days were spent making entertainment for ourselves and the programme really lacked direction. It was unclear what we were expected to do during the placement, even the management admitted to the fact. There was one or two activities a day, which lasted roughly an hour, so the rest of the day was spent doing nothing. If the insight was shorter and they squeezed all the activities into two days, it would've allowed for the insight to be more structured. I think there wasn't enough to do for the length of time that the insight went on for.

The atmosphere during our insight was very lovely. Everyone at EY is so nice and welcoming, I really felt like part of the team. The office space is very open and light and there is always a view no matter where you're standing in the office. The work atmosphere was one of the highlights of the placement.

The company invested a lot in us. We got welcome bags when we arrived which had a range of things that we could use like water bottles and post it notes. I though that was a really nice touch. We didn't really receive any training for this programme as it was too short to do so.

The insight really helped me understand what it'd be like to have a full time role with the company. The seniors explained what it's like in busy season and quiet season. I understood what a graduate did upon entry to the company which was quite nice to hear. I even learnt about some promotions that the companies offer.

The insight programme really helped me to understand the company culture. I learnt about how nice it was to work at the company and I really enjoyed spending time there. You could see the EY values in the workers and how they communicated with each other. The insight did a really good job in that sense.

The only part of the day that was really helpful in helping me to decide my future career path, was having lunch with the seniors everyday. They provided me with detailed honest information about different degrees and career paths into finance. It came at the right time, especially since I am applying to university in September.

I wasn't reimbursed for my expenses, even though they did tell us on the first day that they would if the journey took over two hours of which mine did. It was very misleading and showed a lack of communication between the team members. If I had been alerted that I wouldn't be reimbursed I may have made a different decision in accepting the position as it was quite misleading. As I don't come from a background with a lot of access to finances, it was very difficult to even attend the programme in the first place as the travel costs were just under £200. I emailed and called the programme leaders several times before the placement and never got a response until after I'd finished the programme. I am being paid less than the amount it costs for me to attend the placement.

I managed to network with people in the firm. At lunchtimes we got to meet other employees of the firm like James Bryant and Emma. It was nice meeting other people and get a different perspective on what it is like to work for a company like EY. I particularly enjoyed hearing about their experiences and how they arrived to their current positions.

I had to make my own networking opportunities myself and be independent as there weren't any social events or networking events. As there were only two of us, I can't fault the programme leaders as there weren't enough people to network. The LinkedIn challenge was a good opportunity to network with other people inside and outside the firm.

I didn't find out about any activities that employees could get involved in outside the firm. It wasn't a topic that was discussed at all and I would've liked to learn more about them. It could've been more of an incentive to look at EY as a company to work for in the future.

I would recommend this insight to a friend if this programme was more structured. As we were the second intake, the programme leaders can't be blamed for the lack of structure. This programme is good for networking and helps young people like me to understand what it's like to be part of a working environment.