Summer Intern Review

The best part of my 12 month placement was the variety of experience I received. I worked both on client projects and an internal strategy role which meant I experience both sides of how EY operates as a firm. EY is a very enjoyable place to work, with a large focused place on teaming, learning and development. This placement has left me feeling confident that I wish to pursue a career in consulting with EY, and has set me up nicely for when I graduate.

From the very start of the placement I was given my own accounts to audit and own responsibilities within the team. This made me feel valued as I was given real responsibility to contribute towards the team’s goal. As I progressed throughout my placement this developed as the responsibility increased.

There is a really big support network within EY. You are given a mentor before you join and then you join the buddy system on day 1. This means you have someone to talk to and confide in with any issues. Other than that, you get a lot of on the job tutoring to make sure your work is up to scratch.

I was very busy throughout the placement and the work load is high, however I loved the fast paced nature of the role. This placement is definitely not a 9-5.30 everyday job and will vary client to client. However, I personally thrived in this environment and found that the days would pass quickly because I was always involved in something.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. Especially when I worked on small clients and reported directly to the manager. On big group audits you would be in charge of a few account for which you would take sole ownership- so again a high amount of responsibility.

The skills I have developed will certainly assist me in my future career, as I would like to continue to pursue a career in consulting. I'm not certain whether the skills will assist me in my degree, however I have gained more in-depth knowledge of different market sectors and the issues facing them, which may help me to put certain aspects/modules of my degree into perspective.

I was based in London Bridge which is quite a large building. However, most of the role is spent at client sites. When I was in the office, due to the continuous turnover of staff, my department had new faces every time I visited, however everyone I met and spoke to were very friendly.

The work placement was very well organised from start to finish. EY has many offices across the UK and at various times of the year we would all meet up in London for a training event and social in the evening. These were a big highlight and something that all the students looked forward to.

The training provided was excellent. I spent four weeks at college in London to learn general accountancy, a week away training with other placement students to learn the basics of audit and a further two day training course to develop what I’d learnt mid-way through the year. There is also significant levels of on the job training provided by colleagues.

EY offers great future prospects because of the natural progression within the organisation. It is an industry that is growing and more and more people are needed to help cope with this growth. Each person is assessed out of 5 during there placement with all people scoring a 3 or above tending to receive a job offer. I was someone who got offered a graduate job so will be returning next year.

Yes, there was a good social scene amongst the fellow interns at EY.

As I was based in the London EY office the cost of living was high, however this was to be excepted and EY provided us with a generous salary to off-set the cost. I managed to find accommodation within my budget and I was always able to social after work.

Really great night life around the office!

Yes, EY employees have the opportunity to get involved in various activities outside of work.