Assurance Summer Intern Review

I enjoyed getting to know the team I was working with and learning how to use Excel - especially new formulas. The CSR day was great fun in the beginning and a good way to meet lots of other interns. The location of the office was good and everyone I met was extremely friendly and always willing to help you out.

All my colleagues were extremely friends and not matter how many questions I asked they were always willing to explain things to me and why EY did different tasks. There was also a very relaxed atmosphere although everyone did work hard. It was a fun environment to work in and made it much easier to come in each day.

My counsellor and buddy were amazing! They were always there if I needed them and were keen to meet up and see how I was getting on. They were happy to answer any questions I had and help with any problems or queries. Both were super organised and made sure I knew where I was meant to go/see etc.

I mainly worked 9-5 although sometimes worked 9-5:30 if I had more work to do. The whole team were very flexible if I wanted to meet friends/family for lunch etc. I often had an hour lunch break and they understood I had a long commute to let me go at 5 so I could avoid the rush hour.

By the 2nd week I was emailing clients and then by week 4 I was meeting with a client on my own to discuss testing of samples and information I required. It was a great achievement to go from knowing nothing to actually interacting with the client on my own. I was given a lot of testing of samples and managed to complete lots of workbooks on my own with very little help.

I learnt so many excel formulas such as vlookup and sumif that whilst won’t help with my degree and any future careers I have. So many businesses use excel so it’s a great skill to have. Also learning communication skills is really useful and will be helpful in any job I end up in.

Really relaxed in some clients but some were stressful when it was close to a deadline. However, as an intern the stress wasn’t too much at all. My team always had a lunch break and often did the HQ quiz at 3pm to divide up the afternoon. We also went for a couple of work lunches.

Some parts weren’t organised such as which client we were assigned to but the internship socials weren’t that great and often got cancelled or rescheduled at short notice so many people couldn’t go. Being in assurance I was out of the office a lot and so more audit socials to meet other interns would have been nice.

Everyone I met was willing to answer all my questions and help me understand about accountancy and the way EY did certain tasks. The taught me all the systems they use and how to navigate them. I also learnt about the exam process and general life as an EY grad. No matter how many questions I asked - everyone was willing to help out.

EY is such a great company and an amazing organisation to have in your CV. Yes it’s hard work at times but generally the work is easy to pick up. They are designed for people who have no idea about accountancy and so it’s a great way to start your career. Plus the grad scheme is only 3 years so will fly by and if you don’t like it you can leave after the 3 years. There is also a lot of flexibility within the firm to move after the 3 years.

I met a few intern friends for events but it was difficult in assurance being at client site all the time and also having 4 hour commutes a day made it difficult to be socialable. I would recommend living closer to the office so you can make full use of all the social aspects.

London is quite expensive and with the long commutes I didn’t go out much. But there are plenty of chain restaurants around client sites to go out for team lunches or for one drink after work. Often people just went home to spend time with family and so didn’t go out much after work.

I had 4 hour commutes a day so didn’t go out after work but I know other teams that did and they enjoyed it. Often the work is quite tiring so you just want to go home afterwards and sleep! But it would be good to go out for drinks on a Friday after work.

As an intern there weren’t many opportunities available but I think there are networks you can join if you become an employee. Plus working in London - there are loads of places to visit or go to the gym etc so depending on location, there are lots of activities to get involved with.