CFO Advisory intern Review

It was really easy to tailor the experience towards what I wanted to get out of it - everyone was very accommodating and eager to help. I was able to get involved in the work of a variety of different teams and there was lots of networking events where you could meet people from all over the company.

There was the perfect level of support and independence, and I felt that my opinions and effort were taken into account and valued. The work was challenging but enjoyable, and seeing my stuff actually being included in the decks presented to clients was really rewarding.

My counsellor was exceptional in listening to my needs and doing everything he could to introduce me to people that would be able to make stuff happen. The managers were great at answering questions and guiding me along the way, even during really hectic periods, which I really appreciated.

My team always made sure that I was able to contribute to the work they were doing wherever possible, and I also managed to pick up side of desk work from other teams for any quieter periods. At the start, when I wasn’t assigned to a project, I was able to make the most of my free time by gojng for coffee chats with people from throughout the business.

Obviously my lack of technical knowledge and direct experience meant that I wasn’t always able to complete tasks alone, but I felt like my team gave me a chance to have a go at everything before stepping in and guiding me in the right direction. The tasks they gave me weren’t menial and I felt valued in the team.

Working in the strategy team meant that I was able to see things I have previously studied in theory be implemented in practice in the work with the client, which enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the tools. Also, when my manager found out what I studied, she made sure she sent through relevant reports from EY teams that she thought I would find helpful and interesting.

It was the perfect balance between hard work and fun - the team were really down to earth and welcoming, and whenever we had to stay late we would all get dinner together and they planned lunches etc. to make sure that the experience was enjoyable for me.

At first I wasn’t assigned to a project which was quite daunting, not having a specific place to go as a new joiner. However, in hindsight, I really appreciated the freedom to take the internship in my own direction, and there were always points of contact that I could get in touch with when I was unsure about something.

I didn’t really have time to benefit much from the online courses and training, but it was all ready and accessible for those who wanted to make use of it. The managers also took time to tell me about all the skills required for individual teams.

There is a great career pathway, which is solid enough to provide structure but also flexible enough to give everyone the freedom to take their careers in their own direction. I would be incredibly grateful to be able to come back after the internship.

We always went out for drinks of our own accord after work, spent lunch times together, and there were actual events organised by the company too. I feel like I really got to know everyone, both interns and some grads as well, which really enhanced the experience.

It’s london, so it was expensive, especially in Canary Wharf. However, there is a bar upstairs in the office which is super nice and everyone went there to chill after work, especially on Friday nights. Also, the pay does reflect the expenses, so it’s definitely manageable.

In London there are so many different options to suit a huge variety of people. There really isn’t much missing.

There are so many different sports teams and societies to get involved with - all you have to do is be proactive about finding and reaching out to the ones in which you are interested, and it’s easy from there on.