Spring Intern Review

My main takeaway from the Women In Business programme was EY's admirable focus on diversity and inclusion. It was inspiring to see them taking concrete steps towards making the company a better workplace for people of all genders, colours and backgrounds. At the end, we were given the chance to be fast tracked to either the assessment centre or the summer internship, so overall, it was a fantastic opportunity.

The Recruitment team was very friendly and accommodating. We were given EY tote bags with stationery, a notebook and a water bottle. However, the intake was relatively large compared to other Springs (>100 people), so it was slightly difficult to truly engage on a personal level with the speakers or employees.

There was an EY employee assigned to each table (called a "table host") who helped facilitate the interactive sessions and discussions, as well as answer any personal or professional questions. This was a good idea given the large cohort - it was nice to be able to ask questions in a more intimate setting.

Throughout the two days, we were given introductions to the four business lines (Tax, Assurance, Advisory, Transactions), interactive tasks, overview of the EY Foundation and Women's Network, a panel discussion, speed networking, a mini case study etc. It was extremely useful to hear about the different roles at EY from experienced employees themselves, most of them high-achieving women within the company. Gave me deeper insight into EY's people-oriented culture.

Very well-structured with fixed time slots for each session. Members of the EY Recruitment team were on hand to ensure that the sessions ran smoothly and according to schedule. Started and ended right on time. Breakfast and lunch were catered for on both days. Dinner was provided during the social on the first day.

The atmosphere was very chill and relaxed. It wasn't stressful or competitive at all. Recruitment team greeted us with bright smiles in the morning. Even the presentation on the second day was done "between tables" and not up on stage, so everyone had a chance to speak (even those who may be more reserved).

As mentioned before, given the large intake and the fact that the programme was only two days, there was not much personal training and development. The main point of the Spring was to give undergraduates a better understanding of the company's business lines in order to make an informed decision about next steps.

There were interactive games that simulated the situations or tasks that an employee would have to face in either the Tax, Assurance, Advisory or Transactions division. We then had to match each task to the respective division. There was also a panel discussion both senior and junior employees spoke in depth about their roles and their career journey.

The programme helped a great deal in highlighting what differentiates EY from the other Big 4 firms - their emphasis on their people. I got the sense that people at EY strive hard to ensure the work they deliver is up to expected standards, but know how to relax and enjoy themselves as well.

After speaking to employees and hearing about the different business lines, I definitely have a better idea of which roles suit my skill set/interests and which roles I would not enjoy as much. There was also much discussion about travelling and secondment opportunities, which I appreciated as mobility is a factor I take into consideration.

We were not paid. The programme was held at Hilton London Tower Bridge, located right next door to one of the EY London offices. I travelled in from Central London on both days and was reimbursed for this. Participants who travelled in from outside London were provided accommodation at the same hotel.

Yes, there was a speed networking session at the EY office on the first day. Participants were allocated into groups. Each group moved between stations at intervals to talk to employees from various divisions. The time constraints did make it difficult to ask in depth questions or follow up, but the opportunity to meet many different people in such a short amount of time was valuable.

Apart from networking, there was a social on the evening of the first day at Flight Club, Shoreditch. The interns mingled with each other and played darts while eating. It was a fun and unique event where we got to know each other a lot better and I managed to make some good friends.

Yes, we were given a introduction to the EY Foundation, which is an independent charity that works with young people in the UK to realise their career ambitions, and also helps social enterprises scale up sustainably. There is also the EY Women's Network that aims to reduce gender inequality and they have set ambitious targets for increasing the number of female partners at the firm. Employees can get involved in both of these initiatives by volunteering.

Yes, the application process was long but ultimately rewarding. I gained a lot of insight and information about EY within these two days, including how they are working towards making sure that everyone feels like they belong at the company. Finally, the opportunity to be fast tracked at the end is extremely valuable.