Intern Review

It was amazing to be given the opportunity to see what life inside a Big 4 accounting firm was really like. The programme also helped us gain valuable skills; this was done through the likes of allowing us to complete a CIMA qualification in leadership and taking part in the ICAEW challenge.

I felt valued during my time at the company/firm because from the very beginning of the programme the firm ensured that we all got to know each other and were comfortable with each other. At the end of the programme we knew each other very well and knew that there was a support system that we could use.

We received a lot of guidance during the programme. On the final day of the programme we also received individual feedback. The feedback entailed the mentors telling us about it strengths and areas which we could improve on. This was very helpful for us to grow as individuals in any future situations.

The skills developed and information received were very helpful. They helped for me to grow and understand how to deal with situations such as working in teams or individually better. I think skills like this are integral to possess throughout life. It was also helpful to see as an individual if I could see myself working here in the future.

The insight was structured well. There were three weeks with clear schedules of what we would be doing. This helped for us to plan and prepare ahead and know what we could be expecting on the day. It also meant that if we had any queries, we had the time to ask them before hand.

The general atmosphere during the insight week was friendly yet it gave a real insight into the corporate world working in a Big 4 accounting firm would have. It was nice that despite the cohort being slightly large, we were able to get to know everyone and really firm friendships.

In terms of personal training development the firm did invest in each of us. We were given IT training during the first week so we would know how to use any software. We were also given workshops on skills and mental health. I would say EY did invest in us as individuals in terms of personal training.

The insight helped to understand what it would be like to have a full time role within the company as during the third week we were sent to different service lines to shadow and partake in some of the activities regular workers did, this also engaged and helped us to understand the company culture.

The insight helped to understand the company culture as we were given presentations and workshops about the company, it’s values and it’s positions. This helped us as individuals to understand the company better and why the operate in the manner that they do. The third week allowed us to experience what working within the framework of company’s culture was like.

The content was very helpful in helping to decide on my future career path as it cemented my decision to want to pursue accounting and finance at university and that I would enjoy working in an environment like that of EY or of a similar institution. So the insight week was very helpful in helping me make a decision.

I was paid for the experience at a competitive rate in comparison to that of other firms. The entire three weeks were paid and myself and others who needed transport expenses reimbursed were also reimbursed by the firm. This allowed us to maximise our experience and learning during the insight week.

There were opportunities for us to network and meet other employees of the firm throughout the three weeks at EY. There were often other employees coming in to speak to us, deliver workshops and presentations and we were even assigned mentors by the firm for 10 months following the programme.

The networking and socialising opportunities were excellent. We were really given the chance to broaden or horizons, ask questions from employees to understand their journey into the firm. These were done in various settings such as through the delivery of presentations and workshops or in a lunch and dinner setting.

I did not get the chance to find out too much about the sci-fi it’s that employees were able to get involved in outside of work. However, I did have the chance to find out about the foundation which employees support and involve themselves in activities to help support the firm’s causes.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. It was very helpful and the length was good as it allowed us to partake in many different activities which helped us not only grow as individuals and reflect on ourselves but also have an actual insight into what it would be like working for the firm.