Assurance Summer Intern Review

EY did an excellent job of keeping the experience as interactive and engaging as possible, despite the fact that it was virtual rather than in person. The experience included some more intense learning sessions, video calls with mentors and other interns, and more relaxed sessions such as ice-breakers, making the overall experience very enjoyable. The schedule was jam-packed but only over a 5-day period, meaning we were kept at an enjoyable level of busy throughout the week.

During the virtual experience, I felt exceptionally valued since the process was quite selective. This meant EY were able to give up time and dedicate their efforts to us for the week we spent with the firm. This included having speeches from big names within the firm, having small group mentor sessions with members of our office, and being able to present to partners at the end of the week. The firm-wide engagement in our activities made us feel very valued.

It was apparent that EY were very of the technical issues that the virtual experience could result in, as well as the fact that we may feel less supported with our tasks than we would in an office in person. This meant we had daily small-group check-ins with staff to ask questions, as well as constant technical support (through email and helplines) throughout the week. There were many sources of invaluable advice and support given to us during the experience.

The virtual experience was very well structured; a clear schedule for each day was provided to us the day before. We were kept very busy, yet there was ample break time within each day's schedule for lunch and comfort breaks. This meant we could attend each session feeling refreshed and ready to learn more about the firm. If we ever needed help or weren't sure where to go next, the main group call would always have someone available to help.

It was clear that everyone in the virtual experience was engaged and very eager to learn. This created a motivating, yet relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere throughout the experience. We were constantly reminded that everyone was in the same boat and others were feeling similar ways to us, through the chat box function and occasional ice-breakers throughout. Any staff that we spoke to seemed keen to help us learn and offer advice in any way they could.

The virtual experience was very informative with regards to the culture at the firm and the types of opportunities we could get involved with if we joined with a full time role. Due to the fact that the experience was only a week long, we did not fully experience the day-to-day life of someone working for the firm, however we could ask questions in small group sessions with these people. Additionally, in each day we did have time to do our own sample work, which would have been something like a full time role.

The experience was extremely helpful in terms of understanding the firm's culture. There were many sessions throughout the week making us aware of the different opportunities and frameworks EY has in place to help their employees grow. There were also many opportunities to speak to people working for the firm, meaning we could understand and realise whether we had similar values to these people and how we would fit in in a full time role.

We were paid for this experience. I think this is very generous of the firm since the experience was supposed t be in person and for longer, however when we had to move to virtually, they still offered to pay us. I think it's great that they acknowledged that some of us would still need the money. There were no expenses since the work was virtual, however we will receive a normal hourly pay for the experience.

There were many opportunities to network and meeting employees of the firm throughout the week. These sessions varied from virtual Q and A sessions, where the speaker was talking to a wider audience, to small group discussions with members of the office we were likely to be working at. Additionally, we were able to meet the other interns from our office which allowed us to kick start our careers along with our peers - I plan to stay in touch with the other interns I met.

Yes, we found out about other activities that people got involved with from the firm. We heard about the extra curricular and social opportunities employees at EY got involved with in their spare time. Additionally, we found out about extra academic and personal growth style qualifications employees could get involved with, how they found the experience and how EY help them. They emphasised their focus on charity work, which was inspiring and made me want to work for the firm more.

I would recommend this virtual experience to a friend and anyone interested in working at EY. The experience gave me a small taste of working life, allowed me to expand on my professional network, and learn more about the company and what a full time role in EY would entail. I could not ask to have learnt anything more about EY, all of the questions I ever had have been answered - the experience was extremely useful!