Summer internship - Virtual Experience Review

I really enjoyed the virtual experience. EY organised lots of useful talks and sessions which provided more information about the company. I was on the assurance service line, so had some assurance specific talks, whilst also having some more general EY talks. The virtual experience definitely exceeded my expectations, particularly considering the short notice it hat to be designed in. Overall the experience was very rewarding, and a good stepping stone between an insight programme and a graduate role.

EY organised plenty of small group sessions with numerous contacts, be it partners, managers and even those currently on the grad scheme. The fact that partners were taking time out of their busy schedule to come into small calls with us made me feel very valued by EY. All the people we spoke to were more than happy to provide their own contact details in case we had any further queries or questions, which was very useful.

During the virtual experience we received a lot of guidance and support. During the case study task we undertook, we had two 30-45 minute sessions with mentors, who were on the grad scheme or seniors / mangers at EY, who gave us tips and advice over our presentation. As well as this, the general talks given demonstrated EY's commitment to its employees, and even us as virtual interns, underlining how supportive they are to prospective graduate students.

This virtual experience was primarily information based, however we did have practise in small groups doing a case study. The skills learned from those case studies will undoubtedly help with a future career / better prepare me for a grad role in assurance, as it gave me an insight into what things I would have to do. The information received was extremely useful, and will play a huge part in my future career plans, both regarding company and job role.

The virtual experience was well structured. We were given each morning an agenda for the day and, despite some technical difficulties here and there, the recruitment team running the experience did an incredible job in ensuring we stuck to it. Breaks were included in the afternoon, just when concentration levels were falling, which helped to restore energy levels and allowed maximum focus for the remainder of the day. I was really impressed with how well the days flowed, and how much content was included in a short space of time.

The atmosphere during the virtual experience was great. The organisers regularly checked in with us to see how we were getting on, and we even had a meditation session during a well being session, which further put us at ease. We were given plenty of opportunity to ask questions or for help at any stage, and they insisted that no question was pointless. This was a key message throughout from all involved, and really relaxed me and enabled me to get the most out of my placement.

EY really invested in us. EY recognises the importance of good team work, and gave us talks on how to make a good team, a great team. As well as this, there were additional talks and advice given on things such as presentation skills, time management and mental health. I really felt as though EY were preparing us for all aspects of the working world in general, and not just specifically for their own specific company.

This was by far the best part of the virtual experience. One of the things I feared from not being able to go to the office was the lack of communication with those on the grad role / managers or partners etc. EY organised plenty of sessions, of around 5 students to 1 grad / manager from your specific office to ask as many questions as you wanted, and find out what you wanted to know.

The virtual experience helped me understand the culture at EY. A consistent theme across all speakers about what is the best feature of EY was the people, from the friendship to the support given. The session on mental health and meditation really underlined how much EY values its employees and the people, solidifying the people aspect of the company. The talks really demonstrated the satisfaction EY employees have, and the support provided to them on a daily basis.

Prior to this scheme I had been offered a graduate role with EY. This scheme provided me with opportunities to find out additional information and ask any questions I needed. The content has undoubtedly solidified my decision on my future career path, as any doubts I had were addressed, and I have already been able to network with my future colleagues. As well as this, the aforementioned culture was clear to see across all sessions and talks, which is even more appealing.

EY paid for me this experience, but since there are no expenses for an online programme, there were no expenses to reimburse. From my knowledge, I think had the internship been in office, it too would have been paid with some expenses reimbursed as well. I felt like the rate of pay was very fair and generous considering how much I was gaining and benefiting from all of the sessions, presentations and talks that were provided

There were plenty of opportunities for networking within the firm. The most appealing thing to me was the fact that not only were we able to network with graduate roles, but even managers and partners were more than happy to take time out of their busy schedules to talk to us and get to know us. All employees we met provided contact details in case we had any further queries or questions which was extremely useful.

In the circumstances (that is, being digital at fairly short notice compared to being in office and face to face) they were exceptional. The networking opportunities by far exceeded my expectations, and I had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and query things. There were obviously no social event opportunities since it was an online internship which was a shame, as we were unable to get to know people who will be on the grad scheme with us.

Yes, and the activities that employees can get involved in were once of the main appeals of the company. The voluntary entitlement scheme at EY is extremely appealing to me, and the volunteering opportunities, be it with the EY foundation or any other voluntary scheme. There were also talks on becoming an EY ambassador, and plenty of information provided on a wide variety of extra - curricular activities people choose to get involved in while working at EY.

I would definitely recommend this experience to a friend. The virtual experience provided a great insight into not only EY as a company and general information about them, but more specific, personal information relevant to your specific service line and specific office. The whole virtual experience was extremely enjoyable, and even for students who do not wish to pursue a further career with EY or in assurance, the skills learned and information provided will be extremely useful in the world of work.