Transaction Strategy & Execution Summer Intern Review

The role involves working with fellow interns to provide transactional advice, focussing on operational elements, to clients - this could be providing due diligence, value creation services or integration/divestiture planning and implementation advice. Since it was virtual this year, we worked on case studies instead which were very similar to how real-life projects would be and presented our findings to senior employees in the Transaction Strategy & Execution team. We also developed our knowledge about EY and TS&E in general through various teach-in and networking sessions.

I learnt new technical skills specific to transactions that relate to the projects we did on due diligence, integrations and divestitures. I developed my analytical and numerical skills through these cases too since there was specific information we had to analyse and draw conclusions from as well as carry out certain calculations to back up our points with statistical evidence. I also improved my teamwork skills since we worked on the projects and presented our findings as a team of five interns.

Since the internship program was two weeks instead of six weeks and delivered virtually this year, it was difficult to be given much responsibility on things such as client projects, which is understandable as there are certain confidentiality restrictions. However, we were given case studies to do that were very similar to client projects. We did have to take responsibility for this and ensure we were doing the work and presenting as though to a client.

We received an amazing amount of support as even before the internship started, we were set up with a buddy who is a current graduate analyst. They were great at offering helpful advice and always being available for a catch up leading up to and during the internship. We also were fortunate enough to attend a number of different teach-in and networking sessions where various employees from analysts to partners shared their experiences and were always happy to clarify anything we didn't understand as well as answer our endless questions.

The company culture is simply amazing - everyone is very inclusive and welcoming. You are made felt important and as though you belong right from the start. The general atmosphere was great as you could see that everyone is involved in such meaningful work but they are truly enjoying themselves too because they work so well as one big team. They are also always happy to have a chat and help out with any queries you have. Overall, I truly admire the people culture of the firm and believe it is a great place to be.

I enjoyed my internship to the greatest extent possible. I never expected to learn so much and especially learn the more subtle aspects, such as aspects in client interactions, without working on a real-life client project. Meeting so many different people from analysts to partners where everyone is so friendly and happy to share their experiences was a key highlight. The team really made an amazing effort to deliver a great internship full of learning and networking, despite it being virtual.

Yes

I think the key is to be yourself because EY has a very inclusive culture. Reflect on your experiences so far and how you have developed your transferable skills; ensure you are able to talk about these easily and confidently. Make sure you research EY as much as you can and give them a follow on LinkedIn to stay up to date. Also, practise your analytical and numerical skills as it could be helpful for the online tests.