Tax Intern Review

During this internship I have completed a range of different tasks. Completing research tasks on Tax Law has made me more familiar with the technical side of tax. Taking on client referrals and drafting fee proposals has allowed me to contact clients and find out more about the services EY provide. Minute-taking in client calls has allowed me to engage well in meetings. Drafting notes and proposals has allowed me to understand and write in technical tax language. Shadowing partners has allowed me to understand how to interact with clients at their offices. Working with team members at different seniority levels has allowed me to understand how my job role could evolve when progressing through the company. Being exposed to different teams and meeting partners through completing a case study has increased my interest and understanding of the service line.

I have increased my confidence with Microsoft applications, in particular with Excel. Through shadowing client meeting I have learn to take minutes and draft meeting notes quickly and efficiently. I have integrated well into the team, increasing my communication with colleagues and collaborating with them to work on difficult tasks. I have become more organised through scheduling and diligently sticking to my timetable to ensure work is completed in a timely manner. I have understood the code of conduct through EY Success factors training and familiarised myself with technological advancements through completing EY badge learning. I am much more confident as I have built this through asking questions and remaining inquisitive throughout the internship. Through receiving feedback I have been able to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and identify which areas I can improve in.

Yes I was given a fair amount of responsibility, which increased throughout my time in the team. After completing training and skills development, I was given an opportunity to shadow in client calls and meetings. Once I learnt more about EY meeting conduct and practiced my minute taking through secondary note taking, I became the primary note taker in initial calls with clients, which required my complete attention and focus. All my notes were used after being reviewed by my senior colleagues. I was even able to contact clients myself after seeing templates and exemplary emails.

I received a great deal of guidance and support during my time at EY. Before I had even joined I was contacted by councilor (line manager) who gave me some tips and outlined the office culture. They had multiple catch ups with me every week to ensure I was doing well. On my first day in the office I was greeted by my buddy (a colleague on the grad scheme) to help me settle in. This person introduced me to the entire team and ensured I was involved in work throughout. Not only were my team extremely collaborative but members of other teams were also extremely helpful when I required support.

The general atmosphere of the office was very welcoming and kind. I was able to get to know my team members and other interns on a personal level through socials whilst remaining professional at all times. The company culture is very collaborative and that is reflected through the work I have been doing. Since completing my case study I have come to understand the interconnectedness of the different tax teams and how they integrate with one another. Not only this, but I have also seen a great deal of diversity and inclusivity in all service lines at EY.

I enjoyed my time on this internship a great deal. I have had an extremely positive experience whilst in this company, not only with the people here but also with the work. The working hours are manageable, and the workload is an appropriate amount for an intern. I never felt like I had no work to complete, nor did I feel overwhelmed. The social opportunities were great as well, as I was able to partake in activities organised by student recruitment as well as my team.

Yes

My advice would be to meet everyone during your first week at the company. If possible, schedule introductory meetings into people's diaries to ensure they know who you are and what you are capable of. By doing this, you will be offered work from a greater number of people and you have more people at different levels of seniority to give you feedback and constructive criticism. I would also recommend to say yes to all social opportunities to ensure you have ample opportunity to get to know other interns as well as your team.