Private Tax Summer Intern Review

Working within the private tax team, doing similar work to what a graduate would be doing. Experience taking notes while sitting in on client meetings, doing research on current tax legislation and completing clients' tax returns. As well as drafting emails for internal use and for clients and giving a presentation to the team based on research on new laws. I was able to see what multiple members of the team do on a day to day basis. I took part in a fundraiser for the EY foundation, raising donations by selling cakes and organizing a ping pong tournament in the break room. It was my responsibility to report my chargeable hours using a timesheet system. As part of the induction, I also took part on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) day where I helped put down mulch and plant trees at a farm.

Through giving a presentation to members of the team, I have developed public speaking and presenting skills. My skills for researching and then explaining concepts concisely have been developed over the internship. I have also picked up some technical skills, involving tax return software, calculating income tax liabilities and generally understanding more about types of tax exposure. Collaborating with several members of the team at the same time (some in different locations) and deciding what priority work should be returned at, was also something I learnt how to do.

I was given responsibility to participate in client meetings and draft emails to clients and around the team, although my work was checked first and amended slightly. I was responsible for research into a specific part of tax law and then given the chance to present my findings to the team as part of a weekly meeting call. It was my responsibility to submit my time sheet each week and manage my work load to make sure the higher priority projects were completed first.

I had a buddy who was in the second year of her graduate scheme who helped me with settling-in and basic questions about the internship. She was a great point of contact throughout the five weeks. I also had a counselor, who was a more senior member of the team, and checked that I was getting everything I wanted to out of the internship and spoke to me about my career prospects and organized the feedback I received from members of the team.

Everybody that I interacted with was happy to give me time to talk about their job and career path. I felt respected and welcomed as a part of the team. The general atmosphere is supportive and informal. The dress code was casual, unless meeting with clients. Everybody is expected to put in time and the permanent staff are expected to record a certain number of chargeable hours. As an intern, I was given a lot of responsibility despite my lack of business knowledge.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 5-week internship. I was given lots of varied work to do throughout my time and the chance to work with several members of the team. I had talks with all levels of people all the way up to the partner level. The hours were 9-5 but there was flexibility to start of leave early if your schedule required. Everyone was welcoming and I felt very included in the company despite my short stay.

Yes

Take each application stage as it comes. Learn how to do psychometric and numerical reasoning tests well. Be vocal and conscientious at the EY experience day discussions. Big yourself up while still coming across as a respectful, helpful member of the team. Prepare for the final interview, if you have one and learn as much about the company / what is currently going on in the news that might be relevant to EY if you can.