Assurance UK&I Summer Intern Review

Working with Audit meant using a lot of excel. I would usually start by messaging people or talking to people in my team and then getting sent jobs that was manageable for someone who did not have much knowledge about finance. Organising spreadsheets, sending out requests but mainly checking the testing that others had done. This means ensuring dates are correct and invoice numbers match up, towards the end i was creating these testing spreadsheets not checking them.

A drawback is the fact i did not learn as much as i thought i would about finance. I learnt a bit more about excel but also learn the areas i want to improve in to be more efficient in tasks that should be done quicker, learning shortcuts in excel for example. It was generally a quick insight to the techniques that work are useful in working world; even using teams not just for university.

Again this is something that i understand is difficult to manage. I would say i was given minimal responsibility but this is due to my underdeveloped industry knowledge or skills. I was given tasks and it was my responsibility to complete them but i never felt pressure so it wasnt like i was exercising true responsibility. I have done years of Uni and going back for my masters so it did feel a bit like i was ready for more. Maybe if there was pre-learning or the coaching sessions were focused on giving us increased knowledge rather than developing soft skills which i would say alot of us already were equipped with.

This was really good. The work culture was really fun, everyone was willing to answer your questions. The buddy system did work although mine went on holiday after the first day in office but others did step in and assist me with my questions. There is a young and welcoming feel to the office in Leeds so everyone is there to answer your questions. Most people dont even come from a finance background so they can all relate to where you have come from.

The culture really exhibited what you might call a coaching culture. Everyone was smiley and welcoming. We had a CSR, BBQ and on our first day a pizza social with the whole office. Joining in the summer definitely has it perks. I cant tell you how many times people said to me dont be scared to ask questions, it when people dont ask questions its worrying. Everyone is young and quite vibrant so its a great atmosphere for summer in-between university.

I really enjoyed it! EY summer internship offered me an opportunity to get insight to the finance world and see if a job that i had no clue what it involved was for me. Furthermore, this was re-enforced by the fact that the Leeds office was fun and vibrant with young people who are all there to support and chat as well as work. EY also gave some real perks with London inductions and leaving which gave a real sense of empowerment when entering the industry for the first time.

Yes

Apply early, talking to others I felt like i was on the first Experience day which was in December so apply during the first term of University to get it out of the way. I would look into the service line and have some awareness about what it entails but also be honest throughout the application. Also if you get offered a graduate role it will likely be with that service line so its worth looking into that to ensure you chose an area that interests you. I would highly recommend applying to a regional office the culture is really welcoming and less daunting then perhaps working in London. I had alot of fun and met some great people the 5 weeks totally flew by!