Assurance intern Review

The work I did was varied depending on what the team I was working with needed me to do. In my team, we would start the day with a team call updating each other on what we had been doing and then going through our tasks for the day. You would work through the tasks set and complete the extra learning required for the management course we completed as part of the internship. You would get an hour lunch break and this was quite flexible as when you could take it. My tasks grew in complexity over the course of the internship and I worked with the same client team throughout the 5 week internship.

I have gained new skills in management and leadership through the externally run course we complete as part of the internship. Through this I received certificates on the courses I took from CMI. I also developed my Microsoft Excel skills greatly through this as I needed to make pivot tables and use formulae I had not previously used. My interpersonal skills were further strengthened as I made connections with the team and also had some interactions with clients.

Over the course of the internship I felt I was given more responsibility. In my personal experience I felt that the team gave me work to do that I learned from and grew in complexity. The wide range of tasks I had helped me gain exposure to different aspects of audit and as the last couple of weeks of the internship was close to a deadline I was given more responsibility as well as more exposure to the client side of audit.

I received lots of support during the internship. We are given a buddy who is a first year grad as well as a counsellor who is a senior within the service line you are working in. They were always available for a chat (unless they were on study leave or out of the office for holiday etc). Furthermore, the summer internship team were also really quick to respond and provide support if necessary. The team itself was a great point of support and guidance.

The company culture was very friendly and everyone I spoke to was always willing to chat and answer any questions you had. The summer internship team also organised a couple of socials where we could interact with other interns as well as a partner breakfast. We had the option to form a fundraising team with other interns to raise money as part of the EY foundation. I found the intake of interns and the company to be very diverse.

I really enjoyed the internship as I felt it was a great initial exposure to audit and assurance. The team I was placed with were so friendly and always willing to answer questions or explain bits of the role to me. They were also very frank with their views on the firm and insurance-assurance which I appreciated. The culture was very friendly and there was lots of opportunities to chat and make connections with other interns. The team split between working from home and coming into the office so I was able to go to the office and be with the team in person whilst not having to commute in everyday which I liked. It exceeded my expectations and I would go back!

Yes

Make sure to do lots of practice for the psychometric tests as they can be made much easier with plenty of practice. Do research on the role and company for the interview. The EY assessment centre I completed did not have a one-to-one interview; however, you are still assessed with a group activity and completing other tasks. Day one of the internship was an induction not at the office with all the regional interns so that's a good way to break the ice with fellow interns. Make the most of networking with other interns as they will be with you throughout the internship too and you're more likely to enjoy socials etc if you know people.