Audit and Assurance intern Review

Daily tasks included verifying information provided by the client (e.g testing invoices, account statements) transferring client data into the auditing software, updating reports from the previous year with current year data and submitting data requests to the client. Work is project based, and I worked on the same client's audit for the whole duration of the scheme, so tasks are assigned based on what is yet to be completed in the audit from the Assistant Manager.

I have certainly developed my Microsoft Excel skills, as client data usually comes in an Excel format. There was an Introduction to Excel course at the beginning of the internship which taught me how to perform certain formulas. I am now confident presenting on Microsoft Teams. Soft skills such as communication, presenting, giving and receiving feedback were developed through Teams sessions which were delivered centrally by the Early Careers team. These sessions gave advice on how to develop in these areas.

As Deloitte is such a large company, I do not feel like I understand all of the roles on offer, especially for experienced hires, but I do feel as if I have a good understanding of the roles on offer for Graduates. This knowledge has come from networking with and meeting other interns and team members, and centrally-delivered induction sessions welcoming us to the firm. If I wanted to speak to staff in roles different to mine, they were all friendly and agreed to speak with me.

One downside of the office (perhaps only the London one) is the hot-desking. As anyone can book desks anywhere, permitting they are on the correct floors, it is difficult to sit with your team and get to know people unless you are introduced by someone else. The office is a collaborative space, but was intimidating at first when I did not know who my team were. However, once you are introduced to people, I found they were all incredibly helpful and friendly. When I explained I was a summer vacation student, they would be happy to answer any questions I had.

By the end of the summer vacation scheme, I felt that I had gotten to know my team and other interns well. I enjoyed the social events, although they were only drinking-based so not inclusive of Muslim interns. One thing I did not enjoy so much was the fact that I was the only member of my engagement team who could not work remotely (as interns are expected to be in office 3 days a week, while staff can work from home full-time if it suits the engagement). I found myself on my own in the office most of the time, unless I made the effort to meet with other interns. I sometimes felt like a burden on my team when I had a lot of questions about the work that took a long time to answer, as they still had the same amount of work to do despite having to look after a new intern as well.

Yes

Unfortunately, Deloitte receives a very large amount of applications so it is very competitive, so great-quality talent can slip through the application process. As the two online assessments were not timed, I took as much time as I needed on them and made sure I was happy with my answers. For the interview, I would recommend preparing industry-specific questions, particularly about new laws or changes. I found that having interesting and varied extra-curriculars and volunteering experience help me in every interview I have done, not just for Deloitte, as you can really stand out. Remember that they want interns who are enthusiastic, so convey this with your tone and your responses.