Leadership academy student Review

Aside the odd moment of stress during an intense team exercise (all part of the experience anyway) I can't think of a moment when I wasn't having a good time or thinking what a good decision it was to apply to the academy.

This was probably the defining characteristic of the course. Everyone, from [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] to the facilitators to my fellow students, made me feel valued on the course. I can honestly say that I left with very fond memories despite the fact that it was only a three day course. We were looked after superbly by EY which certainly made a difference but it was the people who made the course so enjoyable.

I felt I had exactly the right amount of support and guidance throughout the course. I received a lot of valuable feedback and was even able to watch a video played back to me of how I performed in a team exercise.

The course was intense which was exactly what I wanted given that we were only there for 3 days. Essentially we only really had 1 hour a day if that (8.30 - 5.30 then 6.30 - midnight) when we weren't doing something be that the actually course or a networking/social event. I felt I got the maximum out of my time at the Academy.

Given that this was a 3 day learning course the question isn't quite as relevant. However, everyone in the group was strongly encouraged to take the lead in a team exercise at least once over the three days and there were plenty of opportunities to assume responsibility. This was in fact one of the main points of the course!

Pretty much everything we learnt on the course, be it covering old ground or introducing new ideas will be useful for my career whatever I choose to go on to do. General leadership skills, teamworking skills and self awareness are transferable to almost any job. Increased self awareness will also be useful for my degree studies.

As before, the atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was extremely positive in a mature way and fed off each other's energy to create a great working environment.

I was extremely impressed with the entire Academy from start to finish. In addition I can't remember a single glitch. Even the Kareoke went well!

Short of a job offer EY made a significant investment (given that we were not employees of the company). As per before, I felt extremely valued.

Each night EY offered some kind of networking opportunity aimed at broadening your knowledge and awareness of the company. They also talk you through the interview stage in reasonable detail short of telling you the answers. They then put you straight onto the assessment centre stage for their summer internship/grad job if you want to be considered. In short they give you the best possible chance of getting a job within the organisation.

As per before, this was one of the things that made the Academy so much fun. I was sad to leave as I felt I had just begun to make some good friends!

EY were very generous throughout the academy. All costs, from travel, lovely accommodation, fantastic meals and a free bar each night were covered. I didn't spend a penny on anything.

Again EY put on something different each night: a pub quiz, kareoke so we had a great time.

This isn't really relevant for a three day course but each evening there was a different activity all of which were very fun.