Leadership Academy Review

I loved it! It was not what I was expecting. EY was not pushed as a firm; the focus was really on us, our needs and the development of our skills.

We were treated very well - all stayed in the same hotel, all eating meals together. It did feel like one big family.

All EY employees were more than happy to answer questions openly and honestly about their experiences with the firm and their experiences in their career generally.

I developed my leadership, teamwork and communication skills, as well as my confidence.I hope that these skills will stay with me.

There was a very detailed timetable which was kept to flawlessly.

The other Academy members were great; there was no element of competition as everyone was told from the beginning that we would all be fast tracked to an interview for a Summer Internship. The fact that we all stayed in the same hotel and that the hotel hosted all the activities contributed enormously to the relaxed, fun atmosphere.

The Academy was entirely focused on our personal development. Every minute counted.

We were able to put questions to the EY employees who were guiding us, and there was a Q and A session towards the end of the Academy, but as we did not visit the offices nor undertake any tasks relating to a career in Professional Services, I would not say that I can completely understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. I would point out, however, that this is not the goal of the Leadership Academy.

Again, I was not in the EY offices so was not able to see what everyday culture when working for the firm would be like. I was, however, overwhelmed by the generosity of EY and the amount that they invested in us without any guarantee that we would then go on to work for the firm.

It made me realise that I would want to work for a firm like EY but I think I would need some more hands-on work experience before I decided that this was the career path for me.

Hotel, food, activities, train travel all paid for by the company.

We became very close to the employees who "mentored" us throughout the Academy. Some more sneior members of the firm gave speeches at a dinner and made the effort to talk to all of the tables.

Really enjoyed networking with the other Academy members; we had drinks each evening plus a 3 course meal.

It was discussed in casual conversation but nothing defintive.

I had a whale of a time!