Summer Intern Review

The work that I did wasn't particularly difficult (however this probably changes once you've had some training) however there were enough things to do so I didn't find myself getting bored. The people were all really lovely and, generally, quite approachable. People here are also quite keen to have lives outside of work so there's a pretty nice culture.

The teams that I worked on were quite chilled out and they appreciated being able to give me their easier jobs to do, as it freed them up to do other stuff. I felt that they were pleased with the help I was able to provide, and they were happy to spend a few minutes ensuring that I understood what I was supposed to be doing.

The people I worked with always took a bit of time to set me up on a new piece of work and ensure that I knew what to do. They were also always receptive when I had questions, in person or on the office instant messenger, and were happy to answer so the work was done correctly.

Out of the 5 weeks in the office, I probably had work to do all day for at least 3 weeks. On some days I had a few hours of work and then spent the rest of the time doing e-learning or reading about audit. There were only a couple of days of having absolutely nothing to do, but this was typically when I was at the end of a piece of work.

I was given a large document to tie through by myself and had a deadline, I had to decide whether I would be able to meet the deadline without staying late etc.

Working here massively improved my professional communication skills. I feel comfortable approaching and speaking to people of all different levels, in person or via email, and even chasing them up when they haven't got back to me!

Generally it was quite relaxed. The office was open plan so people were often quiet during the morning but generally chatted more during the afternoon, so it felt quite relaxed. I was invited out for drinks with people from the office and we went out for team meals when we were working on the client site.

My placement was organised really well. I was put on two teams and they both had sufficient work for me to do whilst I was with them, however one of my friends had the complete opposite experience and barely had any work to do even when she was assigned.

We were given 3 days of inductions to teach us about EY and what their current aims are, and then we had a few e-learning modules to complete. We weren't really taught anything about the work, however the people that I worked with were happy to explain audit processes to me.

It seems like interns are quite likely to get a job offer. The system is based on feedback that you collect from the teams you work with, so it's pretty fair. I was given an offer and then wanted to swap to another department, this just involved having another partner interview and they seemed happy to accommodate the change. I'm looking forward to going back.

We organised drinks as a whole group after work at least once a week, and usually there were a couple of intern tables in the canteen where people would sit together.

London is expensive.

I stayed outside of London, so I don't know.

We were told when we started that there are lots of clubs at EY, and were encouraged to get involved. I chose not to, however I felt that the option was there had I wanted to.