Student Review

Throughout the programme, I took part in various group projects working with a variety of case studies, and attended a networking event, and these were very enjoyable in a sense that I met many people, and developed many key skills that required in any job. Also, as part of the process we were required to work together on an assignment for a client. This involved looking at the clients business, thinking about how EY and our project group could assist the client, and make recommendations on our findings by giving a presentation. This was particularly interesting as it gave us a slight overview of the daily-life and working culture at EY.

EY were particularly attentive and available for help and support during the day, whether it was during the mock client presentation, or throughout the various case studies. The employees at EY were very approachable and created a friendly atmosphere throughout the 2 innovative days.

Guidance and support was available throughout the day, and were willing to help with any issues, whether it was about the particular case studies carried out, queries on the applications process, or general questions on the working environment and ethics at EY.

The insight days improved and built upon particular skills such as leadership, responsibility and teamwork which will be of benefit to me in my future career. This was because of the various case studies and presentations that were carried out, involving a lot of interaction with my peers. It also provided me with the opportunity to gain hands on work experience and briefly learn about the field of assurance from a real-world perspective, something I cannot do at university. For example, I gained an understanding of various accounting systems and procedures, and how financial statements are analysed in terms or risk. This, the practical experience helped complement what I am already learning in my studies.

The insight days were very structured and everything was kept to the slots assigned. They managed to fit so much information and many exercises throughout the day, which was very beneficial to us all.

The atmosphere at EY was great. The employees were very approachable, friendly, and willing to help with any queries we had, and were constantly valuing the people at EY. The networking dinner was particularly enjoyable as we were able to interact with the EY employees at a more informal level.

The firm were able to bring a 'fake' client in for us all, which was really enjoyable as it gave us a glimpse of the real-world working perspective. The case studies and presentations carried out were also very beneficial in terms of building upon many skills such as communication and team-working skills. Moreover, we were very well trained in terms of how to act and present ourselves at networking events which was very advantageous.

The insight days provided me with the opportunity to gain hands on work experience and briefly learn about the field of assurance and tax from a real-world perspective, something I cannot do at university. For example, I gained an understanding of various accounting systems and procedures, how financial statements are analysed, and the expected standard of interacting with clients. This practical work experience helped complement what I am already learning in my studies.

My understanding of the company culture was particularly emphasised by the employees at EY who were continuously highlighting how 'friendly' and approachable the staff are, which creates a great atmosphere in the working environment. The staff were very approachable and made us all feel very welcomed. This particularly broadened my understanding of the company culture at EY.

The content of the day was extremely beneficial in helping me decide on my future career path. Because the insight days were so informative and provided us all with a great experience, I decided to apply for the summer internship in Assurance. I was fortunate enough to have been given a position on the Summer Internship Scheme 2015, and am currently in the process of applying to the Global Student Experience program.

I was reimbursed my travel expenses. The accommodation and networking dinner was paid for by EY.

Yes, there was a networking dinner at the end of the first day, which was great.

We were very well informed on how to interact when networking and so we were all very prepared. The networking dinner was fantastic as we were able to engage with the EY employees on a much more informal level, putting us to ease, and ending the day nicely. They answered my questions and queries and were very helpful.

Particularly at the networking event, the employees were telling us about the many activities that they were involved in outside of work. This ranged from playing 5-a-side football against the other big four, to the annual abseiling event that is carried out outside EY.

I would definitely recommend the Discover EY program to a friend, as I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.