VAT Consultant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed time at EY and wish to start my graduate career there! I worked as a Direct Tax intern in the Manchester office, spending 2 weeks in Business Tax services team and 1 week in International tax services, real estate tax and transaction tax.

Yes, as much as I could given I had no previous experience or qualifications in tax services.

I had a line manager and a buddy. My line manager and I spoke about goals I wanted to achieve and skills I wanted to develop over this internship and we tracked my progress over the internship. My buddy was more of an informal way of support. He was a 2nd year graduate so I asked him questions I might feel stupid asking my line manager. Overall, the level of support was amazing!

I worked 9-5.30 every day with 45 minutes lunch break and no work done at home. Tax is more office based and 9-5 than other service lines, like Audit or Advisory/Consulting. I didn't feel rushed/time pressure but I was mainly busy doing some sort of work.

It was difficult, given my lack of experience and knowledge of tax, but I was able to work with other interns on a presentation to partners across the service lines which was rather important.

I study Economics, so I left like my internship didn't help on the knowledge of Economics but I learnt more about commercial awareness, the process of initial engagement to final product with a client and about the big 4 work environment.

There was a quiet calm about the office as everyone was obviously working. Everyone I met was very friendly, supporting and willing to help out where they can!

The internship was very well organised with an introduction week down in London, where we were put up in accommodation, and the final evening dinner in London at the end of the internship. There was great communication from organisers of events and a very structured 6 week internship!

As I was there for only 6 weeks there was no much formal personal training and development however my line manager and I set up goals I wanted to achieve by the end of the internship.

Very good - they aim for 85% of interns to get a graduate job offer at the end of the process. I was offered a job, however I have switched service lines to TAS.

Yes there were several other interns in the office at the same time.

Cost of living and socialising was a lot cheaper than London with pints nearer £2 than £5. I lived at home though so I didn't have to pay for accommodation.

I am from around Manchester so I already knew how awesome the nightlife was like in Manchester.

Yes, there was a football and netball team who played every week.