EY Leadership Academy Review

Such a brilliant programme - met some really interesting people, learned so much about myself and had a brilliant time socially too! EY spend an incredible amount on each member of the Leadership Academy and we got showered in perks too whilst on the week away.

Although we weren't actually at the firm, the EY facilitators were incredibly friendly, helpful and insightful. They recognised our strengths and pushed us to develop them further; they then helped us to work on our latent and overbearing strengths (not weaknesses!)

We had a lot of support throughout, from group feedback sessions on performance to one-on-one coaching sessions with an EY facilitator. They were able to give us tips on personal development as well as more of an insight into the industry as a whole.

The skilled we gained are fully applicable to daily life and I find myself subconsciously adapting my behaviour many a time since the programme.

It had a very clear structure set out from the beginning, although there were a few surprises kept in store!

It was a really positive atmosphere - the participants all got on incredibly well and bonds between us grew faster than I thought imaginable. The facilitators were also very welcoming and friendly, both when completing the tasks and on a more social level too.

EY spent a lot of time, money and effort making the programme as beneficial for each and every one of us as possible. The personal training and development was unmatched compared to all the other spring weeks out there for first years (having spoken to my friends); the progress each and every one of us made was clearly visible by the end of the week. EY also funded for each of us to participate in a Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) prior to the Leadership Academy - a self-assessment questionnaire that helps people understand what gives them a sense of self-worth and what their motivations are - the results are surprisingly accurate!

Seeing as it is not so much an actual insight week, the only understanding we gained of a full time role with EY was through speaking to the facilitators or some the employees that came down for the partner dinner one evening (which I did personally utilise). This programme is not for you if you want 'a day in the life of...', instead it is the best for finding out what strengths you have, how you approach decision-making and for developing leadership qualities.

EY's culture was evident throughout the week by the way the Leadership Academy was conducted; it was also really nice to not get forced any of the company's values upon us this early on, like many of its' competitors seem to do.

The content of all the sessions, speaking to my facilitator and speaking to the leadership professionals made me think about what I really wanted from a career and what areas of EY I would be best suited to (where my skills lie).

I was reimbursed all expenses and they even ran a courtesy car from the local train station to the hotel at which the Leadership Academy was held. There were also numerous perks/gifts/surprises throughout the experience that I won't ruin for those who get selected in the future...

Each team of 6 students had a facilitator with them the entire week, who will get to know you really well by the end of the week (more than you'd imagine if you get a facilitator that truly cares). There are ample opportunities outside of work though, such as the evening socials where you can speak to any of the employees present or more who come down for the partner dinner one evening.

Fantastic - got to find out what EY is like, what employees thought of their job/lifestyle/social (very honest opinions), career progression, etc. Socials were top - free beverages provided every evening for everyone to enjoy and a relaxed atmosphere to mingle with the other students/facilitators. There was a fun activity one evening, partner dinner one and a barbeque too, all three of which ended in the hotel bar!

I personally did because I asked the facilitators what the actual life is like and what they can/can't do in their free time. Also, many opportunities to get involved in volunteering - attached to EY or personal.

100% - definitely!