EY Leadership Academy Review

Overall an experience of a lifetime - great people, great programme, great location, I learned so much about myself and what it means to be a leader, made good friends and had tons of fun. It's quite intense and you'll leave the place tired, yet extremely satisfied and slightly wanting more. Highly recommend.

The company did not shower us with promotional materials, in effect focusing on us only and our development as people. I felt valued and cared for, like EY genuinely wanted for it to be all about me and my journey of discovery, and that felt incredible.

There was plenty support available from the coaches and programme teachers whenever needed - they were all genuine and ready/able to help.

I definitely feel what I learned will serve me well in life. Not only do I understand what I'm like as a leader and what I can improve on, but also what the EY atmosphere is like from talking to employees/partners. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses which is vital information for university studies and much further beyond. I've got much food for thought for weeks to come after leaving here.

There was clear structure from the start, though a bit confusing initially with what exactly we are doing, it was all explained later on. The programme was split into sessions which were clearly indicated and time management was superb, ending always on time. I did find in the first day that there weren't as many breaks, but that perhaps was me coming back from holiday and being a bit unprepared for working 8.45-17.00. I adjusted soon after, as did everyone else.

Possibly the biggest highlight of the programme - both the attendants and the employees/coaches during the programme were all open, genuine, honest and wanting to help. I felt comfortable around them, playing charades in the evenings and chatting to them all about life in general, even to people I've never spoken to before. Without the people this programme wouldn't have been this much fun.

As mentioned previously, we weren't showered with promotional materials so it was all about us, our development and training, which was much appreciated.

Since this was about us rather than EY, I got information from employees because I talked to them myself. There wasn't a focus on working there, but developing leadership skills.

Talking to employees and a partner at dinner provided me with a comprehensive insight into EY culture, but this was because again I talked to them myself.

I actually finally decided on a career path after this academy, after getting plenty of information I needed from employees and a partner. So, extremely valuable.

Reimbursed for train journey and tube journey.

Yes, at social events in the evenings and at dinners, they were always around to talk to.

Evenings were great - quiz night, charades, playing the drums, drinks - plenty of entertainment abound! Also opportunities for networking are valuable because all this entertainment includes them around you at all times.

From conversation with employees, yes.

Definitely. It is invaluable experience, really gets you thinking about yourself, what it means to be a leader, what it means to be you! The bonuses are the location, the friends you make and the fun you have, what you learn about EY. I've learned so much over the 4 days, and I feel like this experience will serve me well in the future.