Financial Services Advisory Intern Review

The placement had highs and lows. In busy periods where the majority of work was in the form of producing Excel tables for 10+ hours a day it was not enjoyable, yet the firm appreciated this and therefore in the quieter periods would reward people with away days and a more relaxed workload.

One of the best characteristics of the placement was the opportunity to work with like minded, bright intelligent people. I realised that coming from a non-financial background was not a barrier as I met many people in a similar position to myself, who have carved out successful careers at the firm.

Help and support was available when I needed it but the majority of the time I was working by myself with autonomy, and responsible to produce a high standard of work. So overall although I was given support I was largely working without someone constantly over my shoulder. This was a good balance

I was probably a bit too busy on occasion as I sometimes had to work longer hours beyond 6pm, to meet a deadline. This wasn't on a daily basis- only about two times a week, and never on a Friday. I think this depends on the project worked on as I know others had different experiences.

I was given various critical tasks to do as part of my involvement. I would be given specific sections of the audit work to completely entirely myself and often it may not be reviewed until several weeks later so it was vital to get it right first time.

Most of the work was on software unique to the firm. This is not valuable anywhere else. However the data analytics course work that I had done will be useful and the soft skills I have found useful.

Very good office atmosphere, often able to greet and quickly chat to any colleague you recognise. Occasionally excess food from meetings and cake from birthdays was shared around the office.

EY have a very detailed plan for placement students which means that you learn a lot and teams for clients often really want to have you on board. The college learning and induction week at the start help you find your feet and understand principles before you start working.

They provided a month of college tuition and two of the ICAS exams which cost the firm a large amount of money. Also with an induction week and an introduction to audit week they spend a significant amount of time checking that you understand what to do.

They offer a lot of internship students a graduate job at the end, the chances are very high

With the initial induction weeks you get to know the other placement students really well and so often we would try and all catch up over lunch when in the office.

Central London so expensive but you can find a place with a reasonable price.

There are lots of places to go out. I went out each week of my SVS and usually this was at a bar called The Last I think, near the office, which was popular with EY employees. It was a good venue to meet centrally. Occasionally we went out afterwards on to other venues.

There are a few department societies and sport societies but sometimes they are keen for only more permanent staff to get involved.