Assistant Executive Review

I am now an Assistant Executive in my 4th year, I am responsible for leading engagements and coaching the junior staff on the jobs, I report to my manager for issues and concerns and deal directly with clients on a daily basis

I have been able to develop my coaching and leadership abilities as well as team work and time management. Studying for my ACA qualification also poses challenges with a work life and study balance. We are provided with numerous training courses to develop our technical knowledge as well.

Being able to meet so many new people and gain some good friends as well as challenging myself to become better technically and personally has been a great experience. Also training at a big 4 firm has added an extra dimension giving me greater experiences with high profile clients and challenging work.

There are a lot of people working for EY so it is hard to gain a lot of independent recognition on a firm wide basis. But within my teams and departments you are shown appreciation on a personal level which makes you feel a lot more valued

As I am the first year for the school leaver programme there have been numerous hurdles which were not foreseen, however I believe most of these have now been ironed out, but in general the qualification and work balance has been good coming straight from school as it has been spread out nicely.

For qualifications the training is very good using outside tuition from Kaplan and on the job the teams are always very helpful and willing to teach you and coach you on the job.

You are provided with a counsellor who is there for any concerns or issues you have. We also have regular peer groups where feedback can be passed to management and changes implemented. Everyone is so welcoming and willing to listen and help which is a great comfort when you start.

As I am still living at home the salary is very competitive, however when you start it is probably below what should be expected. Additionally, as you progress into year 3/4 you are effectively acting as an exec but salary does not reflect this so there is a gap between what is expected and the remuneration received when comparing to grads

There are many social events, network groups and peer group events which occur as well as firm wide events like Christmas parties. Not to mention team events ect. These are great fun

Yes

It is a great place to gain an insight into the working world, train and experience life in a corporate environment with the comfort of a great support system and training.

Be yourself, EY recruits on a personal level and not based on academic achievements. It's about who you are and what you can bring to the firm working with teams and clients.