Intern Review

I did work experience at EY on the Smart Futures Programme during the Easter holidays for two weeks. The first day was an introduction into what the company does, their partners and an IT induction. The next few days we did various team building activities to fill out learning logs to gain a CMI qualification in leadership equivalent to a GCSE. Then we met our mentors who we will be keeping in contact with for the next 10 months. We also did a Dragon's Den activity designing a mobile device and pitched to important people. The second week was business experience. I was sent to the Home Office and we attended meetings, networked and made a presentation to propose ideas on how to make parks safer. This was my favourite part of the programme. Our two main hosts were amazing and my manager was extremely helpful. Graduation came after this where we received certificates and gave out awards.

We did various team building activities to fill out learning logs to gain a CMI qualification in leadership equivalent to a GCSE. My networking skills significantly improved from meeting lots of new people and getting a mentor. My team working and leadership skills also developed. On the graduation day we got certificates.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme because we learnt so many new skills and got an amazing qualification. The mentor scheme will be very helpful in the coming months. We also get paid which makes up for losing our Easter holidays. I got to experience the working environment in two places (EY and the Home Office). Most importantly the people I met, both staff and other young people, were great. I've made lots of new friends. Overall, it exceeded my expectations.

I was very involved with all of the projects and the facilitators at EY really cared about our progress. But, I felt more valued at the Home Office, because they took our ideas seriously and I feel as if I made some important input, which they could further develop. They took all of our feedback on board and fully included us in their meetings.

The general structure of the programme was well planned. But during the days there were sometimes sudden changes in the schedule which pressured us to complete the work in a shorter time frame, especially on business experience week.

Our providers at EY were very helpful both during the day and when we emailed them we would receive replies promptly. At the Home Office we received lots of support and guidance without being constantly supervised. This made us feel more responsible because they trusted us to complete the work independently.

EY as a entire company was very accessible when we needed some guidance or help with our problems. They were flexible and their attitude to supporting us was incredible.

We get paid a couple of weeks after the two weeks of work experience finishes. This means we had to pay for our travel costs. Due to the location it was quite expensive for me. But, they provided us with lunch almost everyday. The salary is an adequate amount of money for the short time we were working for.

They give us free tickets to art galleries including the Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

Yes

The CMI qualification will look very impressive on a CV. We can still receive support from our mentors after the two weeks have ended. Also, its paid so some costs are covered. You may get the chance to do work experience in more than one organisation. Also, the skills we develop could only happen in an environment like this.

Be prepared for along and competitive application process. Also, some days a not as fun as others. But, as long as you put in the maximum effort it will be a very rewarding experience.