Smart Futures Intern Review

I have done many roles at EY, working with people both in Tax, Advisory at GMP and Audit. This involved many daily tasks, such as putting together teams and planning presentations based on research of another company, and then giving that presentation. We also completed many activities to help build these skills, along with communication, feedback, coaching and team leadership skills. A recurring responsibility was to take on the role of a team leader, designating other positions and making sure the team works efficiently and effectively to complete tasks such as the presentations.

We have completed a qualification known as the Level 2 CMI Team leadership qualification which will be sent off for review. This has taught us how to lead a team, helping us improve skills from feedback and communication to coaching and networking. I also improved my skills in public speaking, having to give many presentations. Due to this I'm also better in organisation of teams and the planning of presentations.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Every team I worked in was friendly and inviting, and allowed me to do actual valued work for the company, which ultimately allowed me to get a feel for the strong company culture and work ethic that would be required to work here or in another big corporate business. It met my expectations and beyond, as I have learnt much more than I thought I would have had whilst having had a good time, meeting new people/contacts in the business world.

I feel I was valued well, as if I was another team member. I feel this as I completed actual work, not only valued by EY and the team but already in use by them, rather than being given menial tasks. We also got good feedback, with constructive criticism from senior people both from within EY and external business people.

The programme is well organised, we kept to a slightly flexible but mostly strict schedule that was well thought out. We were supported throughout with our mentors, who we keep in contact with for 10 months, and we also had many more members of EY staff we could turn to for help. I never found myself void of something to do, the EY staff kept everyone busy well but didn't overface anybody.

We were always checked on, to make sure we understood the material we were learning both in the CMI qualification and any other time we had to take in information.

We received a lot of support throughout the programme, from both our mentors and other EY staff. They always circled, making sure we were okay with the tasks we had been set.

We haven't been paid yet, but when we do it will cover any costs/expenses we had. EY also supported us financially, buying tram tickets for travel from a GMP headquarters one day.

There are many opportunities in the future. There are 3 alumni events this year, where we can network and meet senior business men and women from a variety of places, along with re-visit the EY staff and become reacquainted. Our mentors will also be in contact for 10 months, along with any other contacts we made.

Yes

I feel it is a very good company with a strong company culture, where the people are friendly and the work is interesting and varied.

Though the interview process is hard, I believe it is rewarding. I would recommend they know about the company and the EY foundation before applying for either a job or the programme, as it is important to understand what you'll be doing and if the company is for you.