Discovery Programme Student Review

I attended with around 50 other Year 12 students, where we were offered a range of presentations about EY as a company, the school leavers apprenticeship scheme, Audit and Tax. We also engaged in some group activities and got to find out what type of person we are through interactive games. We toured the office at London Bridge as well.

Yes, I learnt a lot about communication and networking and how it is beneficial, especially in the finance industry. The application process also helped me develop my English and Maths skills in a business environment.

I really enjoyed the programme as I was able to learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship and the advantages it offers over going to university. All of the current employees were very friendly and also honest about their experiences at EY and how they came to the roles. They were all very open to questions about culture of the company as a whole and their individual teams.

We were really involved during the day and everyone thanked us for attending. There were also many posts on their twitter about the day which made me feel as though the day was important to them. We were asked for feedback afterwards which also encouraged me to think that they really value our opinion, and want to improve for future young people to enjoy the programme even more.

It was very well organised with clear instructions about everything including travel, schedule, dress code and food available. I was able to coontact a member of the team via email anytime beforehand if I had any questions to ensure I could be organised myself.

The advisor on my table was extremely nice and answered all of our questions in depth and listened to all of our ideas attentively. She gave me her email so that if I had anymore questions I could ask her personally.

All of my questions before the day were answered on the phone or by email, most of the time without me even having to ask because it was so well organised. Katherine who ran the day was very welcoming and made the day engaging which made me feel well supported as I felt comfortable speaking to her about my own ambitions and how to attain them.

We were offered lunch, reimbursement for our travel costs and others that lived far away from London (where the Discovery programme was held) were offered a hotel stay for the night. We were gaining a lot of knowledge so there was no need for any other type of monetary reward.

After the day, I was offered the opportunity to be fast-tracked for paid work experience for a week this summer. This means I only had to send a motivational statement wihtout haing to do the full application. I will also be able to apply for the 2018 Business Apprenticeship.

Yes

I felt that they really valued me and all of their employees, as everyone that presented to us spoe of the the culture and ethos of EY and how it helps them work. They asked for our opinions about the day showing that they took great interest in improving the programme to benefit young people, which I really liked because it portrayed and image of being welcoming to all ages.

Even though it seems like a lot of tests etc for the application process for only one day, still try your hardest and don't give up because if you do well, lots of other opportunities can be given to you. On the day, try to speak to as many different people as possible including the people running the programme, and make sure to come with lots of questions and an open mind about your future.