Intern Review

In the first few weeks, I was required to analyse and edit excel sheets and prepare powerpoint presentations. As I gained more knowledge of my client and of audit in general, I was handed slightly more audit-related tasks. My role on a day to day basis involved anything that my seniors required me to do. Right from checking the financial statements to helping them with control testing, I was able to help with any type of task that they had for me.

New skills that I learnt were the use of PDF xchange Editor and a few other company audit related softwares. Skills that I developed were my people skills, my skills on microsoft excel and microsoft powerpoint. Also, I was introduced to a new variety of audit terminology which gave me exposure before I under take my exams.

I enjoy my program greatly for a variety of reasons. The friends that I have made at EY, the freedom that is given to me to pick my type of work and also freedom regarding who I can talk to and ask questions at the work place. Overall, it is a great learning experience. Working in canary wharf also gives a good feel of the corporate atmosphere which I greatly enjoy. The work culture at the office was extremely flat which meant that I could talk to anyone.

I feel very valued by EY. I was invited to a social with the clients after one of the meetings which made me feel a part of the team, even as an intern. I got a chance to talk to the partner and some of the very senior people in the firm which gave me great insight into the life at EY. Also, There was a counsellor and a buddy who were employees at my office who I could talk to and seek help from regarding any issues. There is a rating system which takes into account the overall performance and each senior who has worked with you, discusses this with you. Their time and focus towards my development was not unnoticed and it made me feel great.

My program is structured when it comes to the timing of the internships but not so much on the internship. I am free to pick what sort of work I do and this is what I enjoy about it. The program has the right amount of structure as well as the freedom. The induction was very well organised and the key details of working at the office were explained. Task delegation has its freedom as I explained above. As far as support is concerned, the buddy and the counsellor serve as great pillars for any kind of support that I have needed on my internship. Overall, the organisation is great.

There was a feedback system which made me collect feedback from every senior that I had worked with and then discuss this with my counsellor. This gave me great support in order to identify my weaknesses as well as my strengths. I could ask anyone on the team if I had a problem with some work and they would sort it out for me right away. I enjoyed this a lot and it was great development for me as an individual.

The internship was focused at my development and each of my managers spent time talking to me at the end figuring out what i had done well and what i could improve on in the future when i came in for my next internship at the firm. The general attitude was supportive as they did not hesitate while answering my silly questions and encouraged it. It was very easy to get in touch with anyone for doubts via the messaging system they have set up.

The salary does not meet my costs very well. Living in London is very expensive and the salary just barely covers my daily food, travel and living costs. Social costs are definitely not met by the salary due to the high social costs in London. Going out with managers, other interns and networking requires a source of funds which isn't covered by the salary. Living costs are extremely high and travelling long distances to work becomes the only option.

There are a lot of opportunities outside work like team dinners, dinners with the clients after a meeting and other social events where it is easy and conducive to talk to the seniors at the firm. The location at canary wharf is great which facilitates networking a lot. There are also a lot of sports and clubs that can be joined but my one month internship wasn't enough time to partake in these events and clubs.

Yes

The work life balance at EY is unlike anything else. Work timings are fixed and an efficient worker will manage to finish all his work in the time and have the rest of the day to himself. The work atmosphere is great and there is a friendly feeling towards every other employee. Great friendships are fostered at the work place and this contributed to the work life balance aspect.

The application process has to be taken very seriously as it is highly competitive and not easy at all. The personal interview tests knowledge about the firm and tests the critical thinking capacity of an individual. Assessment days are stressful at the time but you come out of it more knowledgeable and feeling good about yourself. The opportunities are endless.