intern Review

The smart futures programme was a 3 week work experience. During the first week we completed a CMI qualification this consisted of learning logs which gave us different scenarios of the role of a team leader and we had to write about what we would do in that scenario and the skills needed. This was good because it allowed us to gain a qualification and understand the role of a team leader however, there was minimum support given and I found it difficult to complete the task, the scenarios were simply on paper and non interactive most of the time which made the task more difficult because it was uninteresting. during the second week we took part in more business focus activities this included the dragons den activity where we were split up in teams to create a new phone product to the partners. This was good because we were able to understand the many features included in creating a product and presenting as well as interacting with partners. Unfortunately we were unable to choose our groups making it difficult for everyone to agree on an idea, the task was unclear and there was a lack of support. during the final week we engaged in business experience this was good because it allowed us to engage in real office work, sadly I was place din a service area I was not Interested in, they did have work to give me either so I spent most of my time idle. when I took the initiative to have catch up sessions with people in that service area to ask them about there work and how I can ge a job, they were often brief or declined my offer. I spent most of my time sitting at a desk doing nothing.

Thankfully due to the smart futures programme I was able to have completed a Cmi qualification in adult training and this qualification helped me build upon my existing team leader skills as well as fully understanding the skills needed to be a good team leader. I was also able to improve my organization skills because the different weeks had different time schedules and tasks to do at certain deadlines.

There were a few aspects of the programme I enjoyed these included, the cmi qualification which is something I can included in my cv and I have gained relevant skills to team leading. I also enjoyed receiving payment for this work experience because it motivated me to work hard. I also enjoyed the resources provided o us by Ey and being treated with respect.

I feel extremely valued by Ey during this experience and this is because of the large amount of respect that I have received from the various members of staff from all departments while working at EY. despite only being an intern working for 3 weeks I was treated like every other staff member. The work experience was paid which meant Ey valued the work I had done in 3 weeks.

The 3 week Smart futures programme was well organized and structured, each week had a number of different tasks we had to complete. It also included different talks done by various sectors such as the audit department and everyone was on time for their slot. we were also given the right amount of breaks and lunch and their were hardly any delays in the schedule. we were made aware of who we needed to contact In case of any unlikely situations.

There was a limited amount of support given to me by my supervisors. at the beginning of the programme they did highlight key guidance support such as health and safety information and who we could contact in case of an emergency or if we were late to work. However, there was a lack of support with completing the tasks given to us and they gave the impression that we couldn't approach them with enquires.

our employer gave us a very limited amount of support during the 3 week smart future work experience programme at Ey. most of the time we were left idle with limited support on the various task that we were given during the 3 week programme. we were only given a mentor during the last week of the programme.

The smart futures work experience programme which lasts for 3 weeks included pay which I was able to use to cover some of my travel costs as well as paying for my lunch during the last week. despite the salary we received there were also other incentives used for example during the first 9 days we received a free lunch. I was very satisfied with the salary I received.

The smart futures work experience programme which was 3 weeks also included a 10 month scheme outside of the work place. this 10 month scheme consists of each intern receiving a mentor who works in the service line of there intrest to help prepare them for a career in that area as well as answer any questions or queries they may have. the mentoring scheme also includes regular meetups and seminars with other people on the programme and staff members of Ey.

Yes

The smart futures programme is a great opportunity for young people to engage in professional services, although there were many aspects of the programme which I didn't not enjoy it still had some advantages for me that will now help me with my plans for the future. the cmi qualification is an excellent way to make you stand out among your peers, it is a paid experience which prepares you for the working world and allows you develop relevant working skills you can include on your cv.

for anyone applying for the smart futures programme I would advise researching ey before applying and completing the interview, make yourself aware of the current work they've done. also prepare your interview questions before hand anticipate answers you can give. research the different service lines in ey and what they do. be confident be yourself and try to network with as many people when you get here, make the most out of the 3 weeks.