Intern Review

I was an intern at the EY Smart Futures programme for 3 weeks. I spent the majority of my first week completing my CMI Team Leading qualification using the knowledge I gained from workshops throughout the week. I then spent the following week in many team exercises, including Dragon's Den. I listened to many speakers, learnt from their advice, and gain insightful experience. In the 3rd week, I was doing business work experience where I completed a fraud investigation service, and presented this to senior directors.

I have learnt new IT skills, which I did not have before. I improved my team working skills through doing many group tasks. During my business experience, I improved my interviewing skills and learnt how to interview someone, using a method called PEACE, to find out information. I learnt how you can interview people in many different ways- it depends on the context. I am gaining a Team Leading qualification too, where I have improved my team leading skills.

I really enjoyed the programme. I think it was very all arounded. I was always treated with respect by EY employees and not spoken to as a student, but as a young adult. The culture is incredible, as it is so people friendly! EY Smart Futures really met my expectations, if anything it went beyond my expectations. I knew it was a great programme as my friend did it. The range of work we did was really helpful and worth my time!

I felt very valued by EY. EY made me feel appreciated from the first day, and helped me grow. I was given responsibilities which showed I was trusted and made me feel valued. My mentor was very warm and welcoming, and did not make me feel pressured to follow any particular direction in my career, and continuously praised me. I was able to do a project on a real life project, which made me engage with the task better too.

The programme is very, very well structured. By splitting the weeks up and focusing on different aspects, it was very helpful. We were given ample time for the CMI log, and were guided through it in a way that we had to engage in an activity, and then do the log that fit with it. In the support and feedback they gave, I felt that it was given in good time and very clearly. Having the business experience last meant that we could apply the skills we learnt.

I received a lot of support from EY employees. My mentor was really honest and genuine, as well as very supportive. This meant that I was comfortable and able to express my feelings about university and career paths, which was helpful. The EY coordinators have been very kind and supportive in any situation. They have had a very positive attitude towards us and the programme.

I received a lot of support from the coordinators, who were always keen to answer questions and really welcoming. I receive ample support from my mentor who has also given me next steps and been eager to introduce me to his contacts so I can get further career and university support.

My salary definitely meets beyond my costs. I can easily cover my expenses, and this was help by my lunch being paid during my business experience.

There are many more opportunities that I thought, such as a networking events.

Yes

EY is a fantastic programme that gives you both insightful knowledge and great work experience. It is suitable for a range of people and can definitely change lives. It allows you to work towards a common goal with people your age who are equally as amazing as you.

The advice I would give is to be courageous. Be open minded, meet new people, and engage in every activity. EY helps you to improve your career prospects and gives you transferable skills.