Smart Futures Intern Review

I initially did classroom based workshops which greatly improved my confidence in terms of presenting to audience and also with conversing with new people - this was done for 2 weeks. For my final week I was allocated to the Audit - Energy team. In this time I got the opportunity to visit one of EY's largest clients, Shell. I spent two days here in which I helped with the end of year audit. I then moved over to another team within the audit department where I enhanced my capabilities using Microsoft Excel.

I have gained a qualification and also improved my presentation skills and improved my confidence. I also enhanced my communication and teamwork skills because we constantly have to converse with others in a team, some of the time you may have a view which is different to that of someone else however how you overcome them defines how much you have grown. I feel this program has allowed me to do this. The courses and gaining the CMI qualification has also developed my ability to answer questions in a competent manner.

I enjoyed it very much, seeing as I managed to meet and work with such professionals especially because they did not have to. They were all so professional and respectful. Also making new friends was very good in terms of the social aspect. The company culture made me feel really welcome especially seeing as the program is catered to those from slyly deprived backgrounds.

I feel very valued especially seeing as it was a paid experience showing that the company recognizes the struggle of being a young student in London from e deprived background. Also the experience itself comes second to none as working in this beautiful environment was thrilling in every sense.

The program is very structured seeing as we gain a lot of support from our mentors and also in terms of being allocated our business placements in most cases turned out good. Personally seeing as I expressed an interest in law, I felt that maybe I should have been allocated a place in the legal team. but it was a great experience trying something different.

I received quite a lot of support from my mentor, who aided me and gave me advice in terms of the next step to take after this programme and even after university. The people I worked with were all very willing to provide support if I did not understand the task which was given. The people who were in charge of giving my tasks were abit reluctant to give me work as they could not always find a task appropriate for me to do however when I did receive work they were very helpful.

The people I worked with were all very willing to provide support if I did not understand the task which was given. They were friendly and managed to be quite comical with me. I told them I was quite new to the world of finance seeing as I am interested in law and they held no prejudice or malice to the fact I was inexperienced. Their attitudes toward helping me were very positive.

Initially, travel was hurting my pockets quite abit seeing as they did not cover my travel costs or my food, however after seeing the amount I was paid I was happy however after being taxed I was quite annoyed however I understand that may have been my fault. The pay in general was quite good though.

There are many opportunities outside of work. I have been told that there will be many events where I can come and meet the people that I have met today. Also there are many events and charities which are in my area which I can join and some which I have already joined such as the Amos Bursary who aim to aid those from black deprived backgrounds.

Yes

This program has allowed me to grow both as an individual and also as a professional in the corporate world. I have improved in a range of skills, including presentational skills, confidence, communication skills, and also IT competency as I can now use Microsoft Excel to a better standard. This program has also helped me meet new people who share the same aspirational career goals as me who I will most definently stay in contact with after this programme.

Take risks and prosper - it sounds like something quite cliché however if you do not take a risk when presenting and when coming out of your shell to converse with people then you are wasting something that is a magnificent experience for growth. Also work on your weaknesses and do be afraid to receive criticism because this environment is the perfect environment to get told what you need to improve on because everyone is so respectful and courteous.