Business Trainee Review

I am currently a Business Trainee at EY. My day-to-day work is very varied, depending on the project I am put on. I am currently on quite a long term project which has allowed me to take over and manage processes from my executive, I am responsible for the billing, have a large amount of client communication and I am also in charge of a series of other processes for the project. Over time, as I have developed my business knowlege, I have been given more interesting work to do, although I still have the wonderful job of printing and setting up meeting invites.

I have developed numerous skills. My client communication has allowed me to develope a confidence you would not get outside of a professional working world, I have developed numeracy, written and communication skills, and have began to effectively manage my time. Even if I decide to go to University before the end of the programme, I have picked up a work ethic which has seen my productivy and personal maturity go far beyond that of my former sixth form peers.

EY genuinely has a very good work culture. The people are welcoming, friendly and very helpful. The culture and work ethic of everyone really went above and beyond my expectations. I have really enjoyed working here and feel it is one of the best firms to work for.

Sometimes I feel as though the tasks I am set are secretarial and wish I was at University learning about a subject which interests me, however I have some interesting tasks and has time has gone by I have been picking up more interesting work and have began to feel more valued as a worker withing my project. Although I do feel valued, have a good working life and enjoy my time here, the fact that as a school leaver in our third year we would get paid less than a first year graduate makes me question A) the point of joining the programme if the firm are still favouring graduates and B) The worth of my work after being with the firm for a full three years. Pay is a large contributing factor to how much a worker feels valued, and this is one point really makes me question whether a University degree will in fact earn me more money in the long run.

I feel as though it could become more structured, with more events for our cohort to make it feel more like a programme, rather than just work.

Exams were very rushed and I felt as though there was hardly any support there, oustide of what we had at college. I did not enjoy exam period, which is a common feeling, but the intensity of it all and lack of support, really made it a far more stressful period than it needed to be.

I feel very supported at work.

I am on a salary for £21,500. My rent is £300, as I currently still live at home, and my travel is around £60 - £70 a month. Overall the monthly pay of approximately £1,400 has allowed me to have quite a bit of disposible cash. However, for my companions who have rent of £700 - £900 enjoy far less disposable cash.

There are countless opportunities outside of work at EY.

Yes

It has provided me with countless opportunities, it is an amazing firm to work for, the culture is one which is both unique and rare and there are numerous opportunities for progression.

Ensure you know this is the industry you want to end up at, it is an amazing programme if you know this is what you want to with your life, otherwise University and internships may be a better option. Ensure you research the service line you are applying for, show enthusiasm and ensure to give examples for every point you make about yourself during the interview process. Be bold, make sure to concentrate and stand out by answering questions / volunteering during group excersises.