Intern Review

During the work experience placement, there were two weeks worth of tasks. During the first week, we were completing our log books for the CMI Level 2 in Leadership Qualification. During the second week, we were all designated into different teams (different sections within EY) - Mine was Tax, Transfer pricing. Not only did I shadow my supervisor, sitting in on meetings and phonecalls, but I also had the chance to deliver my own presentation and write my own report.

definitely. my communication skills improved vastly and I got the chance to meet and interact with people who I ordinarily wouldn't. I also feel that my presentation and delivery skills were stretched beyond my comfort zone but these were the most rewarding aspects of the placement. Best of all, this placement earned me a Level 2 CMI qualification in Leadership - I got to learn and understand the qualities and responsibilities of a leader, and have been able to use this qualification in many applications since to demonstrate my leadership abilities.

I really enjoyed my placement with EY. As a languages student hoping to continue studying languages at university level, I was initially apprehensive about joining EY. however, upon arrival I was reassured that I was a perfectly good candidate for the workplace and felt valued and competent. I really enjoyed the social aspect of it, making new friends and meeting new people, networking with professionals, learning and getting the best advice, growing and feeling like I was making good progress throughout the two weeks.

I do feel valued by EY. Despite being a young person I did not feel sidelined by the staff members and felt very welcome within the company. I love that I am now a part of the EY foundation and they keep in touch with me and update me on new opportunities very often. During the placement, I did feel like my mentor Steven was very supportive and encouraging of my progress, and involved me in projects and tasks wherever possible.

It was very well organised. there was a plan designed to make the most out of every day - two weeks really do fly by! the CMI log books were completed within a week, guided by the support of very well structured sessions with staff members who lead us through each section. During the work placements, we were each designated a mentor who had a plan for our time with them and there was never nothing to do - I felt constantly busy and like I was doing meaningful work.

There was a lot of support available to us. Our leader, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], was very encouraging and available to go to for advice and support. not only that, but we were constantly networking with professionals who were more than willing to provide support, but most of all, support came from our mentors and team at our respective offices.

I do not feel as though we had an awful lot of contact with our employers, but do feel that we had more so within our team and experience leaders. Most of the support came from fellow candidates, the placement leaders and our mentors and team members at the tax transfer pricing office.

The salary that we received over the work experience placement most certainly helped in terms of covering travel costs, especially since many of us were commuting from very far away. the salary also covered self maintenance whilst we were working at EY - it also helped in terms of covering daily and social costs eg. going for lunch etc.

There were many opportunities beyond just the workplace. all staff members that we had met were more than willing to provide support outside of the work environment . the social life amongst the other candidates was also very nice and we had a graduation ceremony at the end where even friends and family members were able to attend. We were also paired with mentors over a 10 month period. my mentor Kristy, was always more than willing to get back to me whenever I got in touch or even to meet up and catch up/discuss any concerns I was having in terms of school and career progression.

Yes

I think that this was a really valuable learning experience for me. As aforementioned, my course of study does not so naturally lead into the world of finance, but upon consideration I really do think that it is an industry that I could go into in the future, should I decide that it is the right thing for me. I did learn a lot in terms of business, industry, team work, organisation and responsibility and also leadership. But most of all I would say that the biggest impacts were personal ones - I gained confidence in presenting, socialising, and participating in big groups. I really feel like it was an opportunity to get a real insight into the world of work and learn a lot more about myself.

I would say - just go for it! It seems a very daunting thing to do at first, and since it is such a big global company, it can seem a terrifying concept. The sheer number of employees is in itself overwhelming. But once there, part of a team and working on projects that matter, I would say that it was an invaluable experience that you should make the most of. take every opportunity that comes your way and go beyond your comfort zone.