Smart Futures Student Review

Smart Futures Student Assisting consultants within VBM (Valuing and Business Modelling) and 2 weeks of working towards a CMI Level 2 Team Leading certification Interacting with fellow students by completing tasks and group exercises for the CMI qualification. Also interacting with consultants on how I can do an economic impact assessment Within my role, I was working inside all the time due to the department I was in was only doing economic impact assessments. Other students were able to meet clients and actually work on client site I had to make sure I completed the list of entries that were required for the qualification, and I had to make sure that

Achieved a CMI Level 2 Team Leading qualification Led a team of individuals to create a pitch for a mock Dragons Den interview, to hone our teamwork skills Enhanced my research skills by studying case studies Networked with various consultants from Transactional Advisory Services to get a better grasp of the division

To a great extent, I did enjoy my programme as I felt that everyone was very welcoming and the team I was in were all very helpful when I was completing the economic impact assessment. I was able to practice my faith freely, as the office had prayer rooms, which shows the inclusiveness of different cultures, showing diverse the workforce is in EY. I genuinely enjoyed my time here, as I thought the work was interesting and the people here being great. It has definitely persuaded me to pursue a career in consulting, hopefully at EY.

I felt my manager was open to new suggestions regarding with the economic impact assessment, and when I was wrong in some situations, he would give me constructive feedback to help me.

I thought it was very structured as we had two weeks of working towards our qualification, and the last week actually working with consultants. The two weeks were also very detailed on the timetable, as they would display at what time and day certain activities would occur.

They gave us a lot of support during the first two weeks, as they gave us tips and advice on how we could sucessfully complete this qualification.

My manager was great as he helped me through the 3rd week. My mentor is always in contact with me, where she always gives me advice whenever I ask her something. Overall, I thought I received a great deal of support.

My salary covered all my expenditures, which include travel and lunch.

The opportunities EY give after this placement are decent in the sense that they invite you to a lot of networking events from the EY Foundation. They also fast-track you on the EY apprenticeship scheme. However, since I am really busy with my studies and that I want to go university after completing my A-Levels, I felt that I was unable to utilise the opportunities that were given to me.

Yes

EY has a very welcoming environment in both Canary Wharf and London Bridge. Every consultants, managers, and directors that I had met with were all very friendly and advised me how I could succeed in the corporate world. The consultants were willingly able to help me when I was completing the economic impact assessment, which allowed me to adapt quickly to the challenging nature of the role.

Make sure that you have prepared for Telephone interview by making a list of competencies that EY demonstrate. Make sure you link them to your experiences. Make the most out of networking, as you will have various sessions to network with your mentor and other consultants during your placement. Make sure you have a fun time during the two weeks you are completing the qualification, but also at the same time, try and improve your current soft and hard skills.