Work experience Review

We take part in many group activities. This involves pitches, presentations, completing our CMI qualification. These are all very beneficial for our confidence and people skills. We also have many chances to talk with our friends and have some free time during our lunch and during breaks. Also, people often come in and speak to us about the opportunities at EY and other companies for our future.

After completing and presenting many different group presentations to everyone else in the group, my confidence and presentation skills definitely improved. It helped me learn how to confidently speak to an audience and keep them engaged. I also had chances to lead my group, which of course improved my leadership skills and time management skills.

I find the programme very enjoyable. Meeting lots of new like minded young people is a good experience and makes the experience very fun to be a part of. Also, the activities aren't mundane or monotonous. Sometimes I find myself quiet tired and bored, but on the most part I am very engaged and active due to the liveliness and variety in the activities.

I think the smart futures programme is very well received and most employees know a bit about it. The people at EY seem like they enjoy talking to young people about their job role and finding out our plans for the future. They give a very welcoming feel to the company. Also, since it is a paid work experience, it makes us feel as if they want to give us valuable experience in the world of work and they want to make it useful for us.

It is very well organised. Each day there is a timetable to follow and everything runs smoothly. This could be up completing presentations or group tasks, or even if we have a speaker in to talk to us and teach us something new. This makes the programme even more enjoyable as we know what is coming up and the structure of the day. At the start, we are given the entire structure of the programme so we know the layout right from the start.

EY provides a lot of support. There are many people to speak to if you ever wanted to know anything. There are the people who run the programme and there are always atleast 5 people who have other job roles at EY than we can easily speak to and find out what we want. We are also always given support in group tasks and always given life tips and skills.

The salary/package definitely covers the costs I have. There are lunch/snacks provided, and even when I decide to go out and eat it isn't expensive to where I feel like I need to be paid more. Also, as a young person, my main costs will just be eating, travel and buying material things. The pay for the work experience more than covers this.

Yes

The people who run the programme are very relatable and helpful In a sense that it is very easy to speak to them and receive help. The other students on the programme also make it very enjoyable. Group tasks are always enjoyable with them and you are always given tasks to improve yourself and your skills. It is a great place to learn and improve.

Definitely apply for the programme and try your hardest to get onto the programme. It is a very good use of your summer and an amazing, very well recognised thing to put on your CV. It is also good experience to understand what goes on in these large firms and different job roles within them. Lastly, since it is paid you will definitely enjoy it at the end of the month.