EY Smart Futures Review

My role at EY was within the transaction tax services which was very interesting as I was placed within PCS with private client services and I enjoyed it as I was in contact with high net worth clients with the assistance of my supervisor. For example within private client services, I got to look at the expenses of the clients, offshore tax etc and private estates which all seemed really glamourous. The bonus at the London Bridge branch was that there was free caffe mochas on every floor which I took advantage of. I got to attend and contribute to business acumen meetings which I also really enjoyed.

I haven't learned many new skills but EY gave me the opportunities to exercise my existing skills such as presentation skills, communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, through this work placement, I am gaining a chartered management qualification which is very intriguing as not every 16 year old has a qualification that only senior managers possess. I had to present on the new sugar tax in 2018, the general data protection regulation act due to issues with Cambridge Analytica and Facebook and my overall experiences in transaction tax which consisted of private client services and core business services.

I enjoyed it very much because of the corporate culture at EY. I felt like I embody the values that EY as a company value as if I was EY because I could resonate with their values.Additionally, my team in transaction tax services was very helpful as it gave me more perspective of a career within professional services. The corporate culture was enticing as it gave me a feel as to what it is like working in such an elite, global and renown firm - I loved the vibe at EY.

I feel valued by EY because they offered us disadvantaged students around London an opportunity that many of us could not have gotten without the EY Foundation. Moreover, we got paid for our work which was really good as not everywhere offers paid work experience. As my parents have no experience of higher education or professional affairs; working with EY made me feel valued even further as they invested time and money in a student like me to gain an opportunity of work experience as well as it being a paid placement at an international professional services firm.

The induction was excellent as we got to meet other Smart Futures students in our cohort. Furthermore, the support at EY was impeccable and organised as our programme leaders delivered an efficient series of talks on the programme which was really appreciated. The task delegation was good as we all got given tasks based on our strengths and weaknesses. At EY, we were encouraged to strengthen our strengthens and weaken our weaknesses which made the programme very motivating.

Through the programme, I gained a mentor within the Fraud Assurance unit which was very useful as my mentor was quite young and is easy to talk to when it comes to personal statements, CVs and cover letters. Our programme leaders helped us when it came to any problems we couldn't overcome. My mentor attended a Russell group university and I have similar aspirations despite my mentor studying a different degree than what I want to study. Additionally, my mentor was very accessible as I could pop down to the first floor to visit them during my time on the programme whenever I had any queries or wanted advice.

I received a lot of support from my employer within transaction tax, core business services and private client services. I enjoyed working on client transactions for our high net worth individuals. Moreover, I gained an insight into EY Legal due to my employer who wanted me to gain an insight into transfer pricing, assurance, advisory and transaction advisory services which I really enjoyed. My employer was always supportive which was what I was very appreciative of.

The salary was amazing for our age as well as for travel costs considering I had to get a train to the EY building for 2 weeks over my Easter. It helped with daily costs as I wanted to buy food around the area. The salary also enabled me to purchase books and new business attire that I need for my sixth form. The location was far from my house and getting train was long and tiring but the salary aided in it as I did not have to pay for my trains so I felt better about travelling.

There are multiple opportunities as EY is affiliated with other companies trying to fulfill the corporate social responsibilities and have events and schemes for everyone from EY Smart Futures once they become an EY Foundation Alumni. For example, I will be involved in the IBM Tech bootcamp for girls who have graduated from the EY programme as I am into technology - this exclusive insight would defintley benefit me and make more aware about technology careers for women.

Yes

The experience is invaluable and it is global company and everyone knows EY so saying you worked at EY at the age of 16 is absolutely amazing due to their global prescence. Additionally, the pay is good. Working at one of the Big 4 (EY, PwC, KPMG and Deloitte) is something you can always talk about whether in your CV or personal statement - it will make you stand out which is so important after leaving post sixteen education.

The process is quite easy, just be confident when it comes to the phone interview and ask questions as it shows your curiousity and interest about EY. Additionally, no assessment days are required. With the application process, it is very good as EY don't focus on grades AT ALL, they only focus on you so therefore be authentic in your applications and let your corporate spirit shine through your application. Despite EY has no assesment days, it is still good to try practice assessment days as many professional services, financial services, legal and etc firms tend to want people who can do well in assessment centres.