Work experience student Review

The first week of the three week work experience involved developing new skills such as team work, through the vast amount of group activities we undertook. The first group exercise encouraged us to get to know one another and utilise the differences in our skills. We also took a visit to ICAEW to learn more about the apprenticeship that EY provide.

Through undertaking skills workshops such as CV writing and group exercises I was able to develop existing skills as well as learn new skills. For example, we each completed a Level 2 Team Leading qualification with an external provider. The group exercises particularly allowed us to develop our team working skills as well as our confidence and ability to build a rapport, due to the frequency of presenting.

The programme was very enjoyable, it exposed me to commercial accounting and the possibility of earning a qualification without going to University. The programme provided me with a mentor who I was able to contact with any questions that I had, even after the work experience had finished. I was also able to meet people from contrasting backgrounds that I might otherwise not have met.

In each of the group activities we undertook our performance was noted, and we were able to receive constructive feedback on what we did well as a team and individually, and how we could improve in the future. Therefore consideration on a personal level was highly valued. The programme provided me with a mentor who I was able to contact with any questions that I had, even after the work experience had finished.

The three week work experience was highly structured. We were all invited to a meeting day in advance of the work experience programme beginning so that we had an opportunity to meet other people on the programme. Then, on the first day we were provided with a pack which outlined what we would be doing each day for the entirety of the three week work experience programme, so it was very well organised.

During the three week work experience programme we each completed a Level 2 Team Leading qualification with an external training provider. In order to complete this qualification, each day a set amount of time was dedicated to recording the work that we had done that day which would contribute towards the qualification. We were provided with the details of the contract provider so that we could contact them if we had any queries.

When undertaking group activities members of staff volunteered to provide us with advice that would help us to perform well, and also provide a perspective from a business view. After each exercise we were also provided with feedback on our performance. During the work experience we were provided with a mentor who was someone that worked in EY, that we were able to contact with any questions that we had, even after the work experience had finished.

The three week work experience programme was paid, this covered both my travel costs to London and my lunch expense for the day.

During the work experience programme we completed training with an external training provider in order to earn the Level 2 Team Leading qualification. In addition to this, we also visited two external companies including ICAEW, where we had the opportunity to socialise amongst their staff as they provided us with lunch and refreshments. Through the programme we were able to meet lots of new friends, who we were able to socialise with outside of office hours.

Yes

EY are one of the biggest Accountancy firms in the world, therefore their collection of clients is significant which would provide you with a great range of skills that you might otherwise not be exposed to. My three week work experience was highly structured with specific exercises designed to develop specific skills that are desirable in the work place. You also have the opportunity to speak to members of staff who are all very personal.

I would advise practicing competency tests, as these are the tests that you will need to complete when applying. I would also advise researching the company and any recent articles about them in the news as this could provide useful when it comes to doing interviews. In addition to this, it would be helpful to practice your interview skills as this will increase your confidence when it comes to the actual interview.