Executive assistant Review

The apprenticeship I do is a Business and Admin Level 3, and falls under the title of Executive assistant. As an EA, I have the role of managing a portfolio of Directors and partners of EY. I provide aid in the following category's; Diary, Travel, Meeting, relationship, events and projects. I play a key role in ensuring the fluidity of the directors/partners day job as they are extremely busy, so as a EA I lessen their work burdens by assisting in the management of their work life.

During the period of being at this apprenticeship, i have developed, adapted, and learnt new skills. The most conspicuous skills i have gained whilst being here are the professionalism alongside the knowledge skills. I’ve gained the professionalism from working inside an open office environment, with people who have a wide experience in cooperate business and professional services. This has helped me understand the way EY operate and impact different organisations around the world. The apprenticeship providers have heightened my understanding on Project management and the intricacies of a business such as the Organisational structure, private/public sector etc.

I enjoy the programme to a great extent as i am able to manage my time, and learn in a practical environment. This suits my kinaesthetic style of learning as working around the office in events offer a hands on approach to learning. However, at times it can be quite mundane as the work tasks can get quite repetitive. Nonetheless, the apprenticeship programmes offers ways to integrate your creativity that elevates the repetitive nature of your daily job. This creativity is exemplified when you have the tasks of creating case study’s in your preferred format.

EY promote inclusiveness, and this is represented through the firms diverse range of networks that ive joined and impacted, which has made me feel extremely valued. I have the opportunity of implementing two projects for the black network at EY, with intentions to help the children hospital and disadvantaged children. Moreover, my opinions are valued and always taken into consideration no matter how irrelevant it may seem. At EY, they have a programme called 'LEADS' which reinforces the learning and development of each colleague.

The programme I am on is a new programme, so there are a few improvements that could be taken into consideration such as the communication between the apprentices and the apprenticeship providers. Moreover, a lot of independent research is required, which is clearly understandable, however the study material provided can be quite vague at times, in comparison to the essay questions.

The support from the training provider can be inadequate at times. When asking your mentor (from your training provider) questions they would send you to the apprenticeship manual which may not have the answers you desire. However, this can be blamed on the fact that the programme has recently initiated, so there is many things that are going through trial and error.

The support received from EY is incredible. I have two mentors (which EY call Buddys) and they teach me how to use EY's technological system and they also teach me how to handle directors. I have a team leader that supports me with my personal growth. My team leader has frequent catch-up sessions to track the progression of my work, but to also encourage my indiviual development.

The salary is quite good for my age of 20. It is above the national minimal wage. EY also offer benefits such as discounts at restaurants which is amazing. The salary supports with my Transportation method and also provides enough money to use for social events. Moreover, the location of my office isnt far from my place of resident so it costs me under 5 pound to travel to and fro my office daily.

EY offer many external opportunities such as corporate responsibility days in which an employee can offer there aid for different charities. You can participate in corporate responsibility days as a normal work day 3 times per annum. Moreover, there are many social events such as Lunches and team work activities that EY offer to their employees.

Yes

EY are very fond of professional and personal development of their employees. They participate in the support of your growth, with intentions to help you strengthen your interpersonal skills so that you’re highly effective in any environment you are in. Moreover, you can shift in service lines and there is many opportunities for you to integrate your creativity into your work place.

When applying to EY, I would advise that you research the company and come well prepared with information that you’ve learnt. Moreover, ensure that your interpersonal skills and confidence are evident throughout your interview as you have to show your potential employers that you can interact with people that you work with.