Level 3 Associate Review

I am a Level 3 Associate in Audit. I spend the majority of my time on client sites, interacting with various people within finance teams and with my audit teams. I additionally arrange meetings for my counselling family, which includes a variety of levels within the department. This responsibility means I interact with the lead partner and other high levels in order to run meetings.

I have developed my people skills dramatically, as I have become more confident in meeting and dealing with new people. I have also learnt how to be more sceptical about analysis and learnt to ask more thought-provoking questions to improve and expand my knowledge of new topics.

I enjoy working in different teams throughout the year, and love the social culture that surrounds EY (particularly in my department). I think some people have a stigma around school leavers, which can sometimes make it a bit more difficult to show my skills effectively.

There is some recognition within EY, as we have several channels through which managers and other senior levels can show appreciation towards work performed well. However, I sometimes there isn't enough recognition for people that go above and beyond the expectations of their level.

We are given yearly training in order to expand our knowledge ahead of stepping into a new role (which happens every year during the programme). In terms of study, the time we are given is sufficient to a certain extent except for the fact we have to use vacation days if we want more study time. In my experience, the exam team who supports the programme with the study portion is not very well organised as there isn't a designated team for school leavers and they are not always reliable in replying swiftly to queries/issues.

We don't have a designated tutor, as these change as and when we attend college for exams. My experience with the tutors I have been given has been positive as they are easily reached and quick to answer questions.

My counsellor (our assigned manager who assists throughout the programme and beyond) is very supportive and always willing to answer any questions I have. They are also very keen to listen to my problems and to find the right solutions for these.

I struggle to meet costs for a portion of the year (summer months) as I travel from outside London to locations too close to my office. This means my travel cannot be refunded back to me through expenses etc. Some client site locations are very incovenient for me to travel to and means I spend a large portion of my day travelling back and forth.

I believe there are many opportunities that we can take advantage of outside of the normal day job. My department in particular organises several social events throughout the year which are always a joy to attend. There are numerous sport teams within the Company that you can join.

Yes

I would recommend EY as I think the culture makes working life more enjoyable and there are many opportunities to meet new people every day.

I would advise someone to do as much research as they can into the business, so they know why they would like to work for EY. Additionally, I would encourage people to take advantage of the opportunities EY give outside of the daily work life - it can make the time you spend at EY all that more enjoyable.