Business Academy Student - Assurance Review

I took part in the EY Business Academy in the Assurance department for one week. On the first day we were given a tour, met with our counsellor and buddies and had skype sessions to be introduced to the company. Throughout the rest of the week I was involved with a different client each day, completing different tasks involved with the audit process. At the end of the week I had to present a research project that I worked on over the week. I also had an individual assessment similar to what would have been done if I applied for an apprenticeship.

I have learnt a lot about Audit over the week and all the different components and processes that have to be carried out in an audit. We were also able to listen to Virtual Learning sessions on Business Writing, Emotional Resilence, Networking and Personal Brand, and Presntation Skills. The knowledge I have gained from these I believe will be useful for me in life.

There is a strong ethos at EY in every aspect of my experience at EY. Everybody I met was interested in helping me and made me feel welcome. It definitely gave me an insight into the world of work and what an apprenticeship programme at EY would be like. The week was challenging but very rewarding as we were given the opportunity to explore so many different areas at EY.

I believe that I was valued at EY as everyday I had work that needed to be completed. However, due to the size of EY at times it does make you feel like such a small part in a massive company. Nevertheless I was still made to feel that the work I completed was meaningful and my counsellor and the people I worked with were always happy to help me.

I believe that the programme was very structured right from the application process. On the first day we were given an IT induction and given our IT equipment. We always had tasks to do adn there was a network of people that we could go to for support. Throughout the week we had virtual learning sessions and skype calls that all business academy students were involved with which helped prepare us for our next steps on our apprenticeship journey.

Our counsellor met us everyday and guided us throughout the week. They always made sure that we knew what we had to do and explained the purpose of the tasks that we were completing. Any requests that we had about what we would like to do over the week she tried her very best to fulfil. I always felt comfortable going to her for help.

The student recruitment team lead skype calls to guide us on our next steps. There was not much involvement with managers however the people they had put in place to guide us were very supportive.

I was given the same amount that I get paid for my small job that I do for a short time each week so I thought that was very good. My overall costs each day were about the equivalent of one hours pay which I also thought was very good. On some of the days lunch was even provided.

When we weren't working we were able to listen to virtual learning sessions. However, there was not many opportunities to experience what we would be doing outside of work.

Yes

I believe that the week was a very rewarding experience that gave me a really good insight into what an apprenticeship is like at EY. I recommend anybody considering an apprenticeship in Accountancy to apply as it can help you to realise the opportunities available to you.

After applying keep checking your emails and research EY as there is so much available on their website. It will give you an opportunity to learn more about the company and can put you ahead of others applying. Prepare for interviews by thinking about what experiences you have done in your life that show your skills.