Business Academy Review

I was enrolled into the business academy scheme after applying for a week's paid work experience in summer 2018. The first day involved an induction skype call and a series of virtual learning videos. The associates took me out for lunch to speak about their career paths and experiences they had of working in the firm. I met with a buddy and a councillor who made themselves available at all times if I required assistance. I spent three days of the week at a client office with an audit team who took me to a series of meetings and helped me to work on a presentation which was presented on Friday.

I have learnt several skills regarding professional life as well as the ways of the assurance line which I was placed in. I have had the tasks involved in the qualification scheme as well as what it takes to become employable explained to me. I have become a more sociable person and developed my presenting skills with the help of learning sessions and through the employees at EY.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my week placement and have found it an invaluable experience in helping to make career based decisions in the future. I had expected the office environment to be daunting but on Monday I was aware of a warm atmosphere in the office. Everyone involved in the programme and in the office made sure to make me feel welcome whenever they could and this certainly helped me to fit in quickly.

Although I was only part of a one week programme I was quickly welcomed to the team both at the office and at the offsite client location. They encouraged me to ask to help with ongoing tasks and ensured that I was not sitting around doing nothing. I was approached by several members of the office and encouraged to make contacts to get in touch in the future.

The programme was well organised and on Monday there was a meeting with my buddy, councillor and a partner from the office. At this meeting I was given a timetable for the week with deadlines for assessments and presentations made clear. The team outwith the office had scheduled meetings planned which I was allowed to attend and had audit jobs prepared for me to complete.

I did not have a training provider as I di not undergo a training programme.

My advisor was a senior auditor in the office and was very friendly and always willing to support me or assist with any problems I incurred. He put kn a lot of effort to make sure I felt welcome and knew what I was to do each day. I had regular catch up meetings including a discussion at the end of the week regarding goals I had set on Monday.

I did not have any any costs during my programme as I worked in a local office.

Yes

I really enjoyed the atmosphere both in the office and in the smaller audit team where I spent most of the week. EY clearly prioritise relationship building and emphasised speaking to as any people as possible. I would have loved for more of my friends to take part in the programme to enjoy the experience with me. There are many invaluable skills to learn in a placement such as this and it is important in developing into a more mature person.

I would advise others applying for any role within EY to go for it and look forward to the experience should they recieve an offer. I would encourage applicants to take any opportunities provided to you with an open mind and put effort into anything you do. Don't shy away from a role in a big office because the employees are very friendly and work hard to make you feel welcome.