Business Academy Student Review

My Role of Business Academy Student was to join a service line, receive work in that particular sector and create a presentation at the end of the week on a completely new concept within a small group. I joined the team of my chosen service line, which was International Tax and broadened my knowledge within that area through interacting with people on different levels, from a trainee to the manager and sitting in on meetings.

Skills that I have learnt include learning to work within a professional environment as well as independently. Communication is key as you are expected to present. In addition to this, confidence is a skill that can be developed if you don't feel the most confident. You must essentially enter the process with an open mind and craving to learn.

I have really enjoyed this programme to a large extent. The work given was challenging but manageable. It was especially important to set goals with your councillor at the beginning of the week and monitor your personal progress as you achieve each one throughout. The programme definitely exceeded my expectations. The team were incredibly supportive with the tasks they set and in providing an insight to EY. Integrating with people working within other service lines as well during team lunches was particularly enjoyable.

The feedback from members of the team was really constructive and so makes you feel valued when you receive good feedback. Appreciation from your councillor and achieving your personal goals definitely provided me with a sense of achievement and motivation. Being involved on projects such as presentation making as well creates a sense of recognition within your team of Business Academy Students, who are on the same level as you. Also felt valued to be able to spend time with certain people like the manager, who have a lot of projects to work on and little time to spare.

The programme was organised very well. The first day included training, being issued with a company laptop,meeting with other Business Academy Students and your councillor. So a general induction to the Business Academy Programme occurred on the first day. After that, it was mainly a case of working within your service lines, listening in to meetings, completing tasks, researching, understanding specific areas your councillor may be explaining to you. There was a new challenge to embrace every day, but was definitely doable with the correct attitude.

My training provider supported me greatly throughout the programme. He ensured that I was set with a task that I understood, guided me through challenges I may have encountered and gave me feedback on significant pieces of work. He allowed me to make the most of my experience by setting me something different every day.

EY itself was also very supportive. The environment overall, despite being very professional and slightly daunting was mainly friendly. Everyone within the service lines were approachable and happy to help with any tasks you may have been assigned. The overall attitude was very positive and makes you want to learn.

Majority of the lunches were actually paid for by EY. I live fairly local to the office, so I don't actually have many costs in terms of travel. So the package was really good in comparison to the costs.

Yes, we went for lunch with the team. This gave us an opportunity to communicate with people from different service lines.

Yes

It gives you a true insight into the service line.

Come with an open mind. Try and be confident and enjoy the experience as much as possible