Business Academy Apprentice Review

We were known as business academy apprentices throughout the week. Daily tasks involved listening to meetings with clients and auditing different accounts. More specifically, I got the opportunity to use pivot tables to update customer information and compared recorded transactions to hard copies of invoices for another firm being audited. Throughout the week, we got the chance to speak to several school leavers currently in assurance and could ask questions about their experience so far. We also had tasks and deadlines to meet. For example, we completed five goals for the week and wrote a report at the end of the week, assessing whether we met them. Moreover, we got the opportunity to make and present a presentation on the future of Audit with technological advancements.

Some of the key skills I acquired involved the use of Excel formulas to change exchange rates and compare differences between numerical values. Also, familiarising myself with pivot tables saved a lot of time and allowed for different perspectives to be taken on a large database.

The programme was very enjoyable. It met and even exceeded expectations at times, especially with the skills that I could develop. The company culture reflects the high ratings EY receives from surveys each year and the office itself was incredible with spectacular views. The most enjoyable aspect of the programme was eating lunch with current employees and talking about their experiences and what they may have changed about their career paths if they had gone back in time. This was a true eye opener.

I felt very valued at EY, especially from my councillor and the team of auditors I worked with, who constantly supported me and fellow apprentices throughout the programme. EY has a warm culture and I was exceedingly impressed by the cultural diversity at the firm. I was involved in projects and could talk to different people at varying stages of their career path.

The programme was very well organised. The induction was based on Skype and ran smoothly, as well as IT skills training. Moreover, the tasks such as the presentation and report were to be carried out throughout the week, so there were not any times of feeling bored. Also I had a diverse experience in being able to take part in calls to clients and in my councillor organising talks with current school leavers.

We received virtual learning support in preparation for the professional environment we would be working in and team leaders were always willing to explain tasks thoroughly. People would happily answer questions whenever we asked.

The HR team were helpful, as they would always respond to questions promptly and the virtual learning pack they provided was very helpful. Also the Skype calls with everyone on the programme were interactive and engaging.

The salary was a surprise, as I know it is very rare to be paid by an employer for work experience, considering we could not bring too much value to the work carried out for clients. Therefore, I was satisfied with the amount, which covered travel costs and lunch on days other than the three days where lunch was bought for us.

As we were only at EY for a week, we could not be fully exposed to the social events and other opportunities available to permanent employees. However, even from advertisement on the walls, I could see the range of opportunities for example for travel that were available.

Yes

This is an opportunity to see if assurance will suit your future career aspirations and will give you an insight into one of the world's most exceptional employers. To give you a feel of how amazing the office in London Bridge was, several tourists confused the building for an art gallery on Friday.

Find out about EY and use their online website to find out whether you are best suited to assurance, advisory or tax. Also, practice for the numerical test, because even if you do further maths, you will struggle without familiarity. Finally, see the application process as part of the training, because as I can imagine, there will be a lot more to come in the future.