Junior Associate Review

I attend university one day a week and work full time the rest. My full time job includes completing project work for clients and attending meetings with both internal and external stakeholders. I find my role to be varied and challenging, however this increases enjoyment and I always have the support provided when needed.

I have developed many skills throughout my experience so far however I feel the skills I have developed the most are my communication and team work skills. My communication skills are applied to both internal and external customers therefore I have been able to develop my style in situations I had previously not experienced. Furthermore, team work is a huge aspect of EY and this was something I had previously not experienced in either work or school. Sharing ideas and benefitting the overall team outcome is now an aspect of everyday working life I had previously not experienced or demonstrated.

So far I am really enjoying the degree apprenticeship programme. I find that EY always offers support to those on the programme where possible, for example we can take study days for assignments and have our own work place mentors who are also studying on the same programme in higher years to assist us should we have any queries or need advice.

The programme so far seems to be well structured. We have allocated amounts of study days which are monitored efficiently and there is always communication with work, students and university. Studying and modules are organised in a way we can keep track of and easily refer to for revision and studying.

EY is very supportive as an employer for the programme. All communication is encouraged and valued, this includes positive and negative feedback should there be any. We receive study days for assignments and also have work place mentors who are seniors also studying the programme. Therefore any queries we have can be answered in real time face to face through a more informal relationship.

The training provider support can vary, this is dependent on the lecturers we have. However our programme lead and work do ask for all feedback, therefore if we do have an unresponsive lecturer we can mention this and support will be provided. There is meetings organised with programme leads and lecturers to provide feedback on a regular basis.

Our programme and day to day work are not directly linked. I am currently studying in my 1st year as a school leaver, and given the programme is mostly focused on management and leadership it is difficult to link to day to day activities. However, I have still learnt some valuable and transferrable skills and knowledge in certain modules.

There are many extra-curricular activities we can get involved in, for example we have a huge variety of networks (e.g women network, religion networks etc), sports groups and career events we can also volunteer to get involved in. There are plenty of opportunities which are optional to take up should you wish to.

Yes

I would definitely recommend EY to a friend. Mostly due to the how invested the business is in each individual employee, I find the support offered and opportunity for personal development really sets the business apart from any other I looked at prior to employment. Another point is the fact I do not feel looked down on, which was something I was worried about joining straight from school.

Be yourself, network with employees of EY or just those within the industry, be open to opportunities and ask questions. Linkedin is a good way to network and make contacts. These skills are beneficial in the long term but also show your interest in the business and programme for EY.