Junior Associate Review

I am currently working within the Advisory Service Delivery Team on an Anti-Money Laundering project. My role will consist of changing projects throughout the 3 years and my work will therefore regularly change. Currently, I review alerts on bank accounts with unusual activity and investigate to document and report whether the activity is not suspicious and to close the alert, or to evidence why the activity is suspicious to then disclose the activity to the NCA.

I have learned how to communicate more effectively within an office and team environment, especially when there is a large number of people working towards the same goal. I have improved professionalism for how to behave in the office and occasions when representing EY. I have learned new time management skills by managing university assignments alongside working all week.

I enjoy the university content and I enjoy learning new skills at both university and work. Sometimes I find the work repetitive but with full-time work in a professional company being completely new to me, I am happy with this as I don't feel out of my depth too early and feel like my targets are manageable. However, I am finding it hard to network with colleagues and make connections therefore I feel quite isolated and subdued occasionally at work. As a younger person in the office I feel quite set apart to other staff members. However, the content of the work is interesting and my degree course content is manageable and also mainly interesting to learn therefore the programme as a whole, I am enjoying to some extent.

I am happy with the organisation of my programme. I attend university one day per week (every Monday) and work 7.5 hours a day at the EY office in Newcastle the following 4 days. Details about our university course can always be accessed online, where the structure of the year and assignments has generally been well communicated also.

I believe that the employer does provide a lot of support, however the extent of this support has not been communicated to us as much as I would have expected. I am aware that EY have networks for people to join and support to do with health and mental health, however the process of seeking any support regarding this has not been communicated much. Each employee is also given a 'counsellor' and a 'buddy' which was a very nice support unit to have. You maintain your relationship with your counsellor who you can raise any issue to and they can seek the support on behalf of you or guide you how to seek help. My project lead is also very supportive and understanding of our position whereby we have both university work to manage on top of working and I feel strongly supported in this way, whereby I don't feel pressured or overwhelmed because there is a strong understanding from EY about our studies also.

Northumbria University lecturers are contactable by email, however the detail and promptness of response depends on the individual lecturers. Every Monday morning we have a 'programme hour' with our Programme lead, which gives us the time and opportunity to raise any issues or ask any questions. Having this contact means that we can raise anything and she can give support or direct us as to how to get support.

As of yet, I have currently found it hard to make links between the content I am learning at university with the work I am doing at EY. However, a lot of this comes down to the fact that the degree is in Business Leadership and Management and we are of course all associates and not ready at all to be in leadership roles and situations. However, the content has helped me understand a lot about what goes on 'behind the scenes' at EY and also some modules about Personal Development have helped me become more self-aware at work and helped me to reflect, which I believe has contributed to my performance within my role.

Yes, social events take place at Christmas and in Summer for the entire Newcastle offices. Smaller social events are also encouraged within projects in order to help people network. I am also aware of a few sport teams such as Netball. Many opportunities also arise whereby people can volunteer to take part in events such as recruitment events, assessment centres and so on to represent EY. There are also many 'networks' within EY which also hold their own extra-curricular activities.

Yes

I think that EY is quite a versatile company where there are many service lines and different roles that people can try and it's quite likely they will find something suitable to them. I believe that if the career is also something you know you want to be part of, it is a very valuable experience to be able to put on your CV as they are very reputable as one of the Big Four.

Ask questions, be involved and inclusive, show some personality. There are many different types of people at EY, it is so diverse and someone's personality and enthusiasm to learn and progress will definitely be recognised by people at EY. Be pro-active, exemplify your ability to work with others and be part of a team, working at EY consists of a lot of teamwork so you should show good communication skills