Associate Review

I am within audit. Daily I am out at client site, interacting with clients and completing testing for the audit. There are different tasks to complete daily, depending what stage of the audit we are at. As I am in my second year, I have a big role within the testing.

Yes, I have significantly improved my communication skills. I am now able to approach different situations, some being hard conversations to have, and feel confident in doing so. My technical knowledge of audit has also improved, and in some cases I am able to give my opinion to the client.

I enjoy the variety, as no two days are the same within audit. I also enjoy that I do not have a set desk, and am always working in different locations. The things I do not enjoy are that you are expected to work 50 hours a week within busy season, however I understand that this comes with the job.

There is a very strict structure within EY for the school leaver programme. There is automatic progression once you complete a year. There is very organised feedback cycles, where it is compulsory to obtain feedback from colleagues above you and you will be awarded for good performance from the year.

I have been assigned multiple contacts that I can get in touch with regarding different problems. We each have a counsellor, who is an assistant manager or above, and they are there at all times for help when you have a problem with your clients/engagements or just general questions. There is also someone specifically for help around the apprenticeship.

It varies - sometimes we are sent to college and are taught the course. In this case, there is a lot of support. Sometimes, if the course is self study, then there isn't much support. They are available to contact should you need them, however they do not reach out to us.

There are quite a few aspects that I learn at college and from exams that I can apply to my work. There have been times when there are technical conversations happening and I am able to understand the topic as I recognise key words from exams. It also helps me to understand why I am doing what I do daily.

YEs, there are endless amounts of networks, sports teams etc. There are also many events with EYs charity, where you can get involved with a fundraising event. We are given 2 days a year to use for charity work. For example, last year I did a trek across the Sahara dessert with EY for their charity to raise money.

Yes

There are a lot of opportunities at EY as it is a very large company. If you come to think that you are not enjoying your job, then there are other internal moves available. There is a lot of support internally and it is a well recognised company within the industry.

EY is a lot about the people. They want to see what you are like as a person and they encourage everyone to be diverse and inclusive. They believe that everyone can bring something different to the table, therefore make sure that you are true to yourself throughout the application process.