Digital Degree Apprentice Review

For the first year , those who are within the assurance department are put into audit in order to gain background information. My day to day role at the moment involves testing various financial accounts such as trade receivables in order to ensure the audit is successful. This is on a project by project basis

I have learnt many new skills, especially to do with how to use excel to manipulate and sample my data, as well as learning a lot of accounting terminology and gaining a background on how we test certain accounts and what risks we are looking out for and how to address them. I have also enhanced my multi tasking skills as I need to maintain my studies while balancing client work at a high intensive level.

I enjoy the programme quite a lot , especially when getting to meet the other apprentices and corresponding with my councillor. I enjoy what I do on a day to day basis but can't wait to get into the data analytics side , which is what the degree is helping me specialise in.

The programme academically is well structured , as we know when our exam / class dates are , which allows us plenty of time to plan our revision , as well as EY ensuring that we get our 20% off the job learning time aswell which is great. I would've loved to complete more of the Data analytics side in my first year.

EY is a very supportive employer , and depending on team members , the majority of the time everyone is very understanding. However you can always rely on your councillor to support you and put you in the right direction when you have an issue or query and there is always an avenue of support somewhere for everything if you reach out.

The tutor is accessible by email , and generally you do get fast replies. You do get a one to one meeting every couple of months over the web , but it would be great if it could be on a more regular basis or you could reach out for a call at any time rather than having to email , as sometimes words are lost through translations by email. The provider does have ACE-EX classes which are online classes and teach you to do things like structure your writing which do really help

At the moment as we are focused on the financial side in audit , it doesn't really help as you don't do specialist things which you would've done in data analytics, but we do have a rotation within the data analytics department every year which will allow us to try the new skills we've learnt.

There are plenty of societies , where you can literally do anything and EY is a very inclusive place. You can do things like play football on a regular basis , and there are department socials on a regular basis. This is great however due to personal reasons I don't drink so it is hard to want to go to socials in places like the pub, parties which are heavily alcohol focused , but there is a balance to do many other great things.

Yes

You get the practical experience on the job which is invaluable. I have learnt more practical things in the past few months than I could've ever if I just went into university. Also it allows you to be ahead of anyone just attending university and you do get to progress career wise as you become more experienced

I would say ensure you really understand what sector you want to join and do your research before applying , as you need to think of what you would personally enjoy. Also I would say just be yourself , EY is so diverse and inclusive , so on assessment days/interviews just display your true colours.