Work experience Review

The experience was very enlightening and allowed me to see how a big 4 accounting firm operates on a day to day basis. I gained knowledge on the various different sectors within the firm and what corresponding managers and associates are responsible for, furthermore how these different sectors combine with synergy to increase the performance of the company.

As part of the experience, we were encouraged to work in groups improving our teamwork skills as well as co-operation, tolerance and communication. There were opportunities to tone managerial skills such as delegation of roles to team members. Public speaking was a key area targeted via avenues such as the dragons den competition, involving the presentation of an ideal good to a panel of judges. We all gained CMI level 2 awards as a result of completing learning logs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as a whole. Apart from making several new friends, the social aspect of the experience allowed a comfortable environment to promote the development of our business characters. The work-life ratio was excellent, as some work required completion at home but generally not too taxing and quite enjoyable. Perks include the pay at the end as well as the use of the company laptops.

The experience was very well organised thanks to the work of the leaders and managers that took out their time to run such a beneficial program for us. The efficient use of resources to maximise our utility was very commendable. Each day was structured well, and we knew what we will be doing at all times as well as in the following days.

We learned a lot about the company culture through the business insight week which allowed us to work in the same environment as other workers, partaking in real projects and contributing to the team. working alongside workers allowed us to understand the practices in the office both formal and informal.

It helped a lot with deciding on my future career path by providing me with the relevant information on accounting careers and other adjacent career paths. By learning about the accounting and finance world, I could make up my mind as to whether or not I could see myself in such a working environment.

Yes, we were paid, we were paid around six hundred and fifty pounds a couple of days after the experience ended which was a good reimbursement for travel costs as well as the work that we undertook. Considering, it was in the summer holidays, this also motivated us to try harder to make the most out of it.

There were several networking events after the experience itself, where we could network with various EY clientele and pursue further connections by methods earlier established in the experience, such as asking for LinkedIn accounts to follow, which can improve your network. Employees were very welcoming and approachable, so conversation could be initiated at any time.

Yes

It is a very good experience. I would recommend the Ernst and Young Smart Future program to a friend so that they have the opportunity to benefit from it the way that I did. It is a very good way to spend three weeks in the summer, as you can make new friends, gain business acumen and get paid.

Apply as soon as possible to get the application in early. Try and make the most out of the experience. Get involved as much as you can and get involved with the activities as much as you can. Participate and be an active member of the group to reap as many benefits.