Smart Futures Intern Review

Throughout the programme we completed a level 2 Award in team leading from the chartered management institute. We also had the opportunity to shadow professionals in the business to understand what working at EY would be like. Through this we were able to present to our colleagues and build relationships. At the end of the programme we were assigned a Mentor that stayed with us and guided us for a ten month period, giving advice and support.

I developed presentation skills by working in teams and designing ideas to share with judges in a dragons den style pitch. My communication, flexibility and analytical skills were improved by our exposure to new software, technology and environments in the workplace. All these skills and more allowed me to become a better team leader throughout the programme.

I greatly enjoyed the experience as it allowed me remove some biases i had towards the accounting industry and build relationships with the other interns and working professionals. I fell that the facilitators went out of their way to make the experience enjoyable and provide us with all the information we needed.

The programme was split into two weeks. The first being focused on completing our training for the CMI qualification that we took with us. The second week placed us in different teams across the business, completing actual tasks and shadowing the entire process. To the credit of the facilitators everything was organised perfectly.

I learned a lot about the culture, especially the people, after having many conversation. I've learned how networking builds team morale and leads to better chances of meeting goals. I feel that working there allows people to better their own personal skills as well as adding to their qualities. This experience is definitely worthwhile.

I think it cleared up a lot things for me and made the finance industry a definite pathway for me in the future. In the past i had a certain perception of the people in the finance industry and that was completely blown away after meeting actual people and it made working in finance more attractive.

Unlike other work experience programmes, this one was paid and the remuneration made the experience even more attractive and worthwhile because there aren't many like it. We were paid an hourly rate for the two weeks that we were in the office or completing our training. There was also reimbursement for travel expenses available.

After every session and during breaks there were opportunities to network, in fact we were encouraged to talk to each other and the staff. By the end of the programme we made connections with people across the business and industry including networking sessions with our mentors.

Yes

I would definitely recommend this company to a friend as there aren't many other programmes like this, that give exposure to the accounting and finance industry.I had a positive experience and always felt supported during the programme and I would encourage others to take a risk and apply.

Don't be afraid; there are forty other people in the same situation that you are in. Participate; that's the only way you will take something away from the programme. Be respectful; understand that everyone is giving up their free time to help you and want to see you succeed.