Associate Review

I am a digital apprentice in the assurance service line at EY. This means that I joined in September along with graduates and other business apprentices (working towards accounting qualifications) in Audit. Therefore I rotate around the business depending upon need between Audit and data analytics. A typical day in audit will often have you travelling to a client site and working closely with a team - being coached through how to audit accounts, interacting with clients & preparing work. Data Analytics at my level involves working with a program called Alteryx. After some extensive training you then work on cleaning and processing large data sets as well as preparing analysers for use in the audit practice. Otherwise a large portion of my time is spent training or doing self learning towards additional qualifications (EY Badges - leading towards a Tech MBA) or study towards my BSc with QA.

Since joining EY I have gained a huge amount of skills. Aside from the hard skills of data analytics, Excel, Coding, Alteryx and auditing - you gain a huge amount of soft skills. From business writing to networking with colleagues or interacting with clients. (After training) On day one you are treated as a full member of the team - this means that you are given the same level of respect but also expectations of performing. This is however eased hugely by the large amount of time, training and coaching that the firm & other staff invest in you.

Overall I would say that I enjoy my programme - particularly my time in data analytics where I am either working on processing data or building custom tools/projects as needed by the business. Audit work can occasionally be monotonous aided on by the long hours in certain circumstances. However, this is offset hugely by the people that you do work with - making each day lively and interesting as well as knowing that there's always a helping hand if you are stuck. Only criticism is that for those who might be looking for work tightly focused on programming / data analytics the initial stage in audit may be off putting. In the long run though the skills and knowledge that you gain in such a short time is worthwhile.

My course is structured to try and match up alongside my work - so alongside my time in audit I was studying a module in accounting and finance to complement my knowledge. My firm has been very proactive in providing induction and ongoing training as well as blocking out time for me to study. In addition to this the whole firm provides feedback & meeting to go through next steps to improve, action areas etc.

As a whole - my employer provides a huge amount of support in terms of feedback meetings with your counsellor (manager) as well as regular meetings and feedback. Additionally there are huge amounts of support available (People networks, online resources that you can refer to for help and guidance) In terms of on the job help when working on a client this often depends from team to team on the quality / level of coaching that you receive.

As a whole QA has been OK. Upon joining you are assigned a skills coach that looks after your training and time with QA - holding regular calls with you to inform you of the upcoming course info as well as addressing any queries you have. Whilst working towards a module - the quality of learning does vary hugely depending upon the main tutor for a module as well as the tutor that delivers workshops. QA also hold webcasts covering skills needed in coursework etc. to provide you with additional training. My main criticism is that communications from QA can be often very disorganised in terms of marking, course dates and other course info.

As part of my degree there are some mandatory modules that I take as directed by EY (e.g. Finance and accounting for non specialists). This aligned with my time in the audit practice of the firm and did provide me with a lot of complementary knowledge. Given that the qualification will set me up with digital and technology skills - in the future it should help me perform better in my role

The Reading office regularly holds office events for occasions or just mood boosting (End of busy season, Christmas etc.). This can be pizza & drinks at the end of a day, morning breakfasts or parties after work. Furthermore you are allowed to spend 2 Corporate Social Responsibility days a year volunteering for a cause of your choice. In addition to this there are lots of additional training meetings, calls that you can attend to either further your knowledge/networking base. There are sports teams/people networks that you can join for additional events if you so choose to.

Yes

Since joining I have learnt such a huge amount of both hard and soft skills met many interesting people, clients and travelled to so many place that it's almost hard to recognise myself from just a year ago. Whilst you will have to work hard (and occasionally long hours) the firm does invest hugely in your time and skills - as well as providing you with the opportunity to invest in yourself. Additionally you do not lose out on the social side - working closely with teams as well as well as many opportunities to meet up with colleagues.

1. Enthusiasm goes a long way towards being upbeat about yourself and thereby showing off your own skills! - You need to be a cheerleader for yourself in whatever job you do / apply for. 2. Prepare - Read up about the company, the role & programme as well as the office - know why you want the role and why you want to do it - motivations are always important. 3. Be Yourself! - Being genuine and honest really shines through at assessment centres and interviews - you need to know if the firm is right for you and vice versa.