Smart Futures work experience Review

First week we got to know participant of the smart futures programme. We had to complete learning logs which would contribute towards the achievement of CMI leadership certificate. Within this week we had got to know the Newcastle partner (Michael Scoular), Create an app to combat loneliness and connect communities and present this with a dragons den. Second week we had learned about the different departments within EY such as Audit, Accounting, Cybersecurity, etc.

The main skills that I had gained from the work experience was leadership and communication skills. Within the programme there was loads of presenting infront of the other participants. This had built up confidence through speaking infront of an audience. I was appointed in the dragons den task as the leader, this had ensured each member within the group had got on with the task. We eventually won the dragons den.

I absolutely enjoyed the work experience in week 1 where I got to meet new people from different schools. The dragons den task was competitive amongst the groups, which I loved, I would encourage the Smart futures programme to always have this. However week 2 wasn’t as good as the first there were 2 members split up as they had the chance to work with the lottery. It was ram packed with information about different sectors some activities could’ve been more engaging.

Extremely organised. The leaders had got everything spot on, there was no disruptions and everything was on time. This had made the work experience as efficient as possible. The best part was the free lunch. Round the corner was a shop butterfingers, free vouchers for food which was amazing. Also the Uber drives to Newcastle Building Society. Top Class cars.

I learnt loads about the company, not everything I can recall. The experience had treated us exactly the same as other employees. Clothing, timing. This gave me an insight on to what it would be like to work at EY or any firm within the city gate building. The company also doesn’t have any departments which are blocked of each other. When I was there, there’d be activities in the pool room, activities between departments giving a friendly atmosphere.

At the time my work experience had consolidated the choice of the degree apprenticeship route after sixth form. My main option was to get it with EY as I had met some current apprentices which are in the programme. It did help to a certain extent as EY has many departments which I am kind of interested in.

Yes during the course of the 2 weeks I was paid £6.30 on an hourly rate with the times being from 9-4 this Monday to Friday. Along with this meals were paid for. However travel wasn’t reimbursed I had to spend £10 a week on going back and forth from South Shields to Newcastle.

Yes there was in week 2 there was the great opportunity to meet EY employees and get to know what they do. They had presented there jobs whether it be accounting or tax. Along with this there was the chance to network with high profile people at the work completion celebration evening, where I met The Newcastle branch partner and some assistants.

Yes

I already have first the monetary befits during a summer break. Along with this, it’s a great work opportunity at the big 4 accounting firms. This can be extremely attractive on the C V. There’s loads of new people to be met and new skills to be learnt in this experience.

Know the fundamentals of the company what do they do, worldwide revenues, profits, clients, etc. If you know these in the selection process you may be more attractive then others because you know more and you have a genuine interest in the company. Also be sure to have a scenario where you can back your skills up such as confidence.