Business Academy intern Review

Over 3 days we was given an overview of the EY business apprenticeship on either tax or assurance, I was in the assurance section. On the first day, there was an overview of EY itself as a company and on what the assurance apprenticeship actually was. On the second day, we had a q and a with current apprentices and then split into smaller groups to ask questions to people currently working at the offices that we applied to. Then on the third day the majority of the day we studied a case study making notes on it aka doing risk assessments etc individually then in small groups feed-backed to two current apprentices what we found. To finish up the whole experience we was given tips on applications to the apprenticeship itself.

First of all, due to the fact we had a session on business writing and presenting skills I learnt precisely from this session on how to handle myself in these sorts of situations e.g when emailing someone professionally or when presenting. As well as this, I learnt how to do an elevator pitch which is a small pitch that introduces yourself to someone which is highly important in interviews or just generally in a professional scenario when you are introducing yourself to someone that you need to make a good impression on. I also improved upon my analysis and debating skills due to the case study and the feedback that we received on said case study which allowed me to look at it in a different light.

I very much enjoyed the work experience, obviously it probably would of have been better if it was actually in the office but due to covid-19 obviously that is not possible at all. Therefore in the situation that we was put it in it was a very enjoyable experience especially the more interactive things like the buddy q&a, the kahoot quiz etc. However, I would of enjoyed it further if there was more of these interactive sessions but I understand that it was very difficult to organise such things therefore it did not heavily effect my experience.

Due to the current situation in the world (covid-19) obviously we was not able to all come into the offices like what was originally planned therefore the quick turnaround and preparing/preparation of this event was very impressive. The fact that EY managed to make such a interactive, beneficial work experience in such a short period of time is amazing especially as there was no major issues with the program which shows how well organised, thought out and structured it genuinely was.

Over the three days we had various sessions on the company culture and what it would like to be there therefore even though I had done my research before and knew what I thought was quite alot about EY I actually learned from the work experience things I would have never known if I had no participated on this program and spoken to these people. Probably the most insightful session of the program was the buddy q&a as I got to learn about the culture in the office that I would most likely want to work at and the actual real life atmosphere at said office rather then just the nitty gritty work details.

Before this session I was very much considering university or the EY program however I was quite heavily leaning towards the EY program. Now I know that I definitely want to do an apprenticeship especially the EY assurance apprenticeship rather then university as I have learnt that it is just so much suited better towards me and my strengths. As well as this, every worry about the things I would be missing out on if I didn't go to university was made to disappear as I realised that I could get these things from EY as well.

Yes, surprisingly as it was quickly changed from genuine work experience in the office to a more virtual experience we was still paid for the last 3 days even though in a sense we was not working we was more getting training etc that could help us in any area that we decided to go down in the future. For the 3 days we was paid around £90 (that was me personally I can not speak for the other candidates) which is quite a substantial sum for what we was doing.

There was a lot of networking going on, all the Business academy interns set up and added each other on LinkedIn, there was also a group set up for us by one of the interns on the program where we share our thoughts and questions about EY and try to help each other. As well as this everyone we spoke and interacted to allowed us to add them on LinkedIn. What was extremely helpful was that the people in the buddy q&a from our local offices added us on LinkedIn and gave us their email addresses if we had any further queries about EY.

Yes

As, in my opinion EY is a very good company who is quite modern and advanced in their treatment of their staff in comparison to other apprenticeship providers who seem to take a more traditional role. As well as this, every person I have interacted with on this program from the partners to the apprentices who have only been at the company for a year have been down to earth and friendly willing to help us with any problems or queries we had.

I would say the biggest thing is be yourself and to also be confident in yourself and your own abilities as EY recruits based on your actual strengths so if you show them who you really are they are more likely to recruit you as they do not want a fake professional robot they want a real person. As well as this, practice psychometric and numerical reasoning tests as it is the hardest part of the process.