Business Academy Intern Review

I was a part of the assurance side of the business academy. This involved hearing from people who work at EY, including the current business apprentices which was very insightful. We also completed a case study using PESTLE analysis. We were also given the opportunity to have a smaller group session with apprentices from our local offices giving us chance to have conversations with them and ask more in depth questions about their experience at EY. We participated in quizzes about EY to energise us and keep our brains active which was really good.

I learnt about the difference between writing in school and the workplace and ways to present my work. I learnt how to build confidence and resilience and develop my personal beamed. I learnt more about EY as a company and then learnt more specifics about assurance (eg. the audit process). Across the programme I have learnt more about EY but I've also learnt techniques that I can implement into my day to day life like how to present myself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the work experience. I found it very engaging and even though it was a shame to not be able to go into the offices as planned, I don't feel like I've learnt any less from doing the experience virtually. The energisers were really enjoyable and made me feel ready to learn more in the next sessions. The powerpoint that matched up to what the presenters were saying made it really easy to follow also.

Really well organised. There were no technical difficulties from EY's end meaning the programme ran smoothly and nothing was ever behind schedule. All of the presenters knew exactly what they were saying and the powerpoint they had prepared enforced what they were saying making it really easy to follow. The only unorganised part of the work experience was when we broke off into meeting with our own offices, the apprentices did admit they hadn't planned and that was clear. However, as we started asking questions it came together and we still got a lot of useful information.

I learnt a to about the company culture and working there just from hearing the presents talk about their experiences and their day to day life. It sounds a really good place to work especially with the buddy scheme in place. The relaxed environment between all of the different levels of people throughout the company (eg. apprentices to senior members of staff) made me think I'd feel welcomed as an apprentice which is something I haven't felt about other companies of a similar size to EY.

Before coming onto the work experience I was quite sure I wanted to do a degree apprenticeship in business leadership and management practice with EY and the work experience has just further set that idea. Hearing about the work life at EY, the relationships between all members of staff and the support available (especially around exams) makes me think it's definitely where I want to work because they're considerate that you're also learning.

I was paid for this experience which I was really impressed with. I had 2 other paid placement cancelled this summer as a result of Covid-19 and they both made the decision to not pay the participants. One of them also opened it up to everyone who'd applied and been declined which was really disappointing as it seemed like all of the work I'd put into my application was discarded so yes I was paid.

Yes. All employees that came onto the work experience said they were happy for us t find them on LInkedIn and we could message them questions and some gave us their emails for if we had further questions. This showed me how welcoming EY is and how much they do actually want you to work for them because they wanted you to ask more questions in their free time. Also the competition was an excellent opportunity to give someone the chance to meet a partner.

Yes

The work experience was the best I've completed. They showed that they actually wanted us to work at EY. They also showed us the amount of support in place all the way through working at EY which is more than I've seen at any other firm of any size. Also the application process was really clear I felt well informed all the way through so it'd be good to anyone applying for a job.

Research EY before hand. I did this before my interview meaning I could refer to what I had researched during my video interview. Dress as you would for a normal interview for your video interview. This meant I was in an interview mindset and that really helped me personally. Be yourself and engage with the camera. I had to remember there was someone at the other side of the camera so smile occasionally, use tone etc.