Business Academy Intern Review

We were given a detailed insight into the world of accounting and specifically assurance. We learnt what assurance and auditing involves as well as the procedures. There was also an opportunity to ask questions to people who had gone through different routes into the career such as through an apprenticeship or through a graduate programme. We were also able to carry out our own audit on a company which enabled us to experience what the role was like. There was also a useful speech on writing and presenting in the office which was quite different to what we're normally taught and it was interesting to learn how to communicate in a professional setting.

We learnt key skills both in a general setting as well as some specific to accounting and assurance. In terms of accounting, we learnt about the skills needed in order to carry out a thorough audit process. This included attention to detail and analytical thinking. Furthermore, we received training in how to perform an audit which was highly enjoyable. More generally, we developed skills in how to write letters in a work place (and how they do not need to professional) as well as in delivering an effective presentation.

Given that it was a virtual work experience programme, I did not expect it to be that engaging. I was pleasantly surprised at the effort that EY put into the work experience programme and the extent to which the information was presented in an entertaining and detailed manner. There was also several interactive elements to the programme which were particularly insightful and gratifying. There was a wide array of presentations and activities available to us and it was a truly enjoyable experience.

The work experience programme was highly organised. They ensured that we were informed of the timetables for the day at the beginning of the programme which allowed us to know where we were meant to be at what time. Emails for breakout sessions were sent well in advance and there was no confusion involved. There were also several emails leading up to the programme reminding of us timings which were quite useful. Overall, I found all aspects of the work experience to be well organised.

The morning of the first day of the work experience programme was spent teaching us about EY and what it does. This was useful in learning about company culture and what it would be like to work there. There were also several other sessions teaching us about assurance specifically which was helpful in learning about the job. We also learnt about the experience of people recently in our positions which assisted in showing us how we would fit into EY.

I had already decided prior to the work experience programme I would not be going down the route of an apprenticeship. Nevertheless, the programme was useful in providing information on other opportunities such as a graduate programme and we were able to ask questions on those. This was useful in deciding what I would do following graduation. In terms of an actual career, I do feel that the programme was useful in informing me about accounting however I am still undecided on my future career.

Given that it was a virtual experience programme, I did not have to pay for travel costs, meal costs or social costs and the location did not have an impact. However, in the absence of Coronavirus, I would have been reimbursed for travel costs which I would have appreciated. However, there was no mention of meal costs as we were expected to either buy our meals or bring them to work. I did get paid an hourly wage during the online programme.

The EY virtual work experience programme provided an excellent opportunity to make LinkedIn connections. We were provided time to drop our LinkedIn handles in the chat box to allow us to connect with one another. I was also able to meet employees that worked at EY and will hopefully be able to connect with them following the programme. Unfortunately, there was no specific opportunity for networking although the whole programme can be considered a method of meeting employees and making connections.

Yes

EY is an excellent firms, both in terms of work and office life. The atmosphere was very welcoming and engaging which made the virtual experience entertaining. The staff were very friendly and informative and I would imagine them to be the same if I were starting at the company. The work being completed at EY (particularly assurance, which is the section I looked at specifically) also seems like an enjoyable and rewarding experience that I would recommend to friends.

As I only completed the Business Academy programme, I am unable to give advice on applying to EY as a whole. However, some tips for the work experience include: Being authentic- making up lies and telling the interviewer what they want to hear is likely to be obvious and blatantly disingenuous. Being genuine will make the interview easier and will also show whether the job is the right for you. Mathematical problems are also a key part of the application process so make sure you have strong numerical reasoning.