Business Academy Intern Review

I learnt some interesting facts about EY and their background, as well as their clients and where they are located. I specifically went into their Assurance department and therefore got a great insight into what that entails. I also carried out an elevator pitch and learnt the roles of a new business apprentice within EY. This told me what qualifications I would gain and how to work a basic audit process, as well as completing some case study questions.

As previously mentioned, I learnt how to complete a basic audit process. I also completed a case study with questions, so I had to carry out a PESTLE analysis and identify risks and controls to those businesses. I also carried out an elevator pitch, which enhanced my summarising skills of myself. The case study meant that I had to identify risks and how I could overcome these with potential solutions, which improved my problem-solving skills.

I really enjoyed my work experience with EY because even though it was virtual due to COVID-19 and not in their offices, there were plenty of tasks to complete, so there was always something to be getting on with. We also had ice-breakers and little quiz's to ensure we felt comfortable and have breaks in between sessions. I learnt a lot about Assurance and the processes involved to achieve a career in the Assurance department.

EY were very organised, especially considering it was virtual due to COVID-19. All the participants were given relevant links sent to them via email, which we could simply click on and it would take us straight to the specific Microsoft Teams meeting. For example, I was in Assurance, whereas there were 3 other groups. We all dialed onto the main call together at the start and end of the day and during the day we split off into our own individual and specific groups easily.

Sadly I was not able to visit their offices directly due to COVID-19, so I could not get a feel of the office atmosphere. However, we had plenty of employees speak to us from all over the UK, who work at various offices and they told us all the same thing, regardless of where they are located: EY is a great place to work because everyone is so friendly and we all get along really well and EY are lenient when it comes to working around your life outside of the office.

Before joining the EY Business Academy, I was stuck between University and getting and Apprenticeship straight after Sixth-Form. Once the Business Academy was complete, I knew I would like to become an Apprentice for EY because of all the guidance and mentoring you receive from EY. Completing the EY Business Academy means that you gain fast-track access to their Business Apprenticeship scheme, which is really useful and gives you a great head-start compared to others who have not completed the Business Academy.

Usually the Business Academy is 5 days work experience in your chosen EY office, but due to COVID-19, the Business Academy was only 3 days virtually. Therefore, I did not have to travel to their office and I did not have to buy a meal because I could completed the Business Academy from the comfort of my home. Even though I did not travel to their office, they still payed me £115.66 for 3 days work experience virtually, at only 17 years of age.

The Business Academy from EY was virtual due to COVID-19, opposed to it usually being held at their offices. This meant that I was not able to see employees face-to-face. However, I had plenty of opportunities to ask them questions and I spoke with previous Business Apprentices all the way up to a Partner within EY. I was also able to connect with them on LinkedIn, where I can ask them further questions and see what is going on at EY.

Yes

I would recommend the EY Business Academy to a friend because it is a great insight into potential careers that they may enjoy. If you are successfully enrolled onto the EY Business Academy, you will be put on the fast-track application process for the EY Business Apprenticeship. This means you can enroll before the Business Apprenticeship roles are even official for anyone else who wants to join the EY Business Apprenticeship, if they were not on the Business Academy themselves.

One reoccurring theme that was mentioned throughout the EY Business Academy is that EY would like you to be yourself. They also would like you to have passion for the role that you are applying for and to let that shine through in your interviews. This is because EY would like to get to know you as a person and to see if you would fit well into the EY environment and if they would get along well with you.