Associate Review

My daily role depends on whether I am on an engagement or non chargeable as it is such a varied role. I can either be gaining experience in AML, suitability or cyber security etc. I also attend university one day a week during the semester to enrich my knowledge of business. If I am not chargeable then I help with resourcing and administration tasks.

I think that time management is definitely something that I have developed further at Ernst & Young as the role is very intense and I have a lot of work to juggle. Something else that I have also had to develop is my technical knowledge in multiple areas so that I can work effectively on engagements but EY is particularly supportive in this.

I think that it is difficult to engage with the university side of the programme at the moment as we are studying from home and the lectures are not tailored to be engaging whilst attending virtually. However, EY continues to be very supportive and has given me lots of opportunities to develop my skills.

I feel very supported in my programme with the use of tri-partite meetings including representatives from both EY and the university. I am given many study days by EY in order to help with the workload from university. The layout of the programme is clear and there are excellent examples to help me.

Alongside many study days to help with the workload, degree apprentices are also assigned dedicated counsellors in the workplace. These individuals act as support and guidance. Most of the managers that I have encountered have been extremely encouraging and helpful and there is also a HR chat and helpline for any issues I may encounter.

We are assigned a dedicated university mentor to help with our portfolio and assignments for university. My mentor responds to emails very quickly and I also have regular meetings with both him and my workplace counsellor. I have had some issues with getting through to some tutors regarding assignments but hope that this will improve when the pandemic passes.

I feel like even though I am in my first year, I am already beginning to be able to apply and recognise some of my learning from university in my day to day role. Of course, some of the activities that I undertake at EY are very specific but my qualification helps aid with my overall knowledge of business and management.

Ernst & Young is a very large company so there are lots of opportunities to get involved with social gatherings, even when working from home. Normally, there are sports teams in local leagues as well as a wide array of networks to join to find people with similar interests and experiences as you.

Yes

At EY, I feel supported and that there is someone to turn to whenever I need help which is quite rare in such a large company. It's ethos of building a better working world really shines through in its attitude to diversity and inclusion and focusing not only on the monetary value of opportunities but the wider societal and economic effect.

It's very easy to be extremely nervous when it comes to your interview as it is a large company but I would advise anyone to relax and be yourself as if you put on a persona of who you expect them to want to hire, you will not actually enjoy your role or time here. Make the most of your time to make connections and learn about the business in more detail and try to volunteer for lots of experiences without overloading yourself. I would also say that for anyone who is joining the degree apprenticeship programme that it is never too early to start thinking about your portfolio.