Assistant Executive Review

At the moment I am working from home, so I would usually log on, check emails and respond to any Teams messages that came in from the following evening. I am working on Administrations and Insolvencies, so there are usually emails from creditors that I need to respond to. I have several calls a day, some are client calls but most are internal.

Recently we had Tech week. We learnt about Power BI, we had an Excel training session and a LinkedIn training session. We also had a session on Alteryx and various other courses that were extremely helpful. I also develop my communication and personable skills every day, along with leadership skills in certain roles.

I really enjoy working for EY. The people are great, they make the experience a really positive one, and there are loads of benefits from working in my team, including lots of socials, bonuses, Applause awards (monetary vouchers and shout outs) and the company culture is really friendly and caring.

The programme is structured well. I studied for ACA (ICAEW) and have one exam left. There were 15 exams over 4 years, and they were all spread out quite well. The support from Kaplan was good, and when we moved to online working we all performed just as well. We are given lots of responsibility at work too, and have a counsellor that works in the team who can give career advice and support.

EY have become a lot more concerned about mental health and wellbeing, especially in the pandemic, which has been very positive. They are providing more communications on a more regular basis now, and my counsellor at work (not a therapist sort of counsellor, just someone who can give advice and help you with promotions) is always there to lend a hand.

Kaplan provide support, although I probably don't take advantage of it, as I prefer getting on with the course myself. I have been able to pass the first 14 exams first time round, so they definitely ensure that you are able to pass. I do enjoy going to college, sometimes.

It is very interesting when something I have learnt in college comes up in my Restructuring role, although this does not happen often because a lot of the qualification is accounting based, which is something I do not get involved in on a day to day basis. However, it has given me good grounding knowledge on a basic level and I am able to put theory into practice when I need to.

At the moment in the pandemic there are fewer events to get involved with, but usually we have networking drinks in the week and a social event on Thursday/Friday. The team is very social and are always up to doing something. Recently we had virtual cocktails with a law firm which was good fun. I have made lots of friends at EY and am very lucky to have them!

Yes

I would recommend EY to a friend because I have made lots of memories, friends and excelled in the programme. The salary and bonus are fantastic in Restructuring, and I have a good lifestyle because of it. Choosing EY over going to Uni was the best decision I could have made - I now own my own house and am very happy.

I would say be yourself and be able to hold a conversation - that is what they are looking for. Would you be able to talk to a client or a colleague? Include others when you are on assessment days and make sure nobody is left out, but don't dominate the room. Remember people's names!