Consulting Service Delivery Associate Review

In the Consulting Service Delivery department (where the apprenticeship is based) the work is always changing as it is project based. Normally, we will be completing tasks outlined by the client to help them with their day-to-day work while ensuring we meet our targets/deadlines outlined in the contract we have with that particular client.

Yes, the main thing that I believe I have developed is my confidence in social situations as the office environment and certain internal requirements lead to speaking our more in group situations whether that me in meetings or day-to-day operations. In my first year I was given the opportunity to run training sessions for new colleagues coming onto the project I was working on which I felt was a turning point in this skill for me.

I enjoy the work at EY and that it is always changing. Its unlikely to be working on the same thing for more than 6 months. This also means working in different teams which is great for communication and speaking to new people with different experiences. The degree side of things is difficult when juggling work too, but EY give support with allocated days off for study.

While it did take some time for me to fully understand what was expected of me to meet the qualification I am working towards, I am very happy with the support I get from my allocated mentor at work and the business as a whole through the allocated 20 study days to take off per year in addition to time off to attend university.

Managers expect the same amount and quality of work as if you were any other employee not completing a degree at the same time, which of course is understandable. The main line of support is through my allocated mentor however there is a team we can email with any worries/queries about the course.

Northumbria University treat us like any other students which I like, they also understand that some of us are extremely busy at work and keep that in mind. We have access to all of the university's normla support systems and benefits.

At the moment, my qualification hasn't changed my approach to work much. The assignments are directly linked and always in the context of your workplace however which has helped me to think about the way the organisation works a bit more.

Yes, they have sporting teams anyone can join such as football and netball and during the pandemic and initial 2020 lockdown there was an online keep fit class you could dial into. They also put on summer socials and Christmas parties for the whole department and in some cases, projects receive some budget to have a social event for that particular team when the project comes to a close.

Yes

It is a great opportunity to work for such a large and successful organisation with a culture that is all about their people and treating their staff well. The experiences you will get are so diverse that it can set you up very well for other careers in future, whether that be at EY or elsewhere.

EY are more interested in the type of person you are than your academic achievements. I would suggest a personal anecdote of why the industry/company/apprenticeships are meaningful to you and to show that you are friendly and can work well in a team, especially in the interview.