Assistant Senior (Data Analytics) Review

As a Digital Apprentice in the Data Analytics team, my day to day role involves: - Working with my internal team in an Agile SCRUM environment, working on both internal projects and external "chargeable" projects. - Daily standup calls to help track and manage progress. - Interaction with external clients and audit teams to understand data requirements. - Data cleansing and transformation ahead of loading into EY Analytics tools. - Working with audit teams closely to create custom solutions, analyses and dashboards Tools used: Alteryx, VBA and scripting

Since joining EY I have learned a great deal! Having joined from school, my role has seen me be able to learn and apply a large number of hard technical skills such as Alteryx (a low code platform), VBA and scripting to my work. In addition, there are also the softer skills learned whilst in the role. Client interaction, team interaction and communication, business writing and more. EY further runs a badge program, which is a way to earn micro qualifications - in subjects from data visualisation to sustainability - although this can be hard to fit in when things are busy. Further, it's encouraged to earn an Alteryx Core certification whilst in the analytics team - which gives a credential that you know Alteryx in depth.

I enjoy my apprenticeship program a great deal - mainly because it's the people that make it! EY is largely filled with great people who care about the role, and others - with a strong "people culture". In turn, I think this lifts others up and helps them develop their passions for tech or whatever it may be. When applying in 2019, EY was also competitive with salaries. However, it can become difficult when longer hours are expected or required as EY, along with the rest of the big 4 during busy seasons.

The digital apprenticeship programme being a relatively new initiative to EY (first starting in 2018), has undergone a lot of change and transformation - as a result of feedback from cohorts as they go through the programme. This has seen the programme be revamped, with structures of rotation in the business changed (e.g. Audit / Analytics rotations), and even the training provider changed from QA apprenticeships to BPP. This has caused some upheaval - although demonstrates a willingness to change based upon feedback. Typically, the 1st year now will is spent in core analytics Year 2 is within Analytics HxPSP service (Performing analytics audit procedures) Year 3 is split between either automation, custom analytics or core analytics roles Year 4+ is dependent upon your preference

At EY you have a Counsellor - who acts as a career mentor, offering guidance and feedback to you. They are your go-to for discussing any issues/ concerns as well as generally looking after you whilst at EY, offering support throughout. Quarterly feedback reviews are held, and Meetings are held between counsellors to then discuss promotions or any issues/ways to support you. However, the level of support here is very dependent upon the counsellor. Further, there is an EY apprenticeship team who overlooks your apprenticeship and can be reached out to for help/advice.

From my new training provider, BPP, support has largely been good and more organised. With BPP, we have a skills coach, which oversees our time with BPP - discussing results, upcoming assignments and ways to support you whilst at BPP in a support call each term. Formative submissions give us a chance to give feedback on any assignments before we hand in the final versions. Further, when unwell they were very supportive in offering extensions.

From working towards my qualification, I have learnt around a number of skills/topics: Data modelling and SQL, Network design, cloud and infrastructure, Python, RPA. Whilst useful in knowing the principles, and some hands-on work with each - its application to your day to day role is highly dependent upon the team you are working in - and will either be useful, or not at all. Further, most of the classes are not practical - with most teaching you theory, or discussions around the subject rather than application.

In Reading, there is an EY football team, and most Fridays there are get-togethers with colleagues in a bar in town. In addition, EY runs a number of socials, team events and networking events in the year - which are great ways to meet new people, connect with colleagues and make real friends along the way. In addition, EY has networks (e.g. unity, Christian, arts) which are groups to connect over a common topic.

Yes

Despite the long hours occasionally, and the need for a strong work ethic, I do genuinely enjoy my time working at EY. The work I do is challenging, but interesting - always presenting a new challenge/problem to solve. Further, earning a semi-competitive salary whilst earning a degree at a junior level is also not such a bad deal! Again though, you have a set of great, passionate, clever people who care about the role, others and the work they do.

1. Be yourself! (a bit corny, I know) - EY hires both introverts and extroverts 2. Research EY and prepare going in - which will help at the interview 3. Be able to show a willingness and ability to learn + ability to apply logic 4. Have a few stories up your sleeve on how you can / have demonstrated technical knowledge 5. Try your best and stay positive!