Smart Futures Intern Review

I was one of 12 on the EY Smart Futures Programme. Over the three weeks, we learned about the different service lines that the company offered e.g. audit, tax, adivisory etc. We then used this new knowledge to prepare and present presentations that were relevent to work at EY. We mixed with a range of employees who all contributed to our experience in a positive way. On the final week of the three, individuals went on a 'business experience' which involved spending time in one of the service lines and seeing what sort of work is done on a day-to-day basis. Some people went to client sites.

Helped to boost my confidence through interacting with a range of different people and also through doing presentations. Built up my knowledge considerably about accountancy and encouraged me to apply to appreticeships/school leaver programmes that the "big 4" accountancy firms offered.

As the programme was designed espcially for people our age, it really did cater for our needs. The level of work/activities that we were asked to do were difficult but at the same time fun and educating. The company itself gave off a brilliant, professional image and everyone I encountered was friendly! It exceeded my expectations completely!

What was lovely about EY was that everyone who took part in the work experience was treated in a really respectful and friendly manner. The Smart Futures team constantly encouraged us and made all the students feel like their efforts were valued. I came away from the work experience believing that EY would be a great firm to work for in the future. I often recieve emails from EY, inviting us to attend certain events - even 6 months after the work experience has finished.

Before starting the work experience we were given a brief overview of what we would be doing in the 3 weeks. On the first day starting, we were then given a booklet explaining what would be happening each day. This was very useful, and it felt like a huge effort had been made to make the three weeks as productive as possible.

N/A

The Smart Futures team are nearly always available if you have any issues or problems. They are very supportive and will take as long as it takes to explain things to you, so that you fully understand. As part of the programme we were meant to get a mentor to guide us through the three weeks and also the time up until we went to university etc. However, I never was able to speak to mine.

Getting paid to do work experience is a complete bonus. Normally people struggle to obtain it, never mind getting paid to do it!

After the summer work experience there are alumni events throughout the year. These are nice to meet up with the other students on the programme and to see the Smart Futures team. I have also attended a few EY events which I felt very pleased to be invited to.

Yes

If I did not have this work experience I believe I would have been at a disadvatage when it came to applying to school leaver programmes/university courses.

Despite the application being quite long and daunting it is well worth perservering with. Going through the application process is especially useful for the future as psychometric tests/strength based interviews are used when applying to accountancy firms. The Assessment day sounds a lot more scary than it actually is. Everyone is very relaxed and you are likely to perform much better if you are at ease.