Associate Review

I work in assurance which means I work on an audit team - we audit different companies financial statements. We perform procedures to ensure we are happy, that our clients financial statements are true and fair - ie. they have not overstated how much revenue they make, neither are they understating their costs.

I have improved my social skills through interacting with clients both in online and in-person meetings. I have improved my time management skills as I am given many tasks to complete and so must understand which to prioritise. I have become more independent, but also have improved in working in a team - this is a key quality as it is those around you who you will learn the most from.

I enjoy my programme as I feel like there is an element of flexibility. I get time where I go to college, but equally college is not too frequent to the point where I feel like I am still at school. Instead I feel like I am working full-time whilst being given the opportunity to learn at a fair pace.

Very well organised - college and exam dates are in place months/ a year in advance which allows me to plan. College time is in blocks which allows me to focus on purely college or purely work as the two do not overlap. The programme is spread over a fair duration as well.

Help is always at hand - I never feel unable to ask a question. Coaching is provided at all levels by my employer. Non-work support is also provided. EY has its own team focused on wellbeing which I think is really important. There are people I can always talk to.

We are provided with sufficient resources - we are provided with detailed course notes to help with our study alongside a question bank which is full of questions to help practice for exams. Online there are further resources and also practice exams to help prepare for all the exams we take.

So far, college has helped provide me with an underlying understanding of procedures, processes and other knowledge before applying it to a real work scenario. Whilst I personally learn more on the job (due to work / college split being 80 / 20) the qualification I am being provided with definitely helps me perform better. Overall, it is hard to comment as I am yet to study many of my college courses.

At EY, there are loads of extra curricular activities to get involved with. Our office hosts a range of societies and celebrates many cultures. There are opportunities to get involved in sport - I have played football for the office against another EY office. Lots of social events are held as well which are great for networking.

Yes

I think EY provide many opportunities which are not available at other firms. For example, I have been able to conduct meetings with clients which is something I did not envisage myself doing at 18. EY offers great flexibility in terms of the opportunities you take but also the approach to work you take. You have a lot of control over your work life - hybrid working allows us to work from home on chosen days and also allows us to flex hours to suit our needs.

EY crucially look at the person they are employing rather than just grades alone. When applying, do not just try and understand what the job you are applying for is, but rather understand more about EY themselves and understand what EY do globally to help improve the world.