Associate Review

My role is an associate within the Newcastle office. I regularly engage on a range different projects throughout the year. The majority of my time has been spent on Anti-Money Laundering projects for large companies. Alongside this I have worked towards a degree in business leadership and management at Northumbria university.

I have learned a range of skills both on the job and off the job during my training and work engagements. On the job I have successfully gained experience within the managed services sector, in particular anti-money laundering. I have also developed skills for managing people within the degree course.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. The on-the-job learning provides me with a range of skills and knowledge about working in a professional services firm that university can not teach. However, I have been able to learn alongside this the theories and models that will help me managed such teams in the future.

The programme is extremely well structured. There is a high awareness of the degree programme within work and therefore dedicated time is given on all projects to ensure your studies are fulfilled. 20% of your entire working time is given as study leave, this time is to attend university, complete assignments or work on your portfolio.

I get a large amount of support from my employer. Throughout the course you are supported by your counsellor who you are free to go to with any issues. You also have the support from your cohort lead for the degree apprenticeship programme. There are also lots of colleagues who have been through the programme before as support.

You get a lot of support from Northumbria University. You get allocated a coach who stays with you throughout the entire course, this person will help guide and mentor you with any portfolio or university concerns. The module tutors and programme leads are also available to contact via your university email or teams.

In my current role, certain aspects of the qualification can be implemented, however the course is around business management and leadership, therefore until I am in a management or leadership position, my full learnings cannot be used. I think the learnings from this qualification will benefit me greatly in future roles.

There are a range of extra-curricular activities that are on offer within EY. Project socials occur regularly where the team goes on a social activity in the local area that is fully expensed. There are also many sports teams to get involved with, I am currently a member of the EY netball team.

Yes

I think they are a great employer for anyone at the beginning of their career, there is a great sense of belonging and they care for their staff. You are well rewarded as employees and your voice is heard. The degree programme is a great way to kick-start your career.

During the application process, I would recommend anyone to be completely themselves and be a team player. Within EY we adopt a consult mentality where if we are unsure of something we will consult our peers, this is due to the great team we have built. Therefore, within your application I would suggest reflecting that you are a team player.