Trainee Advisor Review

I work in the Transaction Tax department and my job title is 'Trainee Advisor'. On a daily basis I provide different project teams with project support. I maintain project folders both virtual and a hard file. I set up meetings and calls and organise workload. I am also heavily involved with producing draft and final reports which are issued to clients. As I progress in my career I am getting more involved with tax technical pieces of work such as researching/studying tax law in order to fnd answers and advice for my projects. I have also been lucky enough to attend client meetings which have been fantastic experiences.

Since joining the EY school leaver programme I have developed great communication skills. Communication with colleagues is really important in the job I do. My organisational skills have also developed hugely. On my programme, we have external courses roughly every 3 months to study towards our professional qualifications to become chartered. On top of this we also have out of the office internal tax courses which improve our professional development.

Joining the EY school leaver programme has been the best decision i've ever made. I love the team I work in and my job role. EY's people culture is fantastic. Everyone that I've met so far in the company has been welcoming friendly and helpful. The programme has definitely exceeded my expectations and I am very grateful to be in my position.

I feel very valued by my direct managers and project teams. Senior colleagues always express their thanks for the hard work you provide and this is a great feeling. Outside of work my friends and family recognise that I work hard also and this is great. I have recently worked on a number of large projects where I have been committed and worked hard throughout. My efforts have been recognised when I recently received 5 out of 5 in my year end review.

My intake is the first year whereby EY have recruited school leavers on a grander scale. Induction training was very well structured and gave a fantastic insight into the business. Internal training is great as it is out of the office and aswell as expanding your knowledge of the sector, you also get the chance to meet and socialise with other people in the business. The study and work balance is good as you get a fortnight for your college course and 2 weeks later you sit your exam. At EY everyone has their own mentor, counsellor, and buddy who all provide you with great support and guidance. In my team in particular there is no great sense of hierachy. We sit in an open plan floor where most of the desks are hot desks. Even the partners are extremely approachable and friendly! In my sub-service line, project teams are usually made up of a level 1, a manager, a Director and Partner.

I study with Kaplan who provide a lot of support. Whilst at college, our tutors were available to answer any questions we may have had until 8pm. After our college course we are always given our tutors contact details incase we have any further questions.

EY support is fantastic. Ontop of receiving a Mentor, Counsellor and buddy, everyone else is also more than happy to help. I personally have a number of 'un-official' counsellors! There is a confidential HR helpline and email address if you have any problems.

The costs of working and living in London are unsuprisingly high. The school leaver salary is competitive compared to others but I am definitely striving to earn more. I am sure that this will come in the future as the school leaver programme is a stepping stone to a promising career. Throughout the school leaver programme you will earn more each year as you progress. The tip would be to budget carefully and don't spend any disposable income that you don't have!

There are some fantastic events available outside of work. I have personally been to many career events representing the school leaver programme for EY. These have been fantastic opportunities to meet new people and also spread the word. I am also part of the Women's network at EY whereby many breakfast, lunch and evening events are held. These have been great opportunities to meet many inspirational women. There are many other networks at EY which anyone can join. As an EY employee you receive a discounted gym membership. I have also recently been lucky enough to attend a tax awards event in mayfair which was great fun.

Yes

This is a fantastic opportunity to fast track your career via working whilst studying.

The application process was very clear and easy to follow. Ontop of this everyone that I met during the assessment day was extremely friendly and helpful. My biggest tip is to just be yourself and I cannot stress this enough. Interviewers are not interviewing to try and test you or catch you out. They are simply trying to get to know more about you to see if you would fit in well with our business. I would also say that there are many practice online tests available on the internet and I would practice these before doing your actual tests for the application process. The assessment day is a pleasant day which you will learn alot from whether you secure a place or not, so just enjoy it!