Smart Future Review

I participated in the Smart Futures Easter program. We spent one week learning about the company and completing a CMI qualification. We were then placed in different departments in the EY offices. I was in sector WAM (wealth and asset managements) and I spent my time shadowing different members of the team at varying levels of seniority. I also had a chance to shadow members of the marketing team too. I also enjoyed participating in meetings and making my own presentations about potential clients

I have developed my presenting skills and learnt how to use outlook online properly, as it is not something I have had a use before in a professional way. I also developed my team work skills as it is something very valuable to the EY family

I found the first week fairly boring as it was remaining in one room and working on learning logs. However, the second week was one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had. I have never worked in an office environment before and I found it very insightful

I feel very valued by EY, as even though I was only there for 2 weeks I felt as if I had been appreciated a lot. My 'buddy' was always encouraging me and informing me of what I've done well. I also received recognition as part of a team as having the best dragon's den pitch

The program was very well structured and organised by the EY foundation team and I found that I always knew where I was going and who to report to. There were a few incidents where I found that there was nothing I needed to do.

I received a lot of support everyone was available to contact through email and everyone was happy to respond even if you felt you had a stupid qestion

Our employers were always available to contact and were very welcoming and helpful.

As I am under 18 I do not need to be paid minimum wage, however, EY is paying me a reasonable salary for my age. Sadly this salary is not as much as I get from my current part-time job

I was not there long enough to find out about outside opportunities

Yes

I believe that it is a very good way to decide on if you want to have a career in office. It is also very interesting to see the different sectors available in the financial industry besides just accounting

Be confident and research them well. When applying make sure you emphasise the experiences that align with their values (relationships and teamwork are their favourite)