Audit Intern Review

My role was as an Audit Intern in the Assurance Line of EY. Various tasks were assigned to the Summer Interns, which gave brilliant opportunities to work with multiple different teams and experience different aspects of the job. Most days I was out on client sites working with Excel workbooks and checking invoices matched to the financial statements workbooks previously composed. There were plenty of opportunities to get your work checked by colleagues before uploading it to the main database, where your work was reviewed before being cleared to show to client.

I believe my communication skills were greatly improved in the process, especially in experiencing how to communicate professionally; both face-to-face and composing e-mails. There were also online tutorials that you could follow through in any spare time, providing an overview of certain industries that are clients to EY.

Although challenging and outside of my comfort zone I really enjoyed this programme. I particularly enjoyed the satisfaction at the end of completing each section of work, feeling like a valued member of the team.

The work I was given was full of challenges and responsibilities, so I felt valued as my work was actually helping the team and company. You were never made to feel like an inconvenience and your opinion was counted at all levels. At the end of the internship a feedback 'performance assessment' was completed which helped you to track your progress and what to improve in the future.

The structure has been clear from the beginning, and I think getting the Summer Placement before my year long placement (as part of my degree) was extremely helpful and insightful. There is sometimes a lack of communication over initial joining paperwork that I think could be improved as a process.

Every intern was given a 'buddy' who was a colleague (but not a partner) that you should be able to go to for advice on any matter. The buddy system was a great way to integrate the interns into the office life. A group of interns will also share a counsellor who will oversee your needs and help you deal with any complaints you have. Most employees in the office were also contactable and approachable if you needed to ask them any questions.

The HR Team were really informative and the two induction days prior to working really helped you to feel settled and ready to start work straight away on your first day. You had colleagues regularly checking up on you to make sure you were comfortable or if you had any questions, and they were happy to provide guidance when needed.

For the location and my qualifications I think the salary is sufficient. You can manage the internship comfortably, and you can be helped with travel costs when travelling beyond the office, for example to clients locations.

I wasn't there long enough to experience the full extent of the activities outside the workplace, but in the short time I was there we had drinks for all the new joiners. I think this was a great idea to put people at ease and also to meet colleagues so you would see a friendly face around the office. I am very interested to get involved in the large variety of sports that are offered in my year there.

Yes

For a top company the atmosphere was not intimidating and you did not feel like a nuisance asking questions. In the short time I was there I felt you achieved a real insight into the company, and its ethos. You were given important tasks right from the start and felt as if your contribution made a difference.

Be natural in the interview process and at the assessment days. The people I met who work at EY are approachable and confident, so try to show this side to yourself. Don't always just consider working in the London or 'big city' offices. The regional offices have loads of good points to offer, and you might even get chance to do more and build stronger relationships in a smaller network.