Business Academy Student Review

Business Academy Student. Attend online virtual learning sessions daily. Actively seek networking opportunities with colleagues. Gain technical knowledge of business tax services by communicating with colleagues and shadowing/assisting with tasks they are completing. Complete tasks to assist colleagues with the completion of their tasks, e.g. tagging documents or rolling forward TRMs.

During the week, the online virtual learning sessions have taught me valuable skills that I can transfer into working in the office. An example of one of these sessions was the 'Presentation Skills' session which helped by providing methods to show confidence while speaking to an audience.

I really enjoyed my week at EY as I felt part of the team and not just a school student on work experience. I would say this is due to the culture and values that EY hold as a firm as every employee is very respectful and understanding. Throughout the week, I approached members of my team asking for work I can help with or I was given work by members of the team. They kept giving me work so I'm guessing I was doing something right! In all seriousness, after each piece of work I completed I received feedback on how I could improve my work. This helped me to produce work in line with EY's high standards. As the programme is only a week long, it has passed very quickly and I'm gutted I won't be back in the office on Monday.

As I said in my answer to question 3, I felt like a valued part of the tax team in the office. My colleagues said I picked up new concepts and processes quickly which helped me to have valuable contributions within discussions and on tasks.

The programme has a good structure as it combines a balance of set tasks and a bulk of free time. The free time is useful as it allows time for networking, completing tasks and gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

My buddy/counsellor checks on me during the day to make sure I have work to do and if I need any help or support - as do the rest of the team. At the same time, I quite like being left to 'crack on' and my team allowed me to do so which fitted my needs. In addition, if I needed clarification or assistance on a task, the environment within the office enables you to ask for help and I felt comfortable approaching anyone.

EY are a supportive firm. Every member within the team I was working with was very supportive and I would imagine this holds true for every office across EY. In addition, student advisors are only an email away if you have any problems.

I would have done this week for free! The experience and knowledge I have gained has been invaluable. Although, I have had to travel from Morpeth to Newcastle every day so by being paid covers my travel expenses and leaves a bit extra for coffees and lunch etc. I am very grateful.

I've heard of employees taking a couple of days off to do charity work and volunteering. Obviously, by only being here a week the main focus was on the work EY do.

Yes

EY is a great employer who highly values staff and is a fantastic environment in which to work.

When applying to EY, make sure you demonstrate EY's values and can be an ambassador to the EY brand. Be confident in you own ability but also remember that when you're applying EY don't expect you to be perfect. Be yourself.