Smart Futures Student Review

The EY Smart Futures work experience is 3 weeks long. My role is a smart futures student. I have a taken part in a variety of workshops as part of my role as well as business experience. My tasks include giving presentations, working in teams and thinking of new creative ideas.

I have received a CMI team leadership qualification as part of this program as well as developing my presentation and communication skills. I have learnt more about the work EY do as well knowing my areas of strength and where I need to improve on. It has also built my networking skills as I have communicated with people in senior positions at EY

I have very much enjoyed my time at EY as the atmosphere is ultra-professional as well as ultra-friendly and kind. The people are extremely helpful which has helped me to become comfortable with expressing my ideas and communicating with others. It definitely has exceeded my expectations because I did not expect to gain so much!

I feel like I always receive praise and recognition for hard work by my peers and I always receive feedback and what I can improve on in the future which has help to aid my professional growth as well building on my skills. I have received a certificate for participating in this program which shows their appreciation.

You receive plenty of training in the first two weeks to prepare you for your business experience week. You also get given a mentor who looks over your progress as well as 10 months after the program and can help with your personal statement and helps you build your networking skills.

You receive a lot of guidance from your training provider and they always give time for questions and supervise you whilst you are doing your work to make sure that you are doing everything right. They also review and give feedback so you know where your strengths are and where you need to improve.

I feel that I have received plenty of support as there as CV workshops which helps to build your knowledge to help you improve your employability as well as workshops on team building and presentation skills. They help you navigate through the business world and build your understanding on the work they do.

The salary meets the requirement I have as it is higher than the average wage of apprentices and is suitable for the area I live in. This program is available in 12 different locations in the UK and does not have living costs but you should apply to the program in your local area.

As it is only a 3 week program, there are no opportunities for apprentices however for full time EY employees there are lots of company events and activities. You can take up on your own voluntary work on the weekends however as you only work on the weekdays if you wish to.

Yes

It has been a very enjoyable experience for me. I have a received a qualification in team leadership which enhances my employability skills. I have developed skills such as communication and presentation skills as well as networking with my peers. You also receive a mentor for ten months after the program who can help you with your personal statement as well as interview tips and advice.

Prepare for the telephone interview. Make sure you complete and sign your contracts on time and give them in. Be open and try to socialize with your colleagues as much as possible as you will be spending the next three weeks with them. Listen to everything being said and make sure to challenge yourself as much as possible.