Intern Review

During my three weeks at EY as a Smart Futures Intern each day was different and it was always surprisingly fun. We got the chance to meet internal members of EY to improve key skills and learn them which are now very transferable. For the final week I worked in an advisory team which allowed me to gain a real insight of what working at EY is like, and that I would really like to work here in the future. In the first two weeks you also work towards a CMI qualification – an equivalent to a GCSE which is an achievement all employers will recognise. Smart futures shows you how great EY is and that the people here are the best thing about it. The programme itself is such a great opportunity for everyone, people from all backgrounds are welcome, and even though I came in shy and nervous, I left with some amazing people that I will keep in contact for a very long time.

From the programme I have developed a number of skills. Most notably are my communication and presentational skills. Prior to attending this programme I was completely unable to stand in front of an audience and present to them with confidence and clarity. I have also gained a team leadership skill and now feel able to lead a team in any task and be able to support them all the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this programme. It gave me so many opportunities and it will definitely continue to provide me with them. I have met so many amazing people, both my age and people who work here and they have helped me in many ways throughout the programme and made my experience here really enjoyable.

I feel very valued by EY. EY take great pride in the young people they provide opportunities to, like myself. Whilst I was here working at EY, all staff members treated me just like I was a colleague working within the firm, they never looked down onb you. Members of EY always helped each other improve and do well in everything they do.

The programme structure was really good. The people who planned my smart futures programme provided me with the best experience and made sure we were really efficient with the time we had. We were all able to earn our CMI qualification, learn new skills, have fun and gain real work experience all in work experience.

I believe I received lots of support from my training provider throughout my time at EY. Whenever I had a problem they were always able to help me and then move on to get the best out of this experience. The training provider was nearly always with us throughout the programme to help me with everything.

We received so much support from our employers and made sure we got the most out of our problem. There was never a time where we were not enjoying ourselves. They also provided us with our own sense of independence and helped us realise what working here is like.

My salary covered my costs and provided me with a good amount of profit. The costs were for my travel and lunch. Lunch was provided for us for nine of the fourteen days and has provided me the experience on what it is like to receive a real salary.

Smart futures has no provided us with many more opportunities outside of work. For example, for the next 10 months we have been given a mentor each who will work with us and help us when applying to universities, jobs and other opportunities we may have. This is an extremely valuable opportunity.

Yes

Smart futures is a great opportunity for young people to learn what working at a corporate global firm is like and give them the ability to learn what being a working adult in a city is like. That is an experience not everybody can provide to people of our age group.

I would advise people who are applying to EY to be themselves. Being yourself is a really good thing. People will not reject you no matter who you are, everybody is realty respectful and nice. If you are applying to the programme I suggest that you do your best to make the most out of the programme becayse it really is a great opportunity.