Intern Review

I am an intern on the EY SmartFutures programme. During the first week, we were completing our learning logs in order to achieve our CMI Level 2 qualification in Leadership. The second week, we were based at EY Canary Wharf doing our business experience, paired with 'buddies' from different industries. I really enjoyed my time there but i was quite nervous on my first week as of course it was unfamiliar terriorty and quite scary for me however everyone was welcoming and i settled in ok after a few days.

I have developed so many skills over my time at EY. Not only have I had my chance to really develop my communication skills with a diverse range of people of a range of ages and backgrounds, I have also gotten the chance to increase my confidence in terms of meeting new people and presenting in front of others, which I was not previously very comfortable with. I have obviously also had the chance to work towards the CMI qualification which was a bit of a bonus.

I have really enjoyed the EY programme and would love to work their full time or get onto another one of their schemes in the near future! I have not only enjoyed the work and professional aspect of it, but also the social side of the programme. I have gotten the chance to meet so many new friends and network with such a range of professionals. I think it would be a lot easier going back as i know people there now and feel more confortable working and talking to others there.

I feel that, despite the fact that I am only a 17 year old intern, everyone at EY makes you feel very valued and treats you as an equal. During the business experience week everyone was so inclusive of us and embraced us into their teams. I feel as though the company looked after myself and the other interns really well. They always asked if we were ok and if we needed anything or any breaks etc. throughout the day and not to hesitate to ask questions as well.

The programme is so well organised. There is a clear plan to follow everyday and everything runs so smoothly. There are always friendly and clear coordinators that are so helpful and willing to give advice, and there is always someone to talk to if you are unsure about anything or need some advice. I was really happy with how it was all set up and the fact we had 'buddies' to look after us and just make sure we were comfortable at work and doing what we needed to do really.

Our programme coordinators are so helpful. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] as the course organisers are really helpful and clear, and communicate very well with us. As before mentioned, all of the external coordinators are equally as brilliant. I would say that the organisers were professional when needed to be but also were friendly and chatty at times and liked to get feedback from us to and seemed to want to improve the course where possible as well which i liked.

During the business week, the buddies and Ey staff members were so supportive and willing to involve us in their work and find work for us to do. I feel as though, as previously mentioned, the course organisers/leaders, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] were really helpful and clear, and communicated very well with us overall. I feel as though i could go to them with any problems or questions and not feel too 'small' to do so within the company.

I think that the salary that we are paid is very fair and more than enough to cover the costs of travel and lunch, as well as additional effort. I think that the experience, training and time there was good effort put in on my behalf as well as how much we got back and was catered for by the company let alone the costs/salary which were given to us. I think that i would have been happy doing a couple of weeks unpaid volunteer work to get a feel for the company so this was a bonus really.

Yes, they are very clear about the opportunities available to us after we finish the work experience, such as the school leavers programme, graduate scheme and scholarship. Overall i would say that we were given a bried overview on local opportunities and given examles of previous employees and how they have grown through the company and where they have ended up etc. I think this should have been mentioned a bit more however overall we know there are opportunities out there for us.

Yes

Most definitely! I had an absolutely amazing time, learnt so much and made so many new friends and new relationships with professional people. I think even for a week or two just volunarily working for them would be great experience and also shows willingness to learn and grasp an opportunity like that with the company. They love people who are enthusiastic and i think it would be too good an opportunity to miss really. So i would highly reccomend it.

Come in with an open mind and be confident. Really embrace all of the tasks, get stuck in with all of the work and really try to network with new people and make new friends - you will meet some fascinating people! I think that showing willingness as previously mentioned would be a great way to get your foot in the door as well as explaining why you would fit well and do well in the company too. I would also say persistance is key too if you are first unsuccessful.