Intern (FSO Assurance) Review

I was assigned to join the Financial Services Organisation Assurance (FSO Assurance) team to work with partners and associates on tasks such as walkthroughs with multinational financial institutions, and programs on the future of financial markets and auditing. I was given the opportunity to gain a substantial understanding of the international banking scene and operations of financial markets, and its ever-evolving nature such as the future of ICE LIBOR and preparation by financial institutions, and the potential of cloud technology and artificial intelligence in pricing and risk assessments of financial assets.

I’ve learnt useful skills, especially when it comes to interpersonal skills that are handy and required in a professional work environment. Some of the useful skills I’ve gained are learning how to take part in different types of colleague-college interaction, and facilitate client interaction. Other skills gained include using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and scheduling my work day, as well as distributing work across the week. The primary skill development was learning and adapting to a professional working environment.

The work experience program was very positive and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of the activities I’ve undertook. My assigned buddy was very enthusiastic about the programme, and have actively involved me in ongoing projects, not just small administrative tasks; I was given the rare opportunity to shadow her boss, a senior partner at EY for 3 days - where I was also treated with a “partner lunch”!

The work experience programme was very structured and well organised. The national coordinators synchronised activities through the use of Skype meetings and the induction and last day of the programme was well executed. Depending on the buddy assigned, the structure and organisation of activities people undertake are different, but I was fortunate to have a very well thought out structure for the entirety of the week.

My buddy has been actively encouraging me to and introduced me to her colleagues, all from varying seniority within the company. I have learnt their work culture, and the different work environment each people face and their associated challenges such as their work-life balance. I was able to understand the company culture very well as many of their opinion were weighed candid judgements which was very useful.

The work experience allowed me to gain first hand insight into the actual work done at EY and what they do on a daily basis. The programme and my buddy ensured that I have had a good understanding and glimpse of all aspects of the work the FSO Assurance department at EY does. This has undoubtedly helped me make informed decisions about my future career path.

This programme was a competitive programme that required applicants to apply and complete several stages of assessments and interviews. This was a paid work experience programme and I was paid at the end of month into my personal bank account. All other costs were reimbursed appropriately during the duration of the programme.

There were numerous opportunities for networking. My buddy has ensured that I met people of different seniority and sometimes from different departments during work hours and during lunchtimes. I was given the chance to ask many questions and form connections with employees at EY and I have been in touch with them on LinkedIn since the end of the programme.

Yes

EY provides a competitive paid work experience program that offers comprehensive insight into the inner workings and functioning of the global firm. The programme is well structured and well thought, and allows participants to learn the company culture, and have informed decisions about their future career path in the industry. Most importantly, the program offers deep understanding of what it is like to work in a professional environment and allows participants to hone their interpersonal skills that are useful in such environments.

When applying to EY, every applicant should take great care and maintain their focus throughout every stage of the application process. Applicants should firstly research EY as a company and also understand the objective of the work experience programme well. But you should keep in mind to be yourself during the application process and exhibit the best of you to outcompete other applicants.