Associate Review

I test our clients' third-party supplier's cyber security through various different forms, such as questionnaires, on-site visit, calls etc. After this, I out together a report of any findings I have, then discuss these findings on a call with the client and other relevant people, in order to determine why they have been recorded as findings.

Yes, I have developed a number of new skills. I have developed my communication skills as I have to be in constant contact with clients, suppliers, colleagues, through forms such as email communication, face - to - face communication, telephone communication and video call communication as well. I have also developed my leadership skills as I have led team meetings and client calls.

I enjoy the programme a lot, I have a very supportive team around me which is full of nice, kind people. I also enjoy the work I do as it gives me a sense of pride when I see a completed report, with my name attached to it, being sent off to a client.

The programme is structured well, with four days a week being spent in work, and one day being spent in university. I prefer being in work for the majority of the week as I feel I am developing more skills, and learning more things in work, whereas in university I have not learned anything new so far.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Within my team we have project leads who are there to help with any issues I may have, as well as receiving help from my manager and other colleagues. Additionally, I have been assigned a workplace counsellor, who's job it is to support me with any issues or queries I may have.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider as the lecturers and tutors always say they are available to answer any questions we may have. We also have learning sets within the university, which is ran by someone who is not employed by the university, and these sessions are in place for us to discuss any areas of issues we may have.

As of yet, my qualification has not helped me in my role within the workplace at all. Personally, I believe the qualification will help in the future as there is a big emphasis on developing our communication and leadership skills, which should hopefully directly translate to my dat to day life in the workplace.

There are many activities we can get involved in within the work place. We have social events which I am able to attend, there are sports teams available for us, and recently, fitness classes such as yoga, and boxercise have been added, for any employees who may be interested in them activities.

Yes

I would recommend EY to a friend as working at one of the big four accountancy firms helps you to develop your personal skills to perform to a high standard within a massive global company. Additionally, working at EY makes you attractive to other employers, therefore if you ever wanted to move jobs, a lot of options are opened up as a result of working for EY.

The main bit of advice I would give to people applying to EY is do your research. When I went to my assessment centre, which is the final test in the application process for EY, I was fully prepared to be able to answer any questions put to me, and I believe this impressed the EY employees on the day, and ultimately led to me getting the job.