Smart Futures Work Experience Review

I worked on the AI Systems design and deployment team to make notable contributions to a chatbot that answered questions about the EY Foundation. As well as this, I worked towards a CMI Level 2 qualification in the first week that is equivalent to a GCSE which was extremely impressive. While doing this, we heard a number of inspiring leadership talks from high ranking business professionals at the firm and gained a lot of insight into how to improve our presentational and employability skills. It also does not end at the 2 weeks placement as there are regular alumni events with from phenomenal guests where we can further our knowledge and networking skills.

I gained teamwork, organisation and leadership skills through completing the CMI Level 2 Qualification, as well as networking skills from the countless opportunities we had to meet experienced people within the firm. During my business experience, I gained amazing technical training as well as collaboration skills in order to successfully operating the IBM Watson platform. Also, throughout we constantly gained presentation skills through pitching and group exercises, we have the opportunity to put ourselves forward and gain new experiences which is also admirable from this program.

I completely loved this work experience! It brings unique opportunities for growth and development through its well structured layout and is a true investment into our futures. It gave me rich insight into the career I wanted to go into that I would not have gained anywhere else so would highly recommend! It also does not end at the 2 weeks as there are regular alumni events from phenomenal guests. Here, we gain even more knowledge and networking skills which makes coming back to the firm even more enjoyable.

The structure was extremely well organised! It was split into a learning week where we completed our qualification and built strong friendships with the individuals on our cohort then. Then a week of business experience where we gained hands-on experience into the careers we could potentially enter in the future with a lovely graduation ceremony to wrap it up.

Throughout I learnt about how inclusive the company culture was, the employees were extremely diverse and open to fresh ideas. I truly felt valued there from the start and saw that a career at EY would be filled with positive working relationships and real character development from the intelligent colleagues around the business.

This work experience truly guided my future career decision by allowing me to have real life experience in the field I would want to go into. Before I was uncertain but the guidance and mentorship offered by my hosts consolidated this decision and also helped me to think beyond the traditional university route.

Yes, we were paid a generous amount for this work experience. One that no other corporate work experience placement offers for year 12 individuals like myself. Along with this, there were meals provided every day for lunch during the completion of our CMI Level 2 Qualification which made it a lot easier to stay in and focus on our work.

Yes, there were countless opportunities to network and meet people across this firm during this work experience. During the first week, we had the chance to speak to many professionals and find out about their career journey. After this, there are many alumni events held where we can network with not only people on different cohorts but also guest speakers.

Yes

This is because of the constant support from everyone we interacted with within the company. The culture at EY made the experience unique to anything else I had completed, it was clear throughout that they genuinely wanted to give us the knowledge and experience needed to give us a head start in life.

I would begin by practising some basic interview questions, more towards the strengths and motivation side than competency. This will be very helpful for the telephone interview. As well as this, do not be too nervous during the process or placement, be yourself and enjoy the experience as much as possible.