Placement Year Review at Ernst & Young

The Role

Role Description

Participation in the different phases of the audit process. This involved going out to client sites on a daily basis for anything from a few days to a few weeks and performing an 'audit' of their financial statements.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Initially I didn't enjoy it that much as I felt like I was thrown into the deep end a bit. However, I quickly discovered that I was on a particularly complex client and as soon as I went to a new client, it was much easier and more enjoyable. But by the end of the year I absolutely loved my role and the company and can't wait to go back

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My colleagues were always very complimentary about my efforts and they congratulated me for exceptional performance with a number of rewards e.g. £50 values awards; food and drink and a trip to Florida!

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I had little contact with my supervisor but all of the managers on each job were great with support and guidance. I never felt that I had noone to talk to as there was always more than enough people to help and offer advice

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

After settling in (the first 2-3 months) I was extremely busy. I was given the oppotunity to be independent and manage my own work. Many of my colleagues got to understand that I get the job done so they would leave me to manage my own projects and I never was sat doing pointless jobs.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was treated like a first year graduate and given areas which not even some first years would be trusted to work on. If your manager can see that you want to learn and try to work on new areas they will happily pass on more responsability

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I became much more organised and am able to get things done with greater efficiency

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It was OK. I know that many other offices seem to have had a better atmosphere but I strongly believe it is what you make it. If you want to get involved, there's plenty to do

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Fabulous! Although there was a little confusion at the end surrounding round table grading and job offers which annoyed everyone a little bit

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I attended top notch courses as well as completed 2 ICAS exams so they invested a huge amount

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Looking forward to returning!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Being accommodated in London for the first 6 weeks of our placement was a great oppotunity to bond with the rest of my peers. We regularly met up during the year as well- both through EY and independently

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very cheap area!

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Different to what I was used to but still good

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There was netball and events now and then e.g. meetings, christmas party, summer ball but there could have been a lot more

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

No

Review 284/284 for Ernst & Young

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