Placement Year Review at Ernst & Young

The Role

Role Description

To assist in the performance of assurance work as part of an audit team. This meant I was responsible for auditing accounts, or parts of accounts, on the balance sheet and profit and loss amongst other responsibilities.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was hard work, but rewarding.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

'values awards' were useful in keeping motivated.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

My personal experience may not be reflective, but I did not see my counsellor often, they did however give help whenever I needed it.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Often very busy, particularly in 'busy season'

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

This would vary from job to job, but there were often new challenges to overcome.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very much so, since my degree is directly relevant to the work placement I did and vice versa.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

We were not often in our own office, but the atmosphere within audit teams was often a fun one.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

For us on the 'EY Degree' there were staff who were charged with managing our course, this meant there was a good level of organisation.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We completed 2 of our ICAS exams whilst on placement, there were also training weeks called 'core skills'

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

• Sports and Social Club

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have already been offered a graduate place.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Yes, we know each other as we all attend the same University. We therefore spend quite a lot of time socialising together outside of work.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

High, as we were based in london.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Good, we lived near Bermondsey street which is good for bars, but being in London clients are often all over the place and there is always a good night out to be had.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Due to the fact that you were often working long hours it may be difficult to organise such things in advance.

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?

Not really.

Review 284/284 for Ernst & Young

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