Transactions and Strategy: Transactions Diligence Review

I was really impressed with the level of depth and variety of activities provided in a week, especially given the short time frame to put on this virtual experience. Every member of staff I met was informative and supportive and always encouraged asking questions at every opportunity. I know that I have left this week much better prepared for a job at EY and have improved on skills from presentation to analytics.

I felt incredibly valued during this experience. Every person I met took the time and effort to get to know me and my background and time was allocated for this through formal and informal activities. I received lots of praise for my work and positive feedback left me feeling highly valued by the staff looking after me.

I was encouraged to ask questions throughout and it was ensured that staff were always present when required. For example staff were always available to ensure I was in the correct place, all my technology was working etc. and when working on the Case Study aspect of work I was able to contact staff for help and queries on a range of matters, minor or large.

The main area of skills I developed were to do with my confidence with Excel. The time focused on this element meant I left feeling much more comfortable with the software thanks to the variety of tips and tricks suggested to me by every member of staff I asked. Furthermore I know this skill along with presentation skills will prove imperative in succeeding in my career.

The virtual experience was very well put together. We were provided with timetables to keep us informed and the activities were spread out and varied. This variation ensured high levels of focus and interaction which prevented any moment becoming boring or repetitive. Further the opportunity for regular questions or feedback ensured a successful structure.

In spite of being virtual EY ensured the ambience was positive and supportive throughout the whole week. I never felt uncomfortable and always welcomed/valued by everyone I met. This was largely achieved through informal chats and check ups by my manager and recruitment team as well as opportunity to contact them instantly if anything needed fixing.

I felt the company invested significantly with me, notably by providing me with an Excel course to complete in my own time after I highlighted this was an area I wanted to focus on. Further training and development was received across a variety of areas such as presentation, time mangement and time working.

The internship provided great clarity to me on my specific division and through speaking to several members of my future team I was able to understand what day to day life would be like. I thought EY certainly achieved this and tackled something I was a little unsure of when starting the internship.

Sessions on diversity as well as the companies values from the off really help set in stone the company's values to me in a super clear and thoughtful manner and I commend them for this. This message was echoed throughout the week and I was constantly reminded of the company's values.

The clarity in terms of what I would be doing were ironed out and this allowed me to confirm this was a career path I am keen to pursue. The range of activities and enjoyment I received completing them helped me reach this decision and I am grateful towards EY for this.

I was paid by EY for this for my 5 days work by a pro rata salary. Since I was working from home there were no expenses to be taken care of so such is not relevant. I am grateful for EY for paying my salary for my 5 days work.

Yes, I met lots of members of my future Birmingham office and have been able to connect with them for future contact. Everyone was friendly and sociable in spite of working virtually which is a really encouraging sign for me looking forwards. I am grateful these networking events were made available given the circumstances.

They were super successful in the fact that I have connected with lots and lots of people on social media such as LinkedIn and other forms. Everyone was really nice and this proved to be a comfortable environment which is hard to achieve in a completely virtual workspace so thank you.

Yes, the employees talked me through the activities they did on their 6 week in person internship (bowling, food, sports etc.) and it would certainly have appealed to me had I been fortunate to conduct the usual in person internship. This is an encouraging sign to me going forwards in the future.

Yes, the virtual experience was much more productive and provided depth to a far higher degree than successful. The skills I have developed have set me on the right path for my long term career so I am very much looking forward to transferring from a virtual to real life experience in the near future.