Assurance Intern Review

I was an intern in audit in assurance, specifically working with an insurance client. Generally, this involved more senior members of my team setting me a range of work such as updating figures and updating spreadsheets from last year. We also had a daily catch-up meeting to keep track of how the team as a whole was doing. I mainly interacted with staff with a few years of experience but occasionally interacted with the manager.

My Excel skills have definitely improved - both from having to use Excel more as part of my job and also because EY allowed me access to a range of online training courses, one of which was about Microsoft Excel. I have also gained experience in navigating the corporate world, improving my existing communication and social skills. I have also learnt more about the finance sector, something I did not know a huge amount about before.

I was definitely given a lot of responsibility in my internship, particularly towards the end when my team had begun to trust me more. All of my work was still checked by a more senior member of staff but there were long periods where I was working on a fairly important piece of work and I was trusted to be left with it. I felt fully involved in my team and with the client work.

Some, but not as much as others received. All interns were supposed to be assigned a buddy but, due to an organisational mishap, I did not receive one. I still received support from my team and my counsellor but it was disappointing to not have a buddy, since they were supposed to be the first person I went to when I had a problem. I eventually received a buddy in week 4 of my internship.

I didn't attend many social events throughout my internship but I was aware of a couple happening that I couldn't make it to. There was a big summer party which the whole office was invited to which sounded very fun. We were also encouraged to set up a fundraiser during our internship. Lots of teams also plan smaller-scale socials in order to bond. The general atmosphere is friendly and calmer than I expected.

I really enjoyed my internship - I'm tired and ready for a break but I still had fun. The work I did was interesting and varied and definitely the kind of work I could see myself doing in the future. EY is the kind of company I could definitely see myself working for later down the line - I think the company culture suits me. This internship definitely met my expectations and I would go back.

Yes

Try to stay calm during the application process - particularly when doing a video interview or assessment centre. I always speak too quickly when I'm nervous and people struggle to understand me so I think staying relaxed is key. Try to meet as many people as possible at the introduction days - they are a great opportunity to network, particularly with other interns who are not going to be working in the same office as you.