What would be the best steps as a first year student to help gain a job at EY on my industrial placement in 3rd year?

Hi Thoiba. Thanks for joining the chat! What I thought was really helpful, and that some of my friends who didn't get placements/internships didn't have, is having a range of experiences to use as examples during interview. For example a part time job, volunteering, a society, studies. This helps to show that you've got a rounded experience. Of course studies still very important!

I also wanted to ask if there were any opportunities to do some shadowing?

Whilst on your internship, ask and they should be able to set it up! I shadowed a Director for a day and it was a really good experience, albeit I didn't really understand what was going on but she debriefed me really well (and even bought me lunch!) I also had an intern shadow me for a couple of meetings last year and they found it helpful.

Outside of the internship or other schemes I don't think this would be possible due to client confidentiality.