What makes EY different from the other firms in the Big Four?

As generic as it sounds, I really do think that it is the people that work here and EY's focus on looking after their employees that makes the firm. I wasn't actually considering a career in professional services before I attended their Leadership Academy residential. There I saw the investment they put into training their staff and got along well with the staff.

I decided to apply and then at my interview and during my internship I enjoyed myself because I got along well with my colleagues and felt entirely comfortable - which makes work much easier. Make sure you find the right fit for you - each interview will be different and you will get a feeling where you will most enjoy spending time with your team.

Hi there! In my previous job I had worked with most of the Big 4 and other large firms and I found that EY were really personable. There's no ridiculous hierarchy, the partners sit amongst all the other staff, not in their own office.

I also really liked the diversity aspect, EY are really dedicated to opening doors for people as much as possible and the removal of academic requirements was a really brave step in the right direction in my opinion.

Hi, I think I mainly echo what both Helen and Rachel have said, for me the people play a big part at EY and our culture is incredibly supportive. Having worked at another Big 4 (who I really liked working for!) for me I felt I fit in at EY slightly more. I think fit is important, I really enjoy working at EY but have friends who work for PwC, KPMG and Deloitte and really enjoy their work, too. Do some research and use your network to figure out who would be the best fit for you.

Hi

To add on to the discussion from an apprentice perspective, I can really echo what has already been discussed. At only 18 years old I joined one of the largest professional firms in the world, which could have seemed quite scary at first! However, the various teams at EY that I worked with when I started my qualification (and all those I work with today) supported and continue to support me in a way that I could not have imagined.

You are stretched and challenged, to encourage you to reach your full potential, but whenever you have a question or need guidance, there is always someone there to help you.

The opportunities that you are given at such a young age are incredible. For me, the experiences at EY, from a technical and team perspective, have been really amazing and have led to me becoming a very strong advocate of the EY apprenticeship scheme!

Hi,

I think its the people that separate EY from the other Big 4 firms. At EY, they place a real emphasis on people and making sure that you are happy at work. When I joined in 2023, I was slightly daunted by joining the corporate world at 18, but there are so many people which are there to help you and want you to do well. I've been able to work on multiple clients in multiple different teams and each team has really put an effort in to make me feel welcome and helped me settle in.

Echoing what Annabelle said, you are pushed and challenged but its all to help you grow and develop both personally and professionally and there are people to guide you and support you throughout your career with EY.