Can you quickly summarise what makes EY stand out from competitors

Hi Marcus, I have had the lucky opportunity to work at PwC, KPMG and EY so far! I would say all the firms are very big and excellent in their own way but for me, EY had a big focus on diversity which was important to me. Also, I felt that the 'people culture' here was great compared to my other experiences. Everyone is very friendly regardless of level in the firm and there are countless opportunities no matter how new you are!

Thanks! What clients do EY work with and who do they plan to in the future?

They work with many clients across sectors. Hard to say who they plan to in the future as it isn't as black and white. There is a whole complicated proposal behind actually winning clients but just to name a few, HSBC, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, NHS, Barclays, Lloyds of London. Depends whether you are in the 'Financial Services' part of the business which focuses on Financial Services clients such as the big banks. Or the 'UK&I' part of the business which focuses on all other clients aside from Financial Services e.g NHS.

Thanks for the response again. How would I go about checking whereabouts I am in terms of applying? I definitely did a series of activity in around November (I believe this to be the Assessment Portal) so I think the job simulation is next. How would I go about preparing for this?

Login to your careers account and there would be a portal which would show what stage you are on. In terms of preparing for job simulation, I would say my best tips would be to research the company in terms of core values etc, also research the service line you applied to. Here is a link which will help you understand how to prepare in more detail https://ukcareers.ey.com/students/how-to-apply

Would you recommend the same for all the future stages,or do some require different things? Also, where would I find out about degree combined with an EY career? I know this is a potential option with Lancaster University. Is this worth it,and what advice would you give? Thanks for responding.

Hi Marcus- I would say so yes. Have your motivation ready in terms of why EY and why that programme, know yourself and your skills/what you can bring. The Degree Apprenticeship is only available on the Digital and Technology route so I would only recommend this if you have a passion for Tech. Alternatively, the Business Apprenticeship (although doesn't contain the word "degree")actually gives you a qualification that is the same as Masters AND the ACA qualification (chartered accountancy) depending on what area you join.
With so much to choose from, this tool is a quick and easy way to narrow down options and compare the programmes we have for students to choose https://ukcareers.ey.com/students/programmes/compare-our-programmes

Thanks! I was not particularly looking down the business apprenticeship route but now you’ve mentioned it I will have a look at it. What would you say are the best parts of your job, and how have the drawbacks been minimised?

Ah - also worth mentioning that the Apprenticeship you can only do if you haven't got a degree on currently studying a degree. If you're at University, you can look at the Internships and Placement programmes.

I will let my colleague Emma come back on her job as she is currently in Assurance (in the business and it is different in my team). I will say for me thought that it's the people and EY's emphasis on learning and research. I feel like we really are at the forefront of what we do.

Hey Marcus, if finance/accountancy is the route that you would like to go down then I believe that the business apprenticeship is the fastest and best route for you. You have the chance to study and earn at the same time and also get the real life work experience that you wouldn’t get if you went to university.

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the advice! One last question, how did you find the application process and what attributes are needed to be most successful?