What made you choose an apprenticeship/graduate role over the other? If you could go back, would you choose the same?

Hi Viktoria! I am a second year apprentice and I had both options open with regards to going to University and doing this Apprenticeship. The reason I chose the apprenticeship is because 1) I am getting on the job lear
ning so I won’t have to worry about not having experience when I qualify, 2) I get the ACA qualification from my apprenticeship much quicker than if I went to uni and, 3) most importantly, I am debt-free when I qualify!! Haha. But this opportunity honestly opens so many doors not just for my job but for my overall personal development.

Does an apprenticeship allow you to progress within the company more than a graduate role does?

So being on the apprenticeship programme you do very similar, if not the same tasks as a graduate would, but the graduate programme is 3 years whereas the apprenticeship programme is 4.5 years so it takes us slightly longer to qualify as our exams are more spread out over the programme. However, in the long run, being an apprenticeship doesn’t put you at a disadvantage at all with regards to career progression! In fact, it’s better because you’re much younger once qualified and you have lots of experience!

Some people in the past have told me I’d be better off doing a ‘traditional degree’ first for employment prospects...what would you say to that?

Hi Arushi, I can't speak for other employers but at EY we recruit on a strengths basis and don't look for a specific degree subject to apply to our programmes. We like to get a variety of people from all backgrounds. We think it would be boring if everyone were to be the same!

What type of questions are asked at interviews and in applications: strength, behavioural, competency based questions?

Hi Rasai - thanks for your question. We have Strengths based application questions at our EY Experience Day and final interview. Our situational judgment style questions on the online tests are also strengths based so I'd recommend checking our application tips page to see what strengths we look for. https://www.ey.com/en_uk/careers/students/application-tips

What is the best way to tailor my CV to an internship at EY?

Hi Rasai - you won't need a CV for our opportunities at EY as we look at your individual strengths rather than you're previous experience. We want to treat all applicants equally and fairly, so everyone must complete the same online application form. Answer all the questions fully and we’ll fully consider your application.