Lucy W.

Studied at the University of Glasgow

I started my BSc (Hons) Accounting & Statistics degree at the University of Glasgow in 2020, during the height of COVID. In my third year of university, I received a place on the EY Summer Internship. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to further my understanding of audit by working on real clients and determine if EY was the right fit for me. Following the completion of this four week program, I was offered a place on the graduate program. After 4 years of hard work, I graduated with a first-class degree, one of my proudest moments to date.

Currently a first year Assurance Associate

I recently joined the firm in September and I'm based in the Glasgow office! I have also just completed my first year of my professional qualification through ICAS, with the hopes of becoming a Chartered Accountant within three years. Although slightly challenging, ICAS so far has been extremely beneficial with improving my knowledge surrounding the audit practice. However, when you start working on audit clients, there is no expectation of prior knowledge so don't worry, you will be shown everything you need to know!

Opportunities for learning and professional growth

Personally, the career progression opportunities that are available at EY continually motivate me to strive for excellence- meeting deadlines, producing high quality work and effectively communicating with my colleagues. The learning opportunities that are available, such as the Chartered Accountant qualification, also motivate me as I can develop my skills and knowledge. Finally, I like that you are exposed to a wide range of clients and industries and that you are able to work in different audit teams, improving your network and collaboration skills.

We have all been in the position you are in now!

We all start our career as a beginner, so don't be afraid to seek additional help or clarification if you require it. There really is no such thing as a silly question, so ask as many as you need! I believe that the best way to learn is to ask questions. This will show initiative and highlights your ability to communicate with colleagues.

Passing my first year of ICAS exams

Since only joining the firm a few months back, my greatest achievement has definitely been completing my first year of ICAS. I found the experience very challenging at times but finding out I had achieved first time passes made all the studying extremely worth it.