Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Something I've learnt a lot in this role - as cliche as it may sound - is that whenever you have doubts about something in your line of work, it's best to ask for a second opinion. Especially when you're new to the role, it can seem a little embarrassing having to ask a question every five minutes (for me, the one that stands out is having to ask whether I was allowed to use the office milk with my afternoon cup of tea), but there's really nothing to be afraid of. Everyone wants to see you do well - your manager wants to see you develop; your team want you to contribute effectively to the engagement; and the client wants to make sure that they're getting as much as possible out of your audit. Something to keep in mind is that you'll be working with people who were in your shoes not too long before you! On my first engagement, I've been lucky enough to work with my assigned "Buddy" (a member of staff a year ahead of you in your programme/apprenticeship), as well as a "Senior" (a newly qualified member of staff, usually with about 3-4 years of experience). They've been really good at reminding me that they had the same questions a year or two previously. You'll also have other graduates/business apprentices at the same stage as you - make sure you help each other along the way!
Career path
Assurance Associate
EY
From 09/2024 to 12/2024Vice President Education (student sabbatical officer)
Glasgow University Students' Representative Council
From 07/2023 to 06/2024Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
One of my main motivations in my role is working getting to work with amazing people, both within EY and at our various clients. I've always been really passionate about helping others, and you really do get the opportunity to do that here. It can be as simple as helping your team by showing initiative in flagging errors or completing paperwork, showing one of your fellow new starts how to pick samples for their first stock count, or simply checking in with a colleague after a long week. But it can also be much wider than that. I think it's important to remember that auditing isn't just a tick box exercise - the work we do matters, and can make a genuine difference not just to our clients and the people who work there, but also wider stakeholders who rely on them. Another side of this is that, because of the way EY is structured (with graduates and business apprentices starting every year), after a year in your role you're no longer the newest staff members! You'll have the opportunity to become a "buddy" and help guide a new start in their first few weeks/months in the role. This is something which really appealed to me personally - and after all the help I've been given by my buddy, I'm really motivated to do the same for the next class of associates!
Greatest achievements
I've only been at EY for three months, and so I've not really had the opportunity to gain any huge personal achievements. Having said that, I still think I've managed to achieve a lot within my role so far. It's really satisfying knowing that I've contributed a lot to my engagement team - we're quite a small team, and have a lot of work to get through, so I've definitely had to hit the ground running from day one. At first, this was really daunting - I'd spent years studying accountancy, but having to actually apply those skills on a large company was a completely different kettle of fish. Looking back now, though, I can see how much progress I've made and how much I've helped the team - which is an achievement I don't think should ever be underestimated. Away from EY, my biggest achievement is possibly hosting an awards ceremony in my previous job. As someone who was terrified of speaking in lectures when I started at university, I didn't think I'd ever be able to speak in front of over 100 people, much less enjoy the opportunity. It was a moment which let me reflect on how much I had developed in my previous role, and it filled me with confidence for starting my EY journey!
Rosie M
Business Product Manager, Consulting
Top Insider Advice
Having joined EY straight from school, my willingness to learn has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. It has allowed me to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and curiosity, rather than fear or hesitation. This eagerness to learn has not only helped me to quickly pick up necessary skills and knowledge for my role, but has also shown to my colleagues that I am adaptable, have a growth mindset, and I am committed to delivering to the best of my ability. Remember, as an apprentice you are not expected to know all the answers, so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and keep learning!
Nicholas N
Top Insider Advice
Sounds Simple but people forget this.. Taking part in any recruitment process can be a exciting but also daunting time, during the process always try and be your true self. Be honest with your answers and try and allow your personality to come through during the process. Skills can be taught and but behaviours can't.
Hania I
Transaction Diligence Executive
Top Insider Advice
Match your values to the company that you are applying to and make sure both what they do within work projects and outside of this engages your interests so that you have the motivation to develop yourself professionally and personally throughout your career journey. It will always present much more positively if you are truly excited and enjoy what you will do in your daily role.