Insiders

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.

Stay true to who you are

Everyone at EY is there to see you succeed! There is so much on offer in terms of non-work responsibilities and activities that it is so important to get involved and find what interests you. Make sure you ask questions, there will always be someone with the answer.

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.

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!

Putting yourself out there can feel uncomfortable, but that’s where growth happens. It’s easy to stick with what you know, but stepping into the unknown is how you learn and expand your skills. For example, when I applied for the EY Degree Apprenticeship, I was nervous about putting myself in such a competitive environment. But the challenge of the application process pushed me to improve my skills, prepare thoroughly, and stay focused. While it was tough at times, the sense of achievement when I received the offer was unforgettable. Overcoming challenges like that builds confidence and shows you what you’re capable of. The more you embrace discomfort, the more you realize how much you can grow.

Having strong soft skills will help you in life. Get comfortable building relationships and being out of your comfort zone, this will help you succeed in your professional career. It has helped me build professional relationships with clients and colleagues, and makes it easier when you have to ask them difficult questions.

One of the key messages I tell people applying for apprenticeships is to prepare. Research is paramount, and often assessments and interviews can be simply a matter of practicing. If you prepare for as many scenarios as possible, you are less likely to be caught off guard. The more you can practice your strengths, the better chance you have of performing under pressure. Additionally, take failure as a learning experience. From my personal experience, there are going to be many rejections, and the only way to see success is to take it lightly and improve on your mistakes. It's important to keep a positive outlook and treat each opportunity like a fresh start, because no matter how it may seem the hard work will most likely pay off.

No achievements in life are the result of singular, private efforts - family, friends and teachers are just as much a part of every success story. However, in those moments where you doubt what you can do, and you worry you're not good enough, and you feel very much alone in your decision; every time you keep going and push yourself further are the moments that you define who you are and what you're capable of. The big secret is that you're capable of anything, you just have to believe it, and then go into the world and act like it!