A huge congratulations to Hizzer for securing a role at EY after he joined us at Bright Network Festival. Here he tells us about his experience applying and offers some valuable advice.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
It's important to me to begin my career with a firm who share my core values. EY champion diversity, encourage inclusion and work together towards a strategic goal: Vision 2020. Having visited four of their offices it was a delight to see the same environment in both London and regional offices. I applied for an internship in FS Transactions because it would enable me to put to use the understanding of economics and finance I've gained through my degree, as well as help me to continue to build my commercial awareness. The service line work with the largest FS firms in the world, meaning your decisions have a real impact on the world.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The toughest part of the process was most definitely the telephone interview. It can be really hard to get across genuine passion over the phone, especially when you don't have an existing relationship with the recruiter. The best advice I've received to help with this was to smile when you talk - no really, try it! My favourite part was the assessment centre. The trouble of having to pay for travel and hotels (if needed) is taken away so it gives you time to work on the stuff that matters. Before it started we were given snacks and hot drinks over an informal networking session with people who worked in the office - this was really helpful as they were able to give an expert insight into what that office was like. The fact that everyone in the room is going for different positions helps you work together as a team more and removes most competitiveness!
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
- Try to network as much with the company you want to apply for. This could be by applying to be a brand ambassador, by going to networking events at offices or by visiting the stand at graduate fairs. Building that relationship with people who already work there could help you massively in terms of helping you understand the business better and having people vouch for you during the application process.
- Be yourself - the same way a company accepts or rejects you during the process, you have every right to do the same! Work out your core values and find a workplace that embodies those values in the way they work.
- Practice. Having to exit the process because you haven't got through the online tests can be upsetting, especially when you're the kind of person who thrives at the later stages interviews. Practice using resources online and brush up on your GCSE Maths knowledge!