Bright Network member, Simon has recently been offered the role of Associate at EY, starting in September 2015. Here, Simon, who studied Geography at the University of Durham shares his experiences and tips for those who want to follow in his footsteps.
About the job
Simon secured a place to start as a graduate at EY in their financial services assurance division on their three year training programme in London.
Why did you choose this company and role?
It was a great chance to work for one of the largest and most established professional services firms in the world and opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, whilst studying for my ACA qualification.
Please tell us about the application process - what did you have to do?
There were five stages to the application process and the whole process took me around three months to complete. It began with an application form followed by online tests. Once I had passed these stages I was invited to a first round strengths based interview at the London Office. The manager who interviewed me focused on career motivation and my recognised strengths.
I received a phone call the following day and was invited to an assessment centre about three weeks later which involved a group exercise, analytical exercise, a retake of the tests and a lunch with a graduate. This was a really useful and interesting experience.
The final partner interview was my favourite part of the application process. It was more of a conversation about my career motivation, interest in the company and gave me a chance to ask any questions that I had. I received my offer the following day.
What did you find was the most difficult part of the application process?
The assessment centre was time pressured and challenging, however it was a useful exercise and gave me my first real opportunity to find out more about life at the firm.
What was the most enjoyable part of the application process?
The partner interview. The partner I met was highly engaging and also interested in my background and pleased with my interest in the firm. It gave me a chance to ask questions and find out more about where a career at EY could take me.
How did you prepare for the application process?
I spoke to a number of friends and colleagues who work or had interned at EY. I also prepared by keeping up to date with current affairs and business news, and issues affecting EY.
What top three tips would you give to someone who wanted to follow in your footsteps?
Tip 1
Use your contacts; friends, colleagues, other people that you know who have worked at the firm.
Tip 2
Keep up to date with business news and current affairs.
Tip 3
Fully research the role and company before you apply.