What they really think

Ernst & Young LLP
Nottingham

Degree: Civil Engineering
University: Nottingham
Stage: TPE
Next step: Transfer to Denver, Colorado with EY

“Although I studied Engineering at university, by the time I got to my final year I guess I already knew I wanted to work in a faster-paced environment. My careers service were really helpful and I looked into the possibility of doing accountancy to utilise my maths and analytical skills. I managed to get a few weeks working with a Big 4 firm - they showed me what you might be doing on a day to day basis using tax and audit games. It made me realise that this was more of the type of work environment I was after.

“I did some research into the differences between the various accountancy qualifications. After speaking to some contacts who were already working in public practice firms and in industry, the message I got was that the CA qualification was more versatile, would open more doors for me and give me more choice in what I wanted to do in the future.

“So having decided on the qualification, I concentrated on researching the different employers. I wanted to find out what they had to offer, especially on the training side, such as the support for getting me through my exams. It was also really important to get a feel for a place and when I came for an interview I had an opportunity to talk to different people and find out what the work atmosphere and culture was like. Three years is a long time to be working for an employer if you’re not 100% sure that it’s definitely the right one for you. A lot of employers talk about their culture on their websites, and all the glossy brochures tend to look the same, but you really have to be able to go into a place, and be able to talk to people to get a feel for what it’s like.

“At interviews I’d be asked who else I’d applied to, and by keeping my applications quite focused I think I avoided coming across as vague or ill prepared.

“I accepted a training contract with Ernst & Young. I knew they trained all their graduates with ICAS, so again it provided reassurance that I’d made the right choice of qualification.

“I did find the transition from university to CA training hard - actually very, very hard! It was quite a shock to me because my degree had involved around 25 hours of lectures a week and I’d generally worked quite hard. I therefore had this expectation that there’s nothing they can throw at me that’s going to phase me. Then I started CA training. A lot of it is to do with the combination of the sheer volume of work and the added time pressure. I was put on the intensive route and attended classes for a set period of nine weeks. During this time we had no office
work, which I think helped a lot and stopped me thinking about work all the time.

“The good thing about the classes is that you are in a small group, and I always thought of it more like school than university. You’re in a class with other people from 8.30am until 3.30pm, and then you do your homework. It’s quite fun in that respect and you do get to know the people quite well. We’re good friends, and it’s all part of that bonding process when you’ve been shoved together in class. It sounds a bit clichéd but because you’re all suffering and under pressure it brings you closer as a group – and equally when we pass, we can all celebrate together.

“The tutor support is excellent. My experience of university was very much lecture based, having someone talking to you for two hours and then being left to your own devices, whereas at BPP where I did my CA training, you’re taught in a small class, where you work on exercises and the tutors come round and help you. If you have any problems they’re happy to go through anything you don’t understand. Close to the exams the tutors will mark set questions, but if you are worried about a particular area and not sure that you’re picking up the right points they’re always happy to set you additional questions. You feel they’re always on hand to give you their professional help - it was good, very good.

“The most challenging aspect of CA training has been knowing that you could fail quite easily. It is quite hard putting that extra time in at the weekend and in the evenings. I’ve had to turn down social events because of exams, because it does take priority and you do have to make certain sacrifices. You just have to keep thinking about how you can celebrate after the exams are over.

“The employer support has been great too, because at the end of the day everyone has the same goal - they all want you to pass. There are always other students, or those already qualified who are happy to give you advice if you’re having any problems.

“I’ve had a lot of interesting work in the office, and you get to know the clients quite well. You get a real insight into how a business works and the way that decisions are made. It’s good to feel that you’re a part of it.

“As I’m about to qualify I’ve now decided that I need a change of scene. I’ve always wanted to work in a different country and I think now is the best time to do it, so I’m transferring to the EY office in Colorado. That’s the other advantage of the CA qualification - the international recognition makes it so easy to work abroad. I think my decision to move has also increased my popularity with my friends, funnily enough!”