Business Consulting Associate Review
at EY
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I work on a project basis within the Suitability solution area as part of the Newcastle Consulting Service Delivery branch - projects, in this solution area, can be related the following companies: mortgage, insurance, investment, pension, building societies etc. Most projects involve investigating client/customer scenarios/information/data, and writing up reports regarding what the company should do with my outcomes/decisions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy it - some projects are harder/easier or more/less enjoyable, but I've gained an invaluable skillset, masses of confidence, leadership skills, and experience in a company that is know world-wide as a strong competitor in the Consulting market. I'm also working towards a free business management degree. Although, in all honesty, you can feel the pressure at times, which can be difficult when balancing life outside of work. But overall a very good experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes - communication (because I have taken on other roles which means I go and present to both large/small groups.
Writing - I understand how to adapt my writing and verbal communication based on the audience/person I'm speaking to.
Significantly increased my knowledge of different business areas within Suitability.
Writing - I understand how to adapt my writing and verbal communication based on the audience/person I'm speaking to.
Significantly increased my knowledge of different business areas within Suitability.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
For the most part, the programme is very well structured - the university clearly plan everything, you have check in points with your coaches (the middle person between work and uni) which can help guide you, and work improves their process each year, with a lot of support being available. Communication between uni and work could be better at times, however, this has significantly been improves since I started.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Plenty - we have workplace mentors, managers, colleagues and the apprenticeship team to go to for support - there's never a situation where support cannot be provided.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support for my qualifications is more from the university but work give us 40-45 working days a year (its dependent on your level - yr1, 2 or 3), as study days to go to university and take time of to complete assignments/portfolio pieces.
We also have check ins 4 times a year with our mentor and coach to discuss progress and balance across the program.
We also have check ins 4 times a year with our mentor and coach to discuss progress and balance across the program.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Not too much if I'm honest - I think its a good degree (business management), but its not all applicable because each business goes about training and working in a specific way.
However, I have gained a better understanding of the 'why' behind some of our systems/processes. I also have been able to use some skills from the modules such as 'managing people' to increase my effectiveness at work. Applicability is dependent on the module.
However, I have gained a better understanding of the 'why' behind some of our systems/processes. I also have been able to use some skills from the modules such as 'managing people' to increase my effectiveness at work. Applicability is dependent on the module.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
LOADS - EY are big on socials, there's networks you can get involved with to meet like-minded people, sports teams, and MANY networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unbelievably supportive environment, you're not limited by your level (if you want to take up an opportunity, you can regardless of your level, you're heard and action is taken off the back of your opinions, the experience is valuable, and the environment is super friendly.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
Be yourself, make sure EY is a company that fits with your values - you will never thrive in an environment that you cannot relate with, take time to research what we do and whether you are genuinely interested. Watch Youtube clips on what to expect for the different interview stages - they're different for a reason - we want to test different skills and knowledge.
