Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share my incredible experience as an intern at EY (Ernst & Young). Getting an internship is a big deal, and I know many of you are curious about what it's really like. So, buckle up as I take you through my journey, the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between. Trust me; it's a ride you won't want to miss!

Landing the Internship

Let's kick things off with how I actually landed this amazing EY internship. Securing an internship at a top-tier firm like EY isn't exactly a walk in the park. It requires a blend of preparation, networking, and a dash of luck. The journey began with extensive research. I spent countless hours on EY's career website, understanding their various service lines, the skills they value, and their overall company culture. I tailored my resume and cover letter to align with what EY was looking for. This meant highlighting relevant coursework, leadership roles, and any previous internship experience, even if it wasn't directly related to accounting or finance. Networking events were also a crucial part of my strategy. I attended EY's recruitment sessions at my university, career fairs, and even reached out to EY professionals on LinkedIn. These interactions gave me valuable insights into the company and allowed me to make a personal connection with recruiters and employees. The application process itself was quite rigorous. It involved an online application, followed by aptitude tests, and multiple rounds of interviews. Each stage was designed to assess different aspects of my capabilities, from problem-solving skills to teamwork abilities. Preparing for these interviews required me to brush up on technical knowledge, practice behavioral questions, and research current events in the business world. I also made sure to have thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers, demonstrating my genuine interest in EY and the role. After what felt like an eternity, I received the offer. It was an exhilarating moment, validating all the hard work and effort I had put in. Accepting the offer was a no-brainer, and I eagerly looked forward to the summer ahead.

My Role and Responsibilities

So, what did I actually do during my EY summer internship? My role was in the Tax service line, specifically focusing on international tax. As an intern, I was integrated into a team of experienced tax professionals, and my responsibilities were surprisingly diverse and impactful. One of my primary tasks involved conducting research on international tax laws and regulations. This required me to navigate complex legal databases, analyze tax treaties, and stay up-to-date with changes in legislation. My findings were then used to advise clients on their international tax planning strategies. Another significant aspect of my role was assisting with tax compliance. This involved preparing tax returns, gathering financial data, and ensuring that clients met their tax obligations in various jurisdictions. It was meticulous work that required a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of tax principles. I also had the opportunity to participate in client meetings. This allowed me to observe how tax professionals interact with clients, understand their business needs, and provide tailored solutions. It was a valuable learning experience that helped me develop my communication and client management skills. In addition to these core responsibilities, I was also involved in various ad-hoc projects. This included conducting industry research, analyzing financial statements, and assisting with internal training programs. These projects provided me with exposure to different aspects of the tax profession and allowed me to broaden my skill set. Throughout my internship, I was given increasing levels of responsibility. My supervisors trusted me to handle more complex tasks and encouraged me to take initiative. This not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to the team. The workload could be demanding at times, especially during peak tax season. However, the team was incredibly supportive, and I always felt comfortable asking for help when needed. This collaborative environment made the experience both challenging and rewarding.

A Typical Day

Let's walk through a typical day in my EY summer internship life. Arriving at the office around 8:30 AM, my day would usually begin with checking emails and prioritizing tasks. EY emphasized a culture of continuous learning, so mornings often included team meetings or training sessions on the latest tax updates or industry trends. These sessions were invaluable for staying informed and developing my technical skills. My day-to-day tasks varied depending on the projects I was assigned to. Some days, I would be immersed in researching international tax laws, poring over documents and databases to find relevant information. Other days, I would be preparing tax returns, meticulously gathering financial data and ensuring accuracy. Client meetings were also a regular part of my schedule. These meetings provided me with the opportunity to interact with clients, understand their business needs, and observe how tax professionals provide tailored solutions. I would often take notes and assist in preparing follow-up materials. Throughout the day, I collaborated closely with my team members. We would often brainstorm ideas, share insights, and provide each other with support. The open-door policy at EY encouraged communication and made it easy to seek help when needed. Lunch breaks were a great opportunity to network with other interns and EY professionals. I would often join my colleagues in the cafeteria or explore nearby restaurants. These informal interactions helped me build relationships and learn more about different career paths within EY. In the afternoons, I would continue working on my assigned projects, applying the knowledge and skills I had gained throughout the day. I also made sure to allocate time for administrative tasks, such as updating timesheets and organizing my workspace. As the day drew to a close, I would review my progress, prioritize tasks for the next day, and ensure that all my work was properly documented. Leaving the office around 5:30 PM, I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that I had made a meaningful contribution to the team and gained valuable experience.

Challenges and How I Overcame Them

Of course, no internship is without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I faced during my EY summer internship was the sheer complexity of international tax law. It felt like learning a new language, with its own set of rules, regulations, and exceptions. To overcome this challenge, I immersed myself in the subject matter. I spent hours reading textbooks, articles, and online resources to build a solid foundation of knowledge. I also sought guidance from my supervisors and colleagues, who were always willing to share their expertise. Another challenge I encountered was managing my time effectively. With multiple projects and deadlines to juggle, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. To address this, I implemented a time management system. I used a planner to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and break down large projects into smaller, more manageable steps. I also learned to say no to additional commitments when my plate was already full. Communication was another area where I had to improve. As an intern, I was hesitant to ask questions or voice my opinions, fearing that I would appear incompetent. However, I soon realized that communication is essential for success in any professional setting. I made a conscious effort to speak up in meetings, ask clarifying questions, and share my ideas. I also sought feedback from my supervisors and colleagues, which helped me identify areas where I could improve. Finally, I had to overcome my fear of failure. There were times when I made mistakes or struggled to understand complex concepts. Instead of dwelling on my failures, I used them as learning opportunities. I analyzed what went wrong, sought feedback from others, and made a conscious effort to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Overcoming these challenges was not easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. It helped me develop valuable skills, build confidence, and grow both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

Looking back, my EY summer internship was an invaluable experience that taught me so much. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of continuous learning. The business world is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. This means reading industry publications, attending training sessions, and seeking out new learning opportunities. Another key lesson I learned was the importance of networking. Building relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support throughout your career. This means attending networking events, reaching out to people on LinkedIn, and making an effort to connect with others in your field. I also learned the importance of teamwork. Working effectively with others is essential for achieving common goals and solving complex problems. This means being a good listener, communicating clearly, and being willing to compromise. Finally, I learned the importance of taking initiative. Don't wait to be told what to do. Look for opportunities to contribute, take on new challenges, and go above and beyond what's expected of you. This will not only impress your supervisors but also help you develop valuable skills and grow as a professional.

Would I Recommend It?

So, would I recommend an EY summer internship? Absolutely! It's an incredible opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop valuable skills, and build a strong foundation for your future career. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding internship, EY is definitely worth considering. The firm offers a supportive and collaborative environment, a wide range of learning opportunities, and the chance to work on meaningful projects that make a real impact. Plus, the people at EY are amazing. I had the chance to work with some incredibly talented and inspiring professionals who were always willing to share their knowledge and expertise. They made me feel welcome and valued, and I learned so much from them. Of course, an internship at EY is not for the faint of heart. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But if you're up for the challenge, it's an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. So, if you're thinking about applying for an internship at EY, I highly encourage you to go for it. Do your research, prepare your resume and cover letter, and practice your interview skills. And most importantly, be yourself and let your passion shine through. Good luck, guys! I hope you found my experience insightful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!