Read about the first-hand experiences from our current student assistants in EY Strategy & Transactions (SaT): Nicoline, Christoffer and Malthe. Nicoline and Christoffer are working as student assistants in the Transaction Diligence (TD) team, and Malthe is working in the Valuation, Modelling and Economics (VME) team, both within the SaT department.
Onboarding and the first weeks in the team
At EY, proper onboarding of new employees is a key focus. There is a clear plan for your first weeks at the firm, and you are supported by your buddy and counselor who will make sure that you are comfortable in your new role.
“Even before my first day, it was clear that VME had a concrete plan and structure for my onboarding, making me feel welcome and included from day one. I had a detailed schedule full of introductory courses, ongoing catchups and coffee meetings with colleagues, which showed me that they were focused on ensuring a smooth integration for me into the team. During my first week, we headed to Mallorca for the Nordic SaT Conference – a great way for me to further bond with my team and socialize with colleagues from all over the Nordic countries. Although I am only working part time, it is clear to me that I am considered and treated as a full-fledged team member like anyone else.”
Malthe, VME
“The first months as a new student in TD are characterised by a steep learning curve, accompanied by lot of social and work activities. You get introduced to different areas of EY and coupled with valuable learnings which will benefit you in your work life. Prior to your first day, you will be assigned a buddy and counsellor who will ensure an easy welcome and introduction to the department and your future colleagues. The buddy and counsellor are also responsible for helping you set up some goals for your first months at EY, help you get started on projects and conducting regular check-ins on how your first weeks at EY are going. Moreover, social life is also a big part of being employed as a student in TD, which also makes the first months easier. In no time, you get to know your colleagues, both students and full-time employees.”
Nicoline and Christoffer, TD
Day to day life of a student assistant
At EY, we try to include student assistants as much as possible, and you will be given the room to grow and contribute to project work, giving valuable experience for you to supplement your studies.
“Upon joining as a student in VME, I was quickly entrusted with responsibilities and tasks, whenever I expressed interest herein. The nature of part-time work means that I am carrying out a wide variety of tasks throughout the working week, allowing me to gain broad experience in various areas. Despite this, I have had several opportunities to successfully run some projects highly independently, of course, with ongoing discussion and input from seniors. Being given the chance to carry out work with so much trust and responsibility has been the most rewarding professional experiences I have had as a student at EY. Besides, what I personally enjoy about the work here, is that the link between my work and the real-world value created for clients is always evident.”
Malthe, VME
“As a new student in TD, you will quickly be involved on projects and assigned to different tasks on projects, under the guidance of a more experienced analyst or manager. Drawing from our personal experience, the level of responsibilities and the number of projects you involve yourself in typically increases with the degree of proactivity you demonstrate. We also have a strong "learning-by-doing" culture, and it is naturally not expected that you know everything upon joining! You receive continuous feedback on all your work, fostering a safe space for learning as well as making mistakes to learn from, which is very valuable as a student. Being integrated into various teams will also provide a rich opportunity to improve your teamworking skills. This experience is valuable, fostering both professional and social growth. It is not just about collaborating on projects; it is about becoming part of a unified team that values each member's contribution and dedication.
Once you are through the onboarding process, you become assigned to real transaction projects, where you will be able to use the theoretical knowledge gained from your studies. Your responsibilities on these projects are tailored to match your current skill level and availability, always taking your academical commitments into consideration. Furthermore, you are encouraged to take on new assignments on an ongoing basis to keep learning and will be able to discuss desired learning opportunities with your counsellor.
The SaT team is not just a dedicated team; it is also a community that thrives through social engagements and team-building activities. Throughout the year, the team comes together for a variety of events. These events range from involving the entire team to ‘junior events’ for managers and below. Over the past two years, these events have included go-karting, paintball, ski tours, bowling, padel and pétanque, just to mention some of them.”
Nicoline and Christoffer, TD
