Our first year at EY: a journey of growth and connections

The EY graduate experience, teamwork on projects and the counselor system has all contributed to a fantastic first year at EY.

We (Christina and Johannes) joined EY in January 2022 as student assistants. We started as full-time analysts in August 2022, joining the Transaction Diligence team within the Strategy & Transactions department. Here, we perform financial due diligence to provide clients with invaluable insights into a company’s financials, enabling them in making informed decisions when buying or selling. The diverse team of approximately 45 individuals, spanning nationalities, genders, and academic backgrounds, warmly welcomed us. Our first year at EY was marked by forging new connections and rich experiences, fostered by the organization’s commitment to personal development and work-life balance.

The Nordic induction program: a strong start

Our graduate experience at EY kicked off in a great way with the Nordic Induction Program (NIP).  Located near Amsterdam, this program brought together over 1,000 new EY members from across the Nordic region (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland). The days were packed with informative workshops, introducing the work dynamics and a slew of social activities that allowed us to get better acquainted with our colleagues. This experience underscored the organization’s dedication to providing an excellent introduction not only to the work but also to the colleagues we will collaborate with throughout our careers.

Guidance and support: the buddy and counselor system

 At EY, each newcomer is assigned with a buddy and a counselor. The buddy’s role is to ensure that you get a smooth transition into the team and receive support with onboarding. The counselor, on the other hand, guides you throughout your career to help you align your professional goals and continual development. This system facilitates the integration of new full-time graduates, providing them with dedicated points of contact, responsible for their onboarding experience and subsequent growth.

 I (Johannes) had the unique experience of having the same person as both my buddy and counselor.   He made sure I had a good start in the team, both socially and regarding project work.  My first project was together with my counsellor, who spent time explaining various tasks and making sure that everything made sense to me. I quickly found out that the whole team has a big focus on providing feedback on projects, both during and after its completion. This is to make sure that the expectations are aligned and - the best framework for learning created. Furthermore, the organization’s focus on learning and development is reflected by an open-door policy, encouraging questions, and fostering a culture of curiosity.

Transition to full-time: a natural progression

The transition from being a student to a full-time employee can feel like a significant step and responsibility. However, it quickly becomes natural as individuals gain self-sufficiency with each project and always have their counselor as a reliable resource to address any challenges or uncertainties.

Hybrid work: a tool for work-life balance

During my (Christina) first year at EY, my boyfriend lived in London, limiting our time together. Fortunately, the organization’s hybrid-working conditions allowed me to work remotely, affording me the flexibility to spend quality time with my partner. In Transaction Diligence, we work in smaller, collaborative teams on all projects with a mix of colleagues with different levels of experience. This dynamic mix creates continuous development opportunities and allows individuals to collaborate with various department colleagues, as new teams are formed for each project. When starting a new project, you coordinate with the team and establish working terms, creating the option to work from home on certain days. I also prioritize going to the gym a few times a week. The hybrid-working conditions and flexibility at EY make it possible for me to maintain work-life-balance, spend time with friends and family and pursue my fitness goals.

Overall, we both had a great first year at EY, driven by the organization’s focus on empowering us to carve out our own career paths. This emphasis on self-directed careers is evident in discussions with counselors and project planning, ensuring everyone has time for pursuits outside of work. Furthermore, the organization’s strong emphasis on teamwork and social engagement is demonstrated through numerous social events within teams and departments. Individuals enjoy the freedom to shape their careers here. It is a rewarding experience for newcomers in full-time roles.