Embarking on your career journey can feel like navigating uncharted waters. For university students eyeing the professional world, understanding different career paths and company cultures is crucial. The Career Compass Program at EY offers an invaluable opportunity to do just that. This immersive program provides pre-penultimate year students with a detailed roadmap to explore the diverse landscape of professional services, specifically within EY, and make a lasting impression on their future career trajectory.
My own experience with the Career Compass Program was a pivotal moment in shaping my aspirations and solidifying my interest in EY. Like many students, I attended numerous introductory talks and career events, but it was the Career Compass Program that truly stood out, offering a deep dive into the firm and its people. From insightful presentations by EY leaders to hands-on workshops and networking sessions, the program was meticulously designed to ignite curiosity and provide a comprehensive understanding of what a career at EY entails.
Day 1: Discovering the Breadth of Opportunities at EY
The first day of the Career Compass Program kicked off with an inspiring introduction by Graham Leonard, setting the stage by outlining EY’s origins, Vision 2020, and the powerful ethos of “Building a better working world.” His presentation underscored the core values that define EY: boldness, confidence, and agility, qualities that resonate deeply in today’s dynamic business environment.
John Hare followed with an impactful workshop on rapport building, demonstrating exceptional engagement skills. Beyond the slides, John’s wisdom resonated as he emphasized the importance of personal values, notably highlighting that family always comes first, a message that humanized the professional world and made a lasting impression.
Desmond Silberberg expertly demystified Advisory services, articulating its crucial role in helping clients enhance business performance and navigate risks. Desmond’s ability to simplify complex concepts made the world of consulting accessible and intriguing for aspiring professionals. He highlighted that EY Advisory partners closely with businesses to drive improvement and manage critical risks.
Seth Hertz illuminated the often-misunderstood realm of People Advisory Services (PAS). By dissecting PAS into its six key pillars – Talent, Performance, Rewards, Systems, Mobility, and Analytics & Insight – Seth unveiled the extensive impact of PAS in addressing intricate organizational and people-related challenges for clients globally. The key takeaway: People Advisory Services delivers comprehensive solutions for complex organizational and compliance matters.
Pete Sanders passionately presented the multifaceted nature of Tax services. He effectively broadened the perception of tax, showcasing its far-reaching influence across various service lines, industries, and systems, essential for the lawful and effective operation of businesses. Pete underscored that Tax transcends traditional boundaries, integrating with diverse business functions to ensure seamless operations.
Katie Tabb provided an in-depth exploration of Transaction Advisory Services (TAS), detailing its nine specialized areas, including CFS, M&A, Restructuring, and Valuation. Her presentation highlighted the significant growth areas within TAS and emphasized the value of analytical and inquisitive minds in this dynamic field. Katie’s message was clear: a curious and analytical approach is key to thriving in TAS.
Graham Leonard returned to deliver a compelling workshop on Assurance, covering external audit, CCaSS, FIDS, and FAAS. He illuminated the diverse facets within Assurance, stressing the significance of data, numerical accuracy, and a keen understanding of business dynamics to ensure client account compliance and provide stakeholders with robust and transparent insights. Graham reiterated that Assurance is vital for maintaining audit standards and offering clear, reliable information to stakeholders.
Following the service line introductions, the program transitioned to practical skill-building and networking. A fine dining etiquette class, followed by a three-course lunch, offered a unique opportunity to apply newly acquired skills in a professional setting. This hands-on approach to learning was further reinforced with a workshop on discussion and behavioral-based interviews, culminating in mock interviews to put theory into practice. The day concluded with an engaging SQL workshop, challenging participants to “hack” databases in simulated scenarios, and a powerful presentation on Diversity & Inclusiveness, showcasing EY’s commitment to workplace equality.
Day 2: Deepening Skills and Expanding Networks
Day two of the Career Compass Program continued the momentum with a sophisticated negotiation skills workshop led by Sarah Perrens and Frances Agius. This interactive session culminated in a lively negotiation exercise, challenging participants to reach agreements in a simulated high-stakes scenario involving limited resources. The key learning: understanding your value, the market dynamics, and your priorities are crucial for effective negotiation.
Speed networking sessions provided invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals from each service line during morning tea. These rapid-fire interactions offered personalized insights and career advice:
- Kelly Slemon (Tax- Quantitative Services) highlighted the growing importance of robotics and software expertise in tax, driven by AI and machine learning advancements.
- Fran Lutjen (Cyber Security- Risk Advisory) shared her inspiring career transition from law to cyber security, specializing in client governance and maturity control assessments.
- Alona McCluney (Advisory- Risk Assurance) explained the client-driven nature of Channel 2 work, where EY advisors act as consultants addressing specific client concerns.
- Emma Gilchrist (Assurance- Audit) articulated compelling reasons for graduates to begin their careers in Assurance and Audit, emphasizing the foundational skills gained before specializing in consulting.
- Katie Tabb (Transaction Advisory Services- Transaction Support Team) and Michael Lawless (Transaction Advisory Services- Restructuring) provided insights into deal-related specializations like IPOs and M&As, underscoring the supportive culture within TAS and across EY.
The afternoon session shifted to a challenging case study over a working lunch, designed to consolidate knowledge of the five service lines. Participants collaborated to develop solutions and deliver concise presentations, further enhancing their understanding and teamwork skills.
Belinda Cheng then led an insightful workshop on developing professional futures. As the Asia-Pacific Tax Innovation Hub Leader, Belinda shared her expertise on evolving business landscapes, future talent profiles, and emerging critical competencies. Her key takeaways emphasized the increasing importance of soft skills alongside technological advancements, the need for global, analytical, and innovative mindsets, and the emergence of data analytics, lean six sigma, and AI as crucial skills.
Sarah Perrens returned to present an “Innovation Mindset” workshop, utilizing the “Ideas Blitz” tool to generate and refine innovative technology proposals relevant to client expectations in the coming years. Joshua Spencer concluded the formal program by sharing his experiences at the International Intern Leadership Conference, offering a glimpse into global opportunities within EY.
The Career Compass Program culminated in a meaningful group activity: the Wesley Homeless Food Challenge. Participants pooled resources to purchase food supplies for those in need, fostering teamwork and social responsibility. The program concluded with networking drinks, marking the end of an impactful two-day experience.
A Lasting Impression
The EY Career Compass Program is more than just an introduction to a company; it’s a transformative experience that equips students with valuable knowledge, skills, and connections to navigate their career paths. My participation in the program solidified my desire to join EY, driven by its people, culture, and global commitment to “building a better working world.” EY’s Career Compass Program doesn’t just make a good first impression; it creates a lasting impression, guiding students toward a successful and fulfilling career journey. If you are a pre-penultimate student seeking clarity and direction in your career aspirations, the Career Compass Program is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
