Case studies : Summer internship, Ernst & Young: Heather Shepherd

Heather Shepherd completed a six-week summer internship with Ernst & Young.

I chose to do an internship so that I could get a feel for a job I potentially wanted to do, and it was a good way into the graduate scheme. Before I applied I did some online research to learn about the company and then I had to fill in an application form, do an online test, an interview and attend an assessment centre.

My summer internship placement lasted six weeks, however there are also programmes available ranging from one day to four years. You get lots of client exposure, and although it’s tricky to do the technical stuff, managers will talk you through each task so you feel supported.

During my placement the best bit was the good group of friends I made and luckily most of us got offered graduate jobs and stayed in touch. The placement was not without its challenges as I had to give three presentations on my internship. I find it difficult to stand up in front of people, so it definitely pushed me and taught me skills that I could use back at university.

I am now on the graduate scheme at Ernst & Young working as an assistant tax adviser and I would like to continue to progress within the company. You can really drive your own career here if you make the effort. In other companies, it’s not always so obvious.

My advice to students planning their placement would be to apply early. Once the places fill up, that’s it. However, don’t rush your application and do plenty of research.