My name is Conor and I am a first-year associate with the External Audit practice of the EY member firm in Perth. Prior to joining EY, I studied Accounting and Finance at Curtin University and during this time, I was part of EY’s many student programs: Game Changers Club, Career Compass and the Vacationer Program. These programs enabled me to gain a first-hand understanding of the organisation, its people, and its many different service lines. This culminated in me receiving a graduate offer with EY after completing the Vacationer Program but before I had finished my studies.
Describe the culture at EY
The working environment at EY can be summed up in two words “collaborative” and “inclusive”. In EY, I have found a place where questions are encouraged, and continuous learning is a central focus.
What’s one highlight to date?
To be honest my biggest highlight is not a single experience but rather an attribute of the graduate experience at EY. Since day one, I have been surrounded by a cohort of my fellow graduates who I have been fortunate enough to share the experience with. I truly believe that whilst one should enjoy the work they do, they should also enjoy the people they do it with; that is what I have found at EY.
What’s your advice for incoming graduates and vacationers?
Just go for it! I never thought I would be where I am today, but I am here because I just took the opportunity to apply. It doesn’t matter whether you are a first-year accounting and finance student applying for the Game Changers Club or Career Compass Program, a final-year Arts student applying for the Graduate Program, or anyone else, EY looks for all sorts of people with all sorts of experiences.