From classroom to career: working as student assistant at EY SaT

Working as a student in EY Strategy & Transactions: a part-time job filled with learning, growth opportunities and social activities.

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

Work-study balance

For EY, it is highly prioritized that student assistants have the time needed to keep up with studies and there is always flexibility around exams or project work.

“In my time in VME, I have been shown complete flexibility toward my Economics studies at the University of Copenhagen. As an employer, the EY organization fully understands that studies come first for their student assistants, and they are always accommodating when it comes to preparing for exams or working flexible hours to fit around class schedules. Moreover, it is my experience that you are fully encouraged to enjoy the complete package of what it means being a university student, and student work should not be an obstacle herein. Personally, after working here for 10 months, I was permitted to take a temporary leave to complete an exchange semester in Switzerland, thereafter, to come back to the team upon my return to Copenhagen.”

Malthe, VME

“At EY, there is an emphasis on maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life. This approach is exemplified by our hybrid working model, which allows you to be able to work remotely. Working in smaller, dynamic teams also allows flexibility in the working teams, where coordination and communication is key both in securing time for personal matters as well as dedicate time for studies.

For us, balancing studies with our roles at EY has been without any issues, with no need to comprise on our studies due to work pressure. EY teams offer flexible arrangements that serve diverse preferences. Some choose to dedicate themselves in work and focus on their studies subsequently, while a more common approach among us is to work part time, spread across a few days a week. This aspect of the role is an important topic of discussion with your buddy and counsellor, as well as with former student assistants. Seeking their advice on how to effectively structure your time is invaluable.

Overall, as student assistants in EY TD team, we are both thriving in an environment where professional growth, learning and a vibrant social life meet. The support and flexibility the EY organization provides have made it a unique experience, allowing us to combine academic knowledge with practical work seamlessly. As we look forward to transitioning into full-time roles, this stage is turning out to be a fantastic part of our career journey, filled with priceless experiences and great connections.”

Nicoline and Christoffer, TD

In summary, being a student assistant in EY Strategy & Transaction department is a great opportunity for personal growth and applying educational knowledge in a professional setting, all while having full flexibility to keep up with your studies. If this all sounds like a job for you, click the link to find our open student assistant positions in EY Strategy and Transactions.