Fitting in as a new joiner

With her passion for audit and technology, Maisarah Shahrin decided to apply to EY to join the Business Consulting team upon graduation. Having been with EY for a few months now, Maisarah speaks to us about her experience as a new joiner and how EY has assisted her during the transition.

EY as the employer of choice to pursue a career in Consulting

It was my dream to start my professional career in Business Consulting at EY as the EY brand is renowned globally as a professional services organization that provides its people with top-notch knowledge and exceptional career experiences. Although I have only been here for a few months, I have been given immense opportunities to engage with other professionals within the EY network and have been entrusted to assist clients to ensure their business is moving in the right course.

Another reason why I chose to grow my career in EY is because of its diverse and inclusive culture. The bonds between its people are second to none. I am surrounded by colleagues who understand each other and who are always there whenever any one of us needs help, be it on work or personal matters.

Highlights during the onboarding session

At EY, all new joiners are required to attend an onboarding session called ‘Welcome to EY’ (WTEY). Due to the current work-from-home arrangements, the program has been shifted to a virtual format, but despite that, it was still very engaging and packed with useful know-hows!

During the session, I was particularly inspired by the EY Transformative Leadership model, which emphasizes the importance of having purpose in order for us to become better versions of ourselves. The leadership model also serves as a guide on becoming purpose-driven leaders and succeeding in our careers at EY and beyond.  

The most exciting part of the onboarding session was when we were transferred into virtual breakout rooms for a mini ice-breaking session, followed by some engaging activities. It was fun to connect with the other new joiners during the breakout session, sharing about our new roles at EY and exchanging stories about our new-normal lifestyles! All the activities and  interactions that I experienced during the onboarding session have definitely helped me  work out  my purpose  so that I can find personal meaning in what I do while being at my best  and making the world a better place.

The culture of ‘belonging’ at EY

EY upholds its values and culture to the highest level possible and I can assure you that this has been beneficial to new joiners like me! I am deeply grateful that the team made me feel that I belonged, right from my first day at work. My seniors and managers were there to assist me in adjusting to the new working environment and everyone was on board to help me to settle into my role. The positive experience I’ve had since my first day has made me feel more connected to my team, even though we are all working remotely.

In my first week, I was also introduced to a unique program called the ‘Buddy system’ where each new joiner is assigned a buddy - another EY employee to assist new joiners fit into the new role that they have been entrusted with. A buddy would guide us to better understand the work that we need to do, apart from playing tour guide to make sure the new joiners are well-informed about the inner workings of the organization. Thankfully I had a wonderful buddy who was always there whenever I needed help in the first few weeks at EY and ensured that I had a smooth transition.

Advice to those who want to start building their career with EY

Be curious! Here at EY, open communication is encouraged, and for new joiners, it is a great opportunity to gather as much knowledge as possible from the subject matter experts and also build a network with colleagues and seniors. Leverage all the opportunities presented by the organization so that you can apply the learning and experience that you have gained into your work and eventually help your career propel further. Good luck!