Shaqeal, why did you choose to work in transactions over other business areas?

Hi Rachel, I chose transactions because I've always had an interest in the world of corporate finance. M&A particularly sparked my interest, but through TAS I was able to see the many different sides of a transaction, whether that is due diligence, business modelling, valuations, or strategy. I personally really like diving into the details of a client's financial information, and analysing it using simple excel functions, in order to understand the story behind the business. Then using this information to build a robust model. I like thinking about the big picture, while analysing the little details that are particular to the business we are looking at.

Hi Shaqeal, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, your answers are really helpful!
Due to the fast-moving nature of mergers and acquisitions do you feel as though you are consistently challenged in your day to day job? I am personally driven by a job that is challenging and gives you opportunities to learn. Would you say working in TAS matches that?

My day to day varies quite a lot. But I am often using Excel to analyse, and PowerPoint and Word to present. On a typical project I might have to set up the model to start, then feedback to my manager with any issues or gaps in client data, then walk my manager through the model and finally start to draft a report. In between these stages there are time gaps because it's never a completely smooth process, but because of that you can be on multiple projects, at multiple stages. There are also simple admin tasks like signing off engagement documents or processing changes your manager has suggested.

Brilliant thank you for giving me so much detail!
How did you decide that EY was right for you and what would be your biggest tip when facing the graduate application process?

Yes, I would say that I am consistently challenged. At EY there is always scope for you to pick up more work, or more challenging work. Just the other day, I was invited to join a Director who was giving a presentation to a client's board of directors. If I hadn't signalled that I was interested in these kind of opportunities, by putting up my hand in a meeting and saying that I was interested in further opportunities, this might not have happened. But because I did, I ended up presenting to a board of directors, which was one of my highlights of this year!

Thank you! Really great to hear that EY support younger talent and give you opportunities to learn and be challenged.

During my internship I met a Director who convinced me EY was the place to start my career at. He described how he had learned from and worked with intelligent people on interesting projects, and also highlighted the type of learning curve I would benefit from. It made it a much easier decision. My biggest tip for the application process would likely be to prepare yourself properly for the partner interview. From friends' experience this was the biggest hurdle. I don't think my interview was perfect either, but coming across as confident and doing some research into the day to day activities of the role you are interested in goes a long way I believe.

Great, thank you so much.
I haven't managed to do an internship at EY but am currently doing a Year in Industry between my 2nd and 3rd year of University Studies. Do you think I am at a disadvantage applying for the graduate roles without any prior experience of EY?

No, not at all. Most of the Analysts in my intake didn't have any prior EY experience before joining.

Thank you, that's great to know. Out of interest, do you work in one of the two London offices or in another city?

I work in the London - Canary Wharf office, where we focus on Financial Services clients only.

How do you find working in the London environment? Do you think it is faster-paced than other office elsewhere?