Vlad Dayblovskiy, a current student at the University of Bristol, recently joined EY on a paid, four-week Audit Summer Internship Programme. We caught up with Vlad to find out how he found this experience.
What are you currently studying at Bristol University, and when do you expect to graduate?
I am currently in my final year of studying Accounting and Finance and expect to graduate in July 2025.
What stages did you have to go through to get onto the summer internship, and how did you find this process?
The online application process included standardised assessments, such as brief finance-related math tests and situational response questions. The final stage was an assessment day, where I took part in individual and group tasks that assessed my creative and collaborative skills.
What experience did you gain from your summer internship? Did you get have a go at client work yourself?
During my time with the UK and Ireland (UKI) Assurance team, I contributed to audits for utilities and manufacturing clients. I completed work, such as reconciliation, which directly supported the audit process and often required partner approval. This internship provided me with an insight into the practical execution of audits and the operations of a global firm like EY.
What surprised you most about working with EY?
Personally, I was most surprised by the supportive culture at EY. Senior staff members were eager to share their time and knowledge with interns, which enhanced my skills and encouraged me to contribute and ask questions confidently.
Did you get to experience much of the social side of the job over the summer?
The social aspects of the internship were excellent. In addition to the welcome events hosted for the entire intern cohort, our office organised activities like the UKI sports day on Bristol Downs. EY also offers a wide range of communities and networks that cater to various interests and help staff at all levels connect.
Are you planning to return to EY once you graduate, and how does this work once you have done an internship – do you still have to go through the application process with the rest of the graduates?
After graduating, I plan to return to the Bristol office to join the EY Audit Graduate Programme. As part of the process to secure a graduate offer after completing the Summer Internship, interns must gather formal feedback from colleagues both local and aligned to their business area they have collaborated on tasks and projects with. This feedback is reviewed by their personal manager, and broader talent management to support eligibility for the offer. This encourages interns to build relationships beyond their immediate team and broaden their internship experience.
What are you most excited about for when you return to EY?
Creating new relationships. During my internship, I was surrounded by peers, making it easy to build friendships with fellow interns and current professionals. I also spoke with partners who have spent their entire careers at EY and found our views often aligned, giving me great confidence in my future with the firm.
Do you have any advice for your fellow students about participating in summer internships while at university?
Attitude is everything. Although internships can seem challenging or overwhelming, it is crucial to approach them with an open and eager mindset. A positive outlook allows you to become fully engaged in your role while build skills and relationships which will significantly benefit your career in the long-term.
For more information about Ernst & Young, and how you can kickstart your career, please visit the EY website.
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