What did you study?
I studied International Business Studies and French in DCU. Following on from that I completed a Master's in Aerospace Management in Toulouse Business School, graduating in 2019.
What attracted you to your current role?
I completed a summer internship in the Enterprise Risk team which belongs to the Consulting service line here in EY when I was still doing my undergraduate degree, therefore I had some idea of what to expect when joining EY. After completing my Master's, and having spent some time working with Airbus in their Headquarters in France, I decided that I wanted to return to EY in Dublin and complete my accountancy qualifications, and at the same time get a broader experience across a range of industries all while working with a firm that holds a strong brand in the market both nationally and internationally.
The level of variety in the work and the clients that we deal with are definitely a large part of what attracted me to EY. As a result of this hands-on experience, I find that I am constantly learning and developing new skills.
The most challenging thing about the transition to the working world?
I had completed a number of internships during my university years, so the transition wasn’t too drastic. Like many of us, working remotely five days a week was a challenge at first, but after a while I developed a better routine and managed to cultivate a productive work/life balance.
Do you have any mentors in your workplace?
When joining EY, each graduate is assigned a buddy, this is someone who helps them out with the basics when joining. I found this to be a really valuable relationship; knowing that there is always someone you can reach out to for help. You are also assigned a counsellor which I have found to be of great benefit. This is someone who helps you to understand where you want to go with your career and guides you in the right direction. It’s invaluable having this relationship as you gain an insight into your counsellor’s career path and the decisions they made and learnings they experienced along the way.
What is the most valuable thing you learned since joining the workforce?
Be open to opportunities. One thing I have discovered time and again at EY is that there are endless amounts of opportunities out there, it is up to you what you make of them.
How has Covid-19 affected your start in the workplace?
I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be in the EY office before the initial outbreak of Covid-19 in Ireland and to meet with my colleagues in person. After the initial lockdown, it was surprisingly a relatively seamless transition to home working. Much of the work that my team carries out is usually on client site, therefore we were equipped with all of the necessary tools, technology and supports to continue our work without any major disruption.
One piece of advice for new graduates?
Be open-minded, curious and be yourself. Engagement managers and team leaders like to see someone joining the team who has these qualities and is able to bring a new perspective to the day-to-day obstacles that we might face as individuals, and unique solutions to the challenges that we’re supporting our clients with.
– Jenna Clarke-Molloy
