Can you share insights into the mentorship or guidance you received during your journey within your team and the wider EY community?
The foremost reason I chose EY is because of the people. They were amazing when I began my journey as a vacationer and are amazing to this day. Starting when I was a vacationer, my team was incredibly welcoming and supportive, helping to create the best experience I could have in my short internship. During the internship, my counsellor would sit down with me regularly and check in to see how I was doing. During these sessions, I would bring a big list of questions, which he would then run through with me one-by-one and make sure I understood. Many of those conversations formed the basis for what I understand today.
When I returned as a consultant, I began performing more extensive, complex tasks and whole projects. While I mentioned that this was daunting at first, I continued to have the full support of my teammates whenever I was struggling with a certain task. In addition to that, I regularly meet with my counsellor to discuss my career and what I should be focusing on to advance. Those discussions have been invaluable and have steered me forward in my career.
Outside of my team, there have been a number of other EY people who have supported me while also celebrating my culture. I am the first in my family to work in the corporate environment and one of the few Indigenous workers in the Brisbane office. Having Yarns with these people has been one of the best ways to relax and embrace living in two worlds.
Describe a specific project or task from your early days that stands out as a valuable learning experience. How did it contribute to your professional growth?
A standout project for me would have been a due diligence project my team performed on an allied health franchise. In the first few months when I started in my role, I performed small tasks across different assignments. The due diligence project was the first project I saw from beginning to end, and there were several tasks that I had not completed before. While the learning curve was steep and a bit stressful at times, I had a senior consultant alongside me, walking through anything I needed to do and ensuring I was on the right track. Overall, that project gave me my first real taste of transaction diligence and how it works. I can now look back at the tasks I performed on that project and do them in a quarter of the time.
What aspects of your job have evolved since you started, and how have you adapted with these changes?
The largest change, I would say, is growth in responsibility. At the EY organisation, the responsibility you hold during projects is linear throughout your career. At the beginning of my career, I was allocated tasks and explained how to do them, whereas now I participate in discussions on how certain projects can be approached and even give tasks to new staff. Ultimately, I would say it’s a significant advantage, as you have the opportunity to contribute and grow at a faster pace than in typical corporate environments.
How have you actively sought out opportunities for skill development and advancement within EY?
One of my favourite aspects of EY is that it has a culture of constant learning and growth. For my team specifically, we have recurring lunch and learn lectures specific to our work and dedicated transaction diligence courses for each junior level spanning two to three days. Aside from that, I also like to use EY’s free access to online learning modules, and I am looking to begin my Chartered Accounts this year.
In what ways have you contributed to the company culture and fostered collaboration among colleagues since joining as a graduate?
My biggest contribution to our organisation's culture would have been my involvement in EY's Yarning Circle. I started attending the Brisbane Yarning Circle when it first began in 2021. I became increasingly involved as it went on to the point where I am now the national co-lead. In my role, I help run and facilitate the Brisbane and National Yarning Circles and organise Brisbane's NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week events. Running the Yarning Circle has allowed me to connect and network with people of all ranks across EY that I wouldn't have otherwise met. I truly enjoy the work we do at the Yarning Circle, and it is fulfilling to know that we are creating a more safe and culturally intelligent workplace.