* The interview was conducted in Jan 2004

• University Education
• What was the nature of your internship at Ernst & Young?
• What did you do during these six weeks?
• What have you learned from the internship?
• What sort of person will enjoy the kind of internship that you had?
• What sort of skills do you need to do well in the internship?
• Do you have any advice for students interested in applying for the internship?
• How did you prepare yourself for the various selection processes?
• What are the secrets for passing paper screening and interviews?
• How did you prepare for interviews?
• Did you manage to anticipate interview questions? Did you prepare correct answers for these questions?
• Advice for other students?

University Education

Bachelor of Economics & Finance, Year III

What was the nature of your internship at Ernst & Young?

I joined Ernst & Young as an Intern in the summer of 2003.

It was an internship in auditing and taxation. I was posted to the Tax Department and worked there for six weeks.

What did you do during these six weeks?

The programme was divided into two parts: on-the-job training and classroom training.

On-the-job, I was responsible for three tasks:

1. Filing - As EY has a huge number of clients, I needed to have solid knowledge of the filing system in order to retrieve and file documents in a timely manner
   
   
2. Handling tax computation - checking tax regulations and inputting figures in the tailored-made tax computer programme
   
   
3. Drafting letters - preparing correspondence to be sent to clients. The purpose of these letters range from clarifying information to requesting evidence for tax computation (e.g. invoice)

Attention to details is required to complete these fundamental assignments efficiently and accurately. Getting them right will facilitate my supervisors who have very tight schedule and heavy workload in completing the assignment on time. I get satisfaction from being able to make contribution in this aspect.

The classroom training comprised truly interactive games and creative training workshops which aimed at enhancing interns' soft-skills such as creativity, leadership, interpersonal and communication. Technical training included the use of tax computation programme; knowledge on debit / credit and profit/loss accounts.

What have you learned from the internship?

The training was fabulous. In addition to acquiring some technical skills, I learned to work and communicate effectively with business executives and clients of different levels and to be attentive to details because a mistake in a number or digit will result in fatal error. Also, I learned to be more client-focused.

What sort of person will enjoy the kind of internship that you had?

People who enjoy meeting people, like to learn and welcome challenges will find working in a friendly, dynamic and open working environment rewarding.

Interns are expected to be cheerful and mature persons who have positive work attitude. Overtime work is occasionally required.

What sort of skills do you need to do well in the internship?

1. Meticulous - to ensure work accuracy and compliance with regulations set out by the relevant authority.
   
   
2. Communication skills - to communicate effectively verbally and in written form. All written correspondence is prepared in English.
   
   
3. Being out-going and sociable - this will help develop and nurture friendship among peers and supervisors. One of the most rewarding experiences is to befriend with peers and managers. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses, some managers have provided me with advice on my career plan and choice.

Do you have any advice for students interested in applying for the internship?

Be well-prepared for the selection exercises. Research the company website before the interview and after you are appointed. Outstanding trainees (only several from the hundred) will be selected to attend an international conference in the States.

Show your competency, motivation and enthusiasm. Trainees with satisfactory performance will be given a conditional offer.

How did you prepare yourself for the various selection processes?

There were two rounds. The first one was an individual interview conducted by a Human Resources Manager. The second one was a group interview and it was chaired by a Tax Partner.

What are the secrets for passing paper screening and interviews?

Good preparation is required: a good understanding of the company and yourself. It is important to support your strengths and achievements with concrete examples. Show that you are willing to take challenges and that you are eager to shed your weaknesses.

Be confident, enthusiastic and a good listener. Respond positively to difficult questions or questions about your weaknesses.

My biggest tip - SMILE.

How did you prepare for interviews?

I spent a lot of time reflecting on my strengths and achievements. For each of the activity I participated in, I asked myself what experience was gained and what I have learned. With the list of strengths and achievements, I then worked out what contributions I can make to Ernst & Young.

Did you manage to anticipate interview questions? Did you prepare correct answers for these questions?

I was prepared to talk about my hobbies, exchange experience, achievements, weaknesses and strengths. Apart from the self-introduction, I did not prepare answers. I brought along relevant certificates and testimonials and showed them to the interviewers at relevant time. This helped convince the interviewer of my skills and achievements.

Advice for other students?

Spend your time working fruitfully for different companies. This will not only help you build up your resume but also open your eyes and widen your network. Some companies will also give conditional offer to interns with good performance.

Questions and comments are welcome. Send a note to <cepc@cepc.hku.hk>.