Company: EY
Date: 2017-05-19
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Junior

Good place to work if you don't mind it being corporate
Pros: I had great support from my manager and wider team. They were very helpful in encouraging me not to overwork and supported me with figuring out how to make part-time work in the role. 

Although I was 'just'  in a support function (my phrasing) my contributions were valued by the technical teams I supported and there were clear opportunities for professional development if you wanted to move up. 

Flexible working is embraced and facilitated very well (not just talked about)  - wide-spread use within the company of Skype so you can collaborate with anyone, from anywhere. 

Free hot drinks from a machine (not amazing quality but hot chocolate is great for a little pick-me-up!)
Cons: Office /EY global policy of hot-desking makes it hard to build meaningful relationships with colleagues and the office (2nd floor) had quite a quiet 'library' feel to it. That made it difficult to talk to people as I didn't like others listening in (for shy people life is hard!)  

Break area for lunch in Barbirolli Square was not separated from work area and didn't feel like a private, chilled or welcoming space to eat in, especially if you want to have your lunch by yourself. 

Expectation to work hard and play hard in order to build relationships and become embedded in the teams. But that is difficult if you already have a busy social life outside of work or just like quiet nights in.