Client Focus Groups, what have they been up to?

CLIENT FOCUS GROUPS

Back in June 2020, we held client focus groups which provided us with great feedback on our documentation and online presence.

One of the groups was made up of younger people who were mainly linked to either the EY Foundation* or the Haberdashers’** .

We asked them what they were doing when we last spoke to them and caught up with them to see what they are up to now.

MILLIE SMITH

I was in my first year at 6th form studying economics, statistics and geography. Covid-19 had a big impact on my time at college and subsequently cancelled my A-Levels, but that didn’t phase me too much. Since September 2021, I have been working full time on an apprenticeship scheme at PwC in the Audit department and studying towards my ACA qualification. What I have learnt in this time is how different and how much more demanding the whole transition into the corporate world has been versus anything I have ever done before.

DANIEL BABALOLA

Amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, I was working part-time as a key worker in preparation to start university. In the upcoming academic year, I will enter my third and final year at Cambridge studying Economics. Currently, I am interning at Morgan Stanley as a Leveraged Finance (LevFin) Summer Analyst. My biggest highlight has been reaching the finals of he IBD-GCM Football tournament with the LevFin team. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with members of the desk and watching how great teamwork transferred over to the sport.atching how great teamwork transferred over to the sport.

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO?

KEMI ADEYEMI

I was in my first year of medical school at Kings College London. I’m now going into my 4th year of study and working on a research project at Kings College Hospital with Dr James Galloway, one of the consultants there. Both of which I’m very excited about.

During the last year, I began clinical placement for the first time, which I’d say has been my biggest highlight. Although challenging at times, I’ve learnt so much and feel as though I’m beginning to develop my clinical identity as a doctor. It’s also been great seeing patients and learning from them and the doctors at my placement hospital and GP.

PEDRO EVANS

I was previously finishing my industrial placement year as a ‘Credit Risk Intern’ at the Very Group.

In the last four months, I have joined a company called Evolution Money Ltd as a Credit Risk Analyst. Previously, I was working for Studio Retail Ltd for a year and 10 months where I progressed from a ‘Student Placement Credit Analyst’ to ‘Credit Risk Analyst’, whilst finishing my studies at the University of Manchester.

I have gone on to achieve numerous things from passing my driving test to getting two new jobs. However, my highlight would have to be achieving a First Class in BSC Accounting with Industrial Placement Year at The University of Manchester. The rationale behind my degree being the greatest highlight comes from the setbacks, which I endured and persevered through, where I still was able to reach the goal I set for myself when I first joined University.

*The EY Foundation works with disadvantaged young people, employers and social entrepreneurs. It helps young people, regardless of background to realise their ambitions and transition into work, higher education or self-employment. We have been working with the EY Foundation since 2015. www.ey.com/en_uk/people/ey-foundation **The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the Great 12 Livery Companies with a focus on educational and charitable activities. We have been connected to the Haberdashers since 2012.