The concept of a workplace is changing in a very fast pace. The workforce and organisations have been catching up with that leap, delivering and providing mutual benefit to each other respectively. I have come across this occurrence through the EY Summer Internship 2018 – a twelve-week internship programme that I got fully involved with.
Through the internship, I gained a practical experience of what a professional life is and, in some way, uncovered the realities of the working world. I have observed the efforts exerted by the firm to cater the growing needs of the modern workforce by setting up a space that does not simply shelter employees but a strategic tool to foster collaboration, productivity and growth – commonly referred to as “workplace of the future”. Strategic management is a process that the management of a company develops new set of strategies for its people and operations. (Robbin, et al., 2017)
Building and sustaining a competitive advantage among competitors is a tough line that I have remarkably noticed. Through the implementation of efficient and smart business practices for everyday job such as extensive changes in infrastructure and design, shift in diverse workforce, work flexibility arrangements, and the continuous technological changes and advances (i.e. electronic equipment replacing mundane tasks or jobs automation) and reliance on technology drive in order to adapt and meet new demands of the market – dominates the ‘workplace of the future’ scheme.
Significant changes aiming for a better workplace has an inherent factor of selecting and attracting a better workforce. In most cases, the overall success of a business relies on the performance of its personnel, thus, it is essential to employ the right people from day one.
The internship application process down to the final interview day are, in both ways, challenging and rewarding. I was stunned to have been invited for an interview and, even more so, overwhelmed to have been selected out of the 3,000+/- candidates who applied for the programme.
Prior to the commencement of the internship, I was on the process of reflecting the fact that I am part of the approximately 120 successful candidates who are given the opportunity to be part of the pre-eminent programme. I had a notion that there must be a certain unique standard on how their selection process is conducted – the thought I had remained in question and induced me to figure out the type of individuals (particularly the interns) they employ.
Over the internship period I perceived that in order to keep up with the ever-changing and progressing needs of the firm’s clients, hiring a diverse range of people from different background and various disciplines are EY’s focal points. However, it was not solely hiring a ‘diverse group’, the firm’s selection criteria ensure that despite the diversity, its people are like-minded individuals – “different backgrounds and various disciplines – shared values”.
The workplace of today is getting more diverse at an ever-increasing pace. The current workforce now comes with different gender, cultural background, ethnicity, personality, group, age, educational background and other relevant factors that set individuals apart. On top of these, it is an undeniable fact that a diverse workforce may either form bond or introduce gap between themselves. Several opportunities and challenges are tied in with having a diverse range of people and I have witnessed this from observation and experience all the way through.
Over the internship period, I have worked with several different people and I have become aware of the fact that diversity in the workplace initiates and increases creativity and productivity by encouraging diverse range of perspectives and opinions that comes from a wider talent pool. Moreover, studies have found that in decision making, a diverse group is more fact-based – looking beyond traditional ways of thinking but re-examining certain facts to remain objective. Additionally, I have remarkably noticed that it drives cross-cultural understanding and innovative thinking which, in effect, creates a better working environment and better business solutions, thus, positioning the firm in a global competitive level.
As the workplace shifts to being more diverse, challenges and issues rise accordingly. By 2025, studies show that millennials will make up 75% of the workforce and will change the work culture. At present, I have observed generation gap challenges particularly on the aspects of technological advancement, flexible working arrangements and how a work should be performed – social circles and cliques are formed as result of this. Communication in the workplace also present itself as an issue, a diverse group means people of different ethnicity – English is not always the first language, this becomes a barrier to deliver information across effectively and accurately. Respect and acceptance in the workplace are also vital as it is a fundamental aspect of a better working environment. I realised that mutual respect is achieved through acceptance of the fact each one of us are equally important and different – we all add value.
Several movements have been carried out and various projects have been implemented to cope up with the needs and demands of both employees and the market. I realised that as a new generation takes part in the workforce, the work culture shifts dramatically. Nowadays, numerous trends have been shaping the future of work, predominantly the continuous advancement of technology. However, technology will never be enough – as people and technology will define the future of work.
Listed below are the realisations I have acquired from the internship experience:
Open environment
Establishing and sustaining an open working environment where different creative and innovative ideas are free flowing grants quicker access to relevant information needed and drives more connection between the firm and its people. This type of working environment gives everyone a voice, eliminating the top-down management approach of the past – connecting us, people, on the same platform.
Automated and Integrated
Technology advancement replaces mundane tasks performed by employees which effectively increases productivity as time is allotted to a more significant task. As I tend to use several different tools to accomplish work, it enables me to be more efficient and effective in getting my work done with the support of technology.
Diversity and Flexibility
An organisation that promotes a work culture that considers and adapts to meet individual needs of its people is steps ahead of the game. The summer interns I worked with are a great example of diversity as we all came from different backgrounds and disciplines – we had wider talent pool which paved the way for a more innovative and creative business solutions for the firm. In addition, EY currently has a ‘family-friendly workplace’ policy that allows flexible work arrangements not limited to family matters but to a reasonable extent. This is a very important aspect as it recognises, accepts and celebrates differences of each individual.
As I stepped out of college for three months and dipped my toes into the professional life, I also came out of the working world with innumerable and eye-opener real world lessons and realisations that I would not encounter on a daily basis in a student life. Technology, people, work environment and work culture are all equally substantial and has a great impact into the ambiance, drive and performance of the employees – the overall success of an organisation lies on these grounds.
I have realised that in order for myself to remain competitive in this ever-changing workplace and workforce preferences, it is more than obtaining an honours degree but possessing the right character and values that employers look for in a potential candidate. People often underestimate the way they communicate, interact or behave in a certain way. Even more so, improving soft skills are often neglected as individuals often focus on their technical skills.
However, over the internship period, it was not all about accounting and finance task, but it was also a simple coffee-break chat with a partner of the firm, a 10-minute catch-up meeting with a senior manager asking for the output of the current work done, a real-life elevator pitch with a director of the firm and random professional or personal discussions with colleagues. Technical skills are clearly and evidently vital to a professional life. Nevertheless, soft skills such as being able to communicate your ideas and output, being able to collaborate with the team and being able to interact with others are highly valued in the business world. In time, people will obtain similar qualifications just like what I have, however, my personal attributes are what sets me apart – it is my edge in this increasingly competitive and modern working world.
With the graduate programme opportunity, as it is now a long-term position, I would involve myself more into the firm’s social and networking events as well as its projects and societies. This would further develop my soft skills and would provide support to my adaption of the ever-changing workplace. Moreover, immersing myself into the firm would provide assistance into coping up with changes, issues, challenges and opportunities around me.
For my career progression, it is also my priority and responsibility to take licensure exams to be a qualified accountant. I would ensure a work-life-study balance to meet both of my personal and professional goals. It is of considerable importance to strike a balance between developing my skills on both sides and also taking good care of my physical and well-being.
It is of great privilege to have been offered a graduate position in EY. In the near future, 9 months from now, I will once again enter the professional life in the business world. The transition of a student life to a professional life is a huge leap for me – with the knowledge of no turning back, no more college to return to after summer and that I will be permanently setting foot in the working world is terrifying but exciting at the same time.
The overall internship experience delivered real-life lessons that I would not have captured in the four corners of the classroom – EY’s approach went far beyond meeting the ‘millennial intern’ goals and needs. An insight into the working world through involvement and exposure to real work disrupted the stereotypical intern idea and experience. The practical knowledge I gained over the internship period enhanced my career choice and understanding. It was a valuable and rewarding experience that is mutually beneficial to me and to the firm. I cannot wait for all the opportunities that comes along with it.