A degree of ëon the jobí experience

Ernst and Young has welcomed its first group of fresh faced undergraduates from the firmís accountancy degree programme ñ offered by the University of Lancaster ñ for a taster of corporate life.

18 students are one month into a three month placement at Ernst and Young offices across the UKñ from London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh ñ as part of the four-year sandwich degree.

The Big 4 accountants of the future have joined the firm at one of the busiest times of the year for auditors ñ the end of the reporting season ñ and are gaining first hand experience of working on site with some of the firms top audit clients and teams.

Ernst and Young degree student, Ben Dickinson, who is completing his placement at the firmís London office said: ìI wanted to distinguish myself from other graduates and the opportunity to combine academic study, work placement and a fast-track to chartered accountancy qualification was not to be missed.î

Ben is currently working with an Ernst and Young team completing year-end audit work on large real estate, and construction clients. ìBusy season is intense but is a great way to learn - well supported with lots to do ñ itís great preparation for a graduate career,î added Ben.

Incorporating work experience and professional exams at an early stage, Ernst and Young students will be on a fast track to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, up to eighteen months ahead of other new graduate joiners. The students spend 15-18 months on salaried placement with the firm and receive a first year bursary to contribute to university set up.

Other benefits of the degree include, the opportunity to sit professional exams whilst still an undergraduate - completing 7 out of 10 professional exams before graduation - and the opportunity to apply for a three month secondment to one of Ernst and Youngís overseas offices at the end of the industrial placement.

Partner Riaz Shah, Ernst and Youngís Head of People and Operations in its Assurance practice, said: ìThe Ernst and Young degree offers undergraduates an unrivalled opportunity to genuinely get ahead in their careers and the experience of working with a global firm. In turn, we benefit from the energy, enthusiasm and drive these students bring to the firm during their placements and the cumulative experience they will bring with them on joining the firm as graduates.î

The Ernst and Young degree in Accounting, Auditing and Finance was launched in 2005 in partnership with Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). 18 students initially enrolled on the degree course, increasing to 27 in 2006, with room for 40 new entrants in September this year.

Ernst and Young is one of the largest graduate recruiters in the UK and is the fastest growing of the Big 4 both in terms of revenue and in the numbers of graduates it recruits.