August 8, 2010
From the minute I got off the bus from the Orlando Airport, I was
greeted with an unbelievable amount of energy and EY love. From the
bumble bee mascot to the loud music to the cheerleaders with yellow and
black pom-poms...the 1,400 international interns knew this was a sight
to be seen at the 2010 International Intern Leadership Conference
(IILC).
One might have thought that the vibe would have slowly faded
throughout the four days, but quite to the contrary. Throughout the
conference, the interns were entertained by our amazing MC (shout-out
to Americas Director of Campus Recruiting). We had the opportunity to
listen and be inspired by the CEO of EY (Shout-out to Table 13 - CEO
sat with us at dinner the first night!), the Americas VPs of tax,
assurance, and advisory serves, world-famous entrepreneurs, America
Directors, Global Area Managing Partners and so much more! While the
speakers inspired us to stretch ourselves as young professionals to
seize opportunities and follow the EY values, the workshops and team
building activities gave us the knowledge and tools to learn how to
effectively communicate and improve our teaming skills.
One of the most exciting moments of the conference was when I was
recognized for...drum roll please...this blog! During the conference, EY had
established a "Stay Connected" booth in which interns could post on
twitter, facebook, and other social networking site during the IILC
about the IILC. While the Americas Director of Campus Recruiting was
discussing the "Stay Connected" station, he mentioned that one intern
had been "staying connected" throughout the whole internship! He called
my name infront of all 1,400 interns, and I was recognized for my work
as a blogger!
In reflection, the blog has been an amazing tool, and I've loved
the act of blogging with all my heart. Without a doubt, the process of
even starting the blog allowed me to expand my network with EY
professionals through the help of my campus recruiter and the EY
communications and branding team. In addition, it has allowed me to
become an informal ambassador for one of the best places to work! It
has allowed to me stretch myself to the max - whether it was creatively
writing or genuinely taking a step back and reflecting upon such a
fast-paced experience.
This blog could not have been possible without the support and
help of many people. NJSCPA has played a pivotal role in giving me a
venue to share my experience. As this was the first ever blog request
that EY has ever received, the EY communications and branding team has
been so helpful and supportive in providing me with guidance and
advice! A huge shout-out to my campus recruiters for all their time and
effort in pointing me in the write directions. And last but definitely
not least, this blog could not have been a tiny bit successful without
the support of all of you loyal readers. As much as it has been an
amazing experience for myself, I sincerely hope that this blog has helped you or
given you some insight.
As I near the end of my last blog, I am confident that whatever my
future may hold, I know that EY has given me the opportunity of a life
time to meet amazing people, grow tremendously, and learn beyond belief.
And without a doubt, they have lended me a hand ever single step of the
way. I am extremely humbled and fortunate to have experienced such an
amazing internship.
From the first day of the internship as a nervous intern walking
down 7th avenue to the plane ride back to NJ from the IILC, I have no
doubt in the world that EY will help me
achieve my professional and personal goals and that it is the right
place
for me. As seen through all the aspects of my internship, it is clear
that they have
made it a priority to invest in their people, and they will continue to
do so throughout every avenue that a career at EY may take you!
Until my next blogging endeavor (which I hope will be soon!), I wish you all the best!