Ernst & Young Degree Apprenticeship for Ehsan

Degree apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route for ambitious students who want the best of both worlds: professional experience alongside academic study.

They are also fiercely competitive, with applications often matching the intensity of the hardest university courses. We caught up with one of our recent leavers, Ehsan,who is about to begin his own journey at Ernst & Young.

So where are you heading next, and what made this route feel right for you?

I will be joining the Business Consultancy department at Ernst & Young, studying towards a Level 6 Business Leadership and Management degree alongside a professional qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This apprenticeship attracted me because it combines practical, hands-on experience with formal academic study, providing a unique opportunity to develop both professionally and academically. Being dyslexic makes it harder for me to sit and read pages of notes and books to study. A degree apprenticeship was a no brainer for me as I learn a lot better practically and on the job.

What will day-to-day life look like once you start?

I will work in the Consulting Service Delivery (CSD) team within the business consultancy division. CSD specialises in operational delivery, supporting areas such as financial crime, conduct risk, and transformation. I will contribute to a range of client projects, assisting with the assessment, transformation, and monitoring of their risks and controls.

My role will involve working collaboratively within a team, meeting daily targets, participating in team meetings, and working on a range of projects independently with the knowledge and skills I would have gathered. Approximately 20% of my time will be dedicated to academic study, with the remaining 80% spent on client engagements. The apprenticeship is scheduled to last three years.

How did Bancroft’s and Sixth Form set you up for this step?

Bancroft’s promoted a culture of continuous learning, which encouraged my personal and academic growth. Attending a meeting with Old Bancroftians who had pursued degree apprenticeships provided my first insight into this pathway. Sixth Form further developed my problem-solving skills and exposed me to unique situations, which helped shape my character and supported me in interview settings by drawing on personal experiences and lessons learned from challenges.

Were there particular subjects or teachers who had a big influence on you?

Economics – A*: Economics introduced me to the financial world and the analytical skills required to interpret complex information. I enjoyed examining the effects and impacts of various events and bringing multiple theories together. I am grateful to Miss Dean, Miss Patel, and Miss Anthony for their guidance and perseverance in supporting my learning. It really was a steep and late learning curve.

Mathematics – A: Mathematics has always been a favourite subject due to its logical and problem-solving aspects. I appreciated the challenge of tackling complex problems using different methods. Special thanks to Miss Tynan for her dedication and going the extra mile to ensure I fully understood the material.

Physics – B: Physics taught me perseverance and dedication. Initially struggling, I committed to self-study over the summer, using online resources and creating my own notes. This experience demonstrated the importance of persistence and gradual progress, and I drew on it during interviews.

And beyond the classroom, what did you enjoy most about school life?

I valued the sense of community at Bancroft’s, where students from different years connected well. This environment fostered friendships across year groups and encouraged mentorship from older friends. My involvement in rugby since the age of seven at Bancroft’s helped me develop strong friendships within the team as well as outside in classes after being sat next to someone back in the GCSE years.

What are you most looking forward to as you start this new chapter?

I am excited to live independently and experience a university-style environment while working in a prestigious firm. The opportunity to earn a salary without incurring student debt allows me to pursue personal goals while building professional experience. I look forward to beginning this new chapter and excelling in a field I am passionate about.

Finally, what would you say to younger students thinking about apprenticeships?

Don’t give up, rejections are standard, acceptance is out of the norm with about 80,000 applicants. If you want one be persistent and have a good reason ready as to why you want this role and why you are different to the 80,000 other 18-year-olds looking for the same role. Start building experience early through work placements, part-time jobs, and online courses, and showcase your achievements. Take on leadership roles, such as leading school associations or serving as a Prefect, and participate in sports to develop teamwork and goal-setting skills.

Prepare thoroughly for interviews by tailoring responses to the specific firm and apprenticeship, researching the company deeply, and seeking guidance from current employees. Demonstrating genuine interest and unique insights will set you apart from other candidates.