EY Foundation to EY: Kirat Singh

Hi Kirat, can you tell us a brief overview of your journey from school into your current role?

My journey from school into my current role, as a Cyber Apprentice within Technology Consulting for EY, started back in Year 12 when I heard about the EY Foundation Smart Futures Programme. I applied not knowing if I would get in, but I did. This experience in the corporate world was new to me. During my time on the EY Foundation Programme, I attended an apprentice panel where I learned more about apprenticeships in general, as well as the apprenticeship opportunities at EY. I also shadowed a client project which gave me insights into how working on a client project would look like at EY. The whole experience was invaluable and eye-opening, from the actual work to the office environment, it was something I had never seen before. From that day, I knew that I wanted to pursue an apprenticeship.

As I returned to Sixth Form during Year 13, I started applying for apprenticeships while still applying to universities to keep my options open. I faced many rejections for apprenticeships, but I did make it to the final stages for some, particularly for EY. It was a tough time handling revision, applying to apprenticeships, and completing my UCAS application which involved doing loads of research for the potential universities I wanted to apply for and writing my personal statement. I remember securing my final interview for EY, and I was very happy - it went very well and felt more like a conversation. 

Once I finished my A-Levels, I started working at Greggs and my brother’s garage as I wanted to start making some money before going to university or starting my apprenticeship. Until one day I received the email and call confirming that I was accepted into EY, and here I am today. I am more grateful than ever and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me, from being an EY Foundation Smart Futures Intern to a Cyber Apprentice at EY. 

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt during your career journey so far?

The most important thing I have learned so far during my career journey is the power of networking and socialising with professionals and colleagues, as well as the importance of asking questions whenever in doubt. Don’t ever be scared to ask questions if you’re not sure about something. Additionally, making sure to always put yourself forward for every opportunity to work with different people is a must. Building a network and collaborating with professionals in your team will allow you to learn from them and also ensure that you can reach out to them when needed, knowing they are experienced in a certain area.

How did you feel about entering the workplace after school, did you anticipate any difficulties or challenges?

Jumping into work right after Sixth Form was definitely a challenge. I had to get used to the corporate culture, which meant waking up early every day to start work, definitely a big change! On top of that, I was dealing with imposter syndrome. Being the youngest person in the team and coming straight from school made it tough. I always felt like everyone around me was smarter and more experienced, and I worried they’d just see me as “an apprentice.”

But honestly, I was wrong about that. The team welcomed me with open arms from the start. They included me in discussions and really valued my input, which helped ease my worries. I was given the same responsibilities as graduates and placement students, which not only boosted my confidence but also made me feel like I was actually contributing to projects. It was awesome to see that they trusted me to take on real work.

As I got more comfortable in my role, I realised that my fresh perspective as a newcomer brought some new ideas to the mix. The team had a great vibe, encouraging open communication and collaboration, which helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned that everyone, no matter their experience level, has something valuable to offer, and that realisation has been a huge part of my journey.

What impact did Smart Futures have regarding these challenges and your career journey?

The Smart Futures Programme really gave me a solid insight into the corporate world, which helped me tackle all the challenges that came with starting my career. It put me in a much better position to kick off my journey as an apprentice. One of the biggest things I learned was about communication and presentation skills during my business experience with EY on the Programme.

I got to practice how to present my ideas clearly and confidently, which is super important in a professional setting. Plus, I picked up on the little things, like dressing nicely for work. I noticed how everyone dressed for meetings and the overall vibe in the office. It made me realise that looking the part is just as important as knowing your stuff.

Being around professionals who were passionate about their work really inspired me. I learned how to engage in conversations, ask the right questions, and present myself in a way that reflects my professionalism. All of these experiences made me feel more prepared and excited to step into my role as an apprentice.

Why did you decide to return as a business experience host for other young people from low-income backgrounds?

I really love what the EY Foundation has done for my career journey. It opened up so many new aspects of life within EY that I never even considered before. Being able to give back by hosting and mentoring students has been an absolute pleasure. Being part of the EY Foundation Central Team in Cyber and being able to host EY Foundation’s programmes has given me the chance to help the next generation of students get a real insight into EY, and more specifically, what it’s like to be a Cyber Apprentice.

Looking back, there wasn’t much awareness about the EY Foundation Programmes, especially at my school. But since then, the EY Foundation has really built a strong relationship with my school to support more young people there, and it feels great to be part of that change. Giving back to students just feels like the right thing to do. I love being able to share my experiences and help them see the exciting opportunities that are out there. It’s rewarding to know that I can make a difference in their journey, just like the EY Foundation did for me.

What advice would you give to 16/17 year olds who might be in the same position you were in 2-3 years ago? 

My biggest piece of advice is to always explore every opportunity and never give up. I got the chance to apply for the EY Foundation through my Sixth Form when they mentioned it to me. They warned me that it was pretty competitive and had a long application process, which made me hesitate. I was already super busy with revision and thought, “Should I really go for this?” But I decided to go for it, and it ended up doing wonders for me.

I also applied for a ton of work experience placements and apprenticeships, and I faced a lot of rejections along the way before I finally got into EY for both work experience and the apprenticeship. It was tough, but I learned that a rejection is just a redirection. Each “no” taught me something valuable. I made sure to learn from my mistakes and used the feedback I received to improve my next applications.

So, to anyone who’s 16 or 17 and might be in the same boat I was a couple of years ago, don’t get discouraged. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every setback is just a stepping stone to something better. Embrace the journey, learn from it, and keep striving for your goals!