James’s Full-Circle Story: From Smart Futures Participant to Young Volunteer of the Year

I took part in the EY Foundation’s Smart Futures programme back in 2019, after hearing about it through my Head of Sixth Form. At the time, I hadn’t had any corporate experience, but the programme gave me my first real insight into a professional environment and helped build my confidence quickly.

A big part of the experience for me was the support I received, especially from my mentor. They helped me with things like writing my first CV for a part-time job, improving my revision techniques, and providing guidance on UCAS personal statements and apprenticeship applications. The skills I gained during the programme—like tech skills, project management, leadership, and stakeholder management—have been invaluable.

I did my business placement with the Tax Technology and Transformation team, where I now work, and it was a game changer for me. The support from the Foundation empowered me to take my first steps into my career and ultimately join EY in 2020. Now, I volunteer to help create those same opportunities for other young people.

2.      What motivated you to come back and volunteer with the EY Foundation after completing the programme?

Since the programme, I’ve completed a degree apprenticeship and I’ve always wanted to give back and help champion social mobility. Personally, I’ve seen the impact firsthand through the business volunteers who dedicated their time to support me and my peers whilst on the Smart Futures programme—their investment in our experiences truly inspired me and made a significant difference in my journey.

Since joining EY, I’ve wanted to tell people what the EY Foundation does and share my own story. It’s something I’m really passionate about, and being able to give back and play even a small part in that has been so rewarding.

3.      Can you share a moment from your volunteering that really stayed with you, or made you feel proud?  

The moments that stay with me most are the conversations at the end of a programme, when young people share what they've taken away from the experience. Hearing them say they feel more confident, have a clearer idea of their future, or simply thank us for our time is incredibly fulfilling.

What makes me particularly proud is seeing the transformation that can happen over the course of a programme. You'll often meet participants who aren't sure what opportunities are available to them. By the end, they're actively engaged, confidently sharing their ideas, showcasing what they've learnt, and talking about career paths they hadn't previously considered.

As someone who was once in their position, I know how much those opportunities can mean. It reminds me of my own experience as a Smart Futures participant in 2019 and the impact EY Foundation volunteers had on me. Knowing that I've been able to play even a small part in helping someone build confidence, discover new opportunities, or take their first steps towards a career they may never have considered is what makes volunteering so rewarding and why I continue to get involved.

4.      What do you personally gain from volunteering with the EY Foundation — and what would you say to someone considering getting involved?

Volunteering with the EY Foundation has given me so much more than just the opportunity to give back. I've been able to meet and work with colleagues from across EY that I wouldn't normally connect with, develop new skills, and gain experiences that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. It's also given me the chance to reflect on my own journey and appreciate the support I received when I was starting out.

The impact that these programmes have on young people is genuinely life changing, and it’s rewarding to know there are so many young people like me whose lives and careers have been shaped because of this work.

To anyone thinking about getting involved—whether that’s through volunteering, mentoring, fundraising or simply helping spread awareness—I’d really encourage you to do it. The opportunities you help create are so important.

5.      What difference do you hope your volunteering makes to the young people you work with?

I hope my volunteering helps young people build confidence, understand what opportunities are available to them, and feel comfortable in a professional environment. Not everyone grows up knowing what careers are out there or how to get into them, so even that exposure can make a huge difference.

With the right support, there are more pathways into professional careers than people might realise. If I can help someone take those first steps—like my mentor supported me—then that’s what matters most.