Big 4 Interview Questions | EY Business Consulting Interview | Risk Advisory | EY Interview Question

Summary

In this insightful interview, Pranav Shah shares his journey from qualifying in the November May '22 attempt to landing a role in risk advisory at EY through personal networking. He emphasizes the importance of good connections, flexibility in job hunting, and the value of diverse experiences in risk advisory. Pranav provides a detailed account of his interview process, the relevance of his articleship, and the growth trajectory in his role. He also discusses work-life balance, the benefits of working at EY, and offers advice for aspiring CA students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pranav Shah, the interviewee, works in risk advisory at EY Business Consultants, a role he secured through personal networking rather than campus placement.
• 🔍 Pranav was introduced to the field of management consultancy through a workshop and was determined to pursue a career in this area, despite the competitive nature of the industry.
• 💡 He emphasizes the importance of networking, as his job opportunity came through a friend's referral on Instagram, highlighting the unconventional ways job seekers can find opportunities.
• 🎯 Pranav initially aimed for a career in management consultancy but was open to exploring other domains, demonstrating flexibility in his career path.
• 📚 His articleship experience in indirect taxation provided him with valuable professional skills, such as taking ownership of assignments and client relationship management, despite not being directly related to his current role.
• 🛠️ Pranav's role involves foreseeing business risks, recommending solutions, and identifying control or process gaps, which is a mix of technical and advisory work.
• 🚀 He views risk advisory as a stepping stone to management consultancy, suggesting it offers a solid foundation for understanding business functions.
• 🤝 Pranav's interview process at EY was streamlined due to a strong performance, indicating the importance of preparation and adaptability in the hiring process.
• 🌐 EY's global reach and brand value offer employees exposure to diverse clients and travel opportunities, contributing to a rich professional experience.
• 🌱 The growth trajectory in risk advisory is seen as faster with fewer hierarchical levels, allowing for quicker progression to senior roles.
• 🏖 Work-life balance in the role is described as flexible, with periods of intense work followed by less pressure, reflecting the dynamic nature of consulting work.

Q & A

How did Pranav Shah land his job at EY through personal efforts?

Pranav Shah found his job at EY through a friend who sent him a vacancy notice on Instagram. He expressed his interest in interviewing, and fortunately, he was granted an opportunity and successfully secured the position.

What was the role of networking in Pranav's job search process?

Networking played a significant role in Pranav's job search. He informed his friends about his interest in management consultancy, and one of them sent him the job opening at EY, which eventually led to his employment.

How did Pranav's preparation for management consultancy interviews benefit him?

Pranav's preparation for management consultancy interviews helped him develop a strong foundation and confidence. This preparation made him well-equipped to handle the technical and case-based questions during his interview at EY.

What was the initial confusion regarding the role Pranav was interviewing for?

Initially, Pranav thought he was interviewing for a management consultancy role, but during the interview, he realized it was for a risk advisory position. His prior preparation for management consultancy helped him adapt well to this realization.

What does a risk advisor or business consultancy advisor typically do?

A risk advisor or business consultancy advisor mainly foresees risks in a client's business landscape, recommends solutions, highlights control or process gaps, and assists in improving those areas. They also perform tasks like internal audit and SOP implementations.

How does Pranav describe the growth trajectory in his role at EY?

Pranav explains that in his role, he would progress from a consultant to a senior consultant after three years, then to a manager level, and eventually to a director and partner if he stays with the firm for 15-20 years.

What misconception does Pranav clarify about risk advisory being just internal audit?

Pranav clarifies that while internal audit is a part of risk advisory, risk advisory is a broader field that encompasses various other assignments and is not limited to just internal audit functions.

How relevant was Pranav's articleship experience to his current role?

Although Pranav's articleship was majorly in indirect taxation and not directly relevant technically, the experience helped him develop professional skills, ownership of assignments, and client relationship management, which are valuable in his current role.

What advice does Pranav have for those preparing for interviews, especially for management consultancy roles?

Pranav advises to prepare for the worst, meaning to prepare thoroughly for management consultancy interviews as it equips one with the ability to handle any type of interview situation with confidence.

How does Pranav describe the work-life balance at EY?

Pranav describes the work-life balance at EY as flexible, with the need to work extra hours when required but also having periods of less pressure. The firm compensates with travel opportunities and a supportive team environment.

What are the potential future steps for Pranav in his career at EY or beyond?

Pranav is considering potential steps such as pursuing an Executive MBA, moving into management consultancy if opportunities arise, or continuing to grow within EY, possibly becoming a partner in 10-15 years.