How I Cracked the Interview in one of the BIG 4s
Role: Marketing Dept.
Mission: Crack the interview and not crack under pressure.
Let’s rewind to 2017 — a time when my nerves were as tangled as a pair of headphones in a pocket. I was gearing up for an interview with Ernst & Young LLP (EY). Now, in the world of high-stakes interviews, EY is like the Bollywood blockbuster of corporate auditions. No pressure, right?
1. Prepping Like Sherlock (Without the Hat)
Forensics practice? Events? Sponsorships? I was diving into everything I could find about EY and their forensics division. I had tabs open like a digital octopus — financial growth charts, case studies, and some YouTube videos for good measure.
Tip: Learn the lingo. Words like “client events” and “practice growth” were my secret sauce in the interview. Also, forensic research helps when you are, you know, cracking cases and cracking interviews.
2. The Interview: Smile, Nod, Impress
When D-Day arrived, I walked into that room with the confidence of a cat who knocked over a vase — cool on the outside, chaos within (just kidding nothing as such happened). But I had one thing going for me: authenticity. I talked about my passion for orchestrating events, my knack for managing the unexpected, and how I could handle sponsors without breaking a sweat (or at least without letting them see me sweat). It wasn’t just about event logistics; it was about storytelling. And hey, who doesn’t love a good story?
3. The Moment of Truth
“How would you handle a high-pressure event scenario?” they asked.
“Oh, you mean like this interview?” I replied with a grin (Just kidding).
I dove into my experience managing high-stakes events. They nodded. I relaxed. It felt like running a well-planned webinar — smooth transitions, engaging points, and always ready for a Q&A session.
4. The Aftermath: EY, Here I Come!
Fast forward: I cracked it! My role involved working in sponsorships and events for the Americas EY Forensics practice. No small gig, considering these events contributed to a whopping percent of the practice’s overall growth. I also got to assist with internal EY-FIDS (Forensic & Integrity Services) client events. Basically, I went from planning birthday parties to strategizing events that could make or break deals (somewhere in the middle). No big deal, right?
Lessons Learned:
- Know Your Stuff: I realized that preparation isn’t just about knowing the company; it’s about knowing yourself and how you fit into their narrative.
- Stay Cool: In events — and interviews — anything can happen. Flexibility is key.
- Humor Helps: A well-placed joke about event hiccups (like that one time I mixed up the client name) can show you are human — and resilient.
So, to anyone preparing for their own EY moment: breathe, prep, and maybe practice a little stand-up comedy. You’ll thank me later.
JUST KIDDING!!!
