Landing an Ernst and Young internship is a strategic move for ambitious students seeking world class professional experience. This guide walks you through what EY looks for and how to position your application for success.
Below is a snapshot of the typical internship profile and outcomes you can aim for when preparing your materials and timeline.
| Aspect | Details | Typical Benchmark | Next Step Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Duration | Summer or part time across terms | 8 to 12 weeks | Receive offer |
| Eligibility | Enrolled study, graduation date within 12 months | Undergraduate or master's | Submit resume |
| Core Skills | Analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, technology | Demonstrated examples | Assessment test |
| Application Channels | EY careers portal, university recruiting, networking | Portal submission preferred | Interview invitation |
| Selection Rate | Competitive with multiple stages | Resume screens, video, interviews | Receive offer |
Applying to the EY Internship Program
The EY internship program is designed to integrate students into real client work while building technical and commercial awareness. You will typically apply through the official EY careers site, where you upload your resume and answer screening questions tailored to the role.
Understanding the structure of the program helps you align your expectations and preparation. Roles are available across assurance, consulting, tax, and advisory functions, each with tailored responsibilities and learning outcomes.
Strong applicants connect their academic projects to EY service lines, highlighting how their skills can support client delivery under pressure. Demonstrating curiosity, ethics, and a collaborative mindset throughout your application increases your chances of progressing to interviews.
Meeting EY Selection Criteria
EY evaluates candidates on academic performance, leadership, and technical aptitude. Your application should clearly show how your skills map to these expectations through examples and achievements.
Academic and Technical Foundation
Strong performers typically maintain a competitive GPA and have relevant coursework in areas such as accounting, finance, data analytics, or information systems. Highlight any projects that required analysis, reporting, or the use of business software.
Leadership and Team Contribution
Leadership can appear in extracurricular roles, group projects, or community initiatives. EY looks for instances where you influenced outcomes, resolved conflict, or helped your team deliver results under tight deadlines.
Preparing Your EY Internship Application
A polished application differentiates you in a crowded field and shows that you can meet professional standards. Attention to detail in your materials often reflects how you would approach client work.
Resume and Cover Letter Strategy
Tailor your resume to the role by emphasizing relevant skills such as data analysis, report writing, or client facing communication. In your cover letter, connect a specific experience to an EY value, such as integrity or quality in delivery.
Digital Presence and Assessments
Ensure your professional profiles are consistent and highlight academic achievements and relevant activities. Be ready for aptitude tests and situational judgment scenarios that reflect day to day consulting environments.
Interview and Offer Process
If your application progresses, you can expect a mix of video interviews, technical questions, and behavioral scenarios. Practicing concise stories that demonstrate impact will help you communicate with confidence.
Technical and Behavioral Interviews
Technical interviews may involve problem solving, basic accounting or finance concepts, and data interpretation. Behavioral interviews focus on teamwork, ethics, and how you handle pressure and feedback.
Negotiation and Acceptance
Once you receive an offer, review terms such as start date, location, and mentorship support. Prepare questions about team structures and success metrics to ensure the internship aligns with your goals.
Maximizing Your Internship Impact
Approaching your EY internship with intention helps you extract maximum learning and performance value from the experience.
- Clarify expectations with your manager in the first week to understand priorities and success metrics.
- Seek feedback regularly and use it to adjust your work style and delivery quality.
- Build relationships across teams by volunteering for cross functional initiatives and asking thoughtful questions.
- Document your contributions and results to support future career discussions and references.
- Balance rigorous delivery with learning opportunities, allocating time for reflection and skill development.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many hours per week should I expect for an EY internship?
EY internships typically require around 35 to 40 hours per week during peak periods, with flexibility depending on team demands and university schedules.
Will I receive academic credit for an EY internship?
Many students arrange academic credit through their university by coordinating with faculty and using EY internship documentation as part of their coursework requirements.
What skills should I strengthen before starting at EY?
Focus on data literacy in tools such as spreadsheets and visualization platforms, concise written communication, and presenting findings clearly to both technical and non technical audiences.
How competitive is the EY internship application process?
The process is highly competitive, with strong candidates demonstrating clear alignment with EY values, relevant project experience, and well prepared interviews.