Landing an internship at EY (Ernst & Young) in their Advisory division is a fantastic opportunity for students looking to jumpstart their career in consulting and business advisory. With its global reputation, hands-on experience, and exposure to industry-leading professionals, an internship at EY can set you on a successful career path. But what’s the best way to approach the application process, and what steps should you take to ensure you stand out? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, helping you prepare for a career-defining internship.
Understanding the Role and Why EY Advisory?
Before diving into the application process, it’s important to understand what the role entails and why you want to work at EY Advisory. EY’s Advisory division focuses on helping businesses manage their strategies, improve performance, reduce risk, and drive digital transformation. They work across a broad range of industries, from healthcare to finance to technology.
What sets EY apart is its commitment to innovation and building a better working world. This isn’t just about delivering services to clients; it's about shaping the future of industries. If you're passionate about consulting and problem-solving, and you want to be part of a global network that focuses on delivering impactful solutions, this internship could be a perfect fit for you.
Crafting a Strong and Relevant Resume
Your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on the hiring team, so it needs to reflect the skills and experiences that will make you stand out. But what does EY look for on a resume?
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Academic Performance: EY typically seeks candidates who are in their second or third year of university, majoring in business, economics, finance, or a related field. Strong GPA scores can help you stand out, but it’s also about demonstrating your ability to tackle complex problems and perform well under pressure.
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Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have professional experience, internships, volunteer work, or involvement in college clubs (especially those related to business strategy, consulting, or finance) can make a big difference.
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Skills: Highlight key skills such as data analysis, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. If you've worked with Excel, PowerPoint, or financial modeling tools, be sure to mention it!
Make sure your resume is tailored specifically for the EY Advisory internship. Show that you're not just looking for any internship, but one where you can contribute and learn in the consulting field.
Writing a Personalized Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to go beyond your resume and connect your experiences to EY’s values and mission. A great cover letter should clearly state why you want to work at EY, what excites you about the Advisory division, and how your skills and experiences make you the right fit for the internship.
Some key things to include:
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Why consulting excites you and why you believe it’s a good career path for you.
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A brief description of a specific experience (academic project, work, or leadership role) that shows you have the skills EY is looking for.
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A statement of how your personal values align with EY’s commitment to diversity, excellence, and creating innovative solutions for clients.
Don’t make your cover letter generic. The more personalized and specific to the EY Advisory internship you can make it, the better your chances will be.
Navigating the Application Process and Key Deadlines
EY recruits interns through several channels, including their official recruitment portal, campus recruitment drives, and virtual recruitment events. Be sure to keep an eye on application timelines, which can vary by region and position.
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On-campus recruitment: Many universities have recruitment events in partnership with EY. These can be a great way to meet EY recruiters, ask questions about the application process, and understand what they’re looking for.
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Online applications: Make sure to upload your tailored resume and cover letter to EY’s portal. They often have specific instructions on what documents are needed and deadlines, so follow them carefully.
It's crucial to submit your application well in advance of the deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute—submit your materials early to ensure everything is in order.
Preparation for Online Assessments and Aptitude Tests
Once your application is accepted, the next step is often an online assessment. EY uses these tests to evaluate your critical thinking, problem-solving, and numerical reasoning abilities.
What to expect:
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Numerical reasoning: These tests evaluate how well you can analyze and interpret data. Practice basic math, data interpretation, and number-crunching questions.
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Situational judgment tests (SJTs): These tests assess your decision-making and judgment in work-related scenarios.
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Verbal reasoning: Evaluate how well you can understand and reason with written information.
Many online platforms offer practice tests for numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning. Taking the time to practice will help you approach the assessments with confidence.
Mastering the Interview Process
If you pass the online assessments, you’ll be invited for an interview. This is your chance to shine and show why you’re the perfect fit for EY Advisory. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in-person and are typically a mix of technical and behavioral questions.
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Behavioral Questions: These questions assess how you handle situations in real-life scenarios. Be prepared to answer questions like:
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Tell me about a time when you worked in a team to solve a problem.
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How do you prioritize tasks when under pressure?
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Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.
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Technical Questions: You may be asked questions related to consulting frameworks, business strategy, or even questions testing your understanding of financial analysis or market trends. You might also be given a case study where you’ll have to solve a real-world business problem.
Make sure you have STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers ready for behavioral questions and practice case study interviews to be prepared for anything.
Show Your Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit
EY places a high emphasis on cultural fit. The company’s values center around collaboration, diversity, and providing solutions that truly make a difference for clients. When you get to the interview stage, don’t just focus on your skills—make sure to show your enthusiasm for EY’s commitment to integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning.
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Why are you passionate about working at EY?
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How do you embody the values of diversity, excellence, and innovation in your everyday life?
Demonstrating that you’re culturally aligned with EY can be just as important as showcasing your technical skills.
Follow Up and Show Gratitude
After your interview, always send a thank-you email to the interviewers. This simple gesture not only shows your gratitude but also reinforces your interest in the position.
A well-written thank-you note should:
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Thank the interviewer for their time.
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Express enthusiasm about the opportunity to work with EY Advisory.
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Reaffirm why you’re a great fit for the internship and how you’re eager to contribute.
After the interview, it’s time to wait. The process may take some time, so be patient. If you get the internship offer, congratulations! If not, don’t get discouraged—use the feedback to improve and try again next year.
FAQs
To apply for an EY Advisory internship, visit the official EY recruitment portal, submit your tailored resume and cover letter, and prepare for online assessments. Be sure to keep an eye on deadlines for on-campus recruitment or virtual events.
You should be pursuing a degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field. A strong academic record, relevant skills like data analysis, and leadership experience can improve your chances of landing an internship.
For the EY Advisory interview, practice behavioral questions using the STAR method and prepare for technical questions related to consulting frameworks, business strategy, and financial analysis.
Yes, EY has specific deadlines for their internship program. Make sure to regularly check their recruitment portal or campus recruitment schedule for the most current application dates.
The EY Advisory internship program is highly competitive due to the company’s reputation and the valuable experience it offers. Strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a passion for consulting can help increase your chances.
