Cassi McLemore
Former BCG Recruiter
EY consulting internships are a stepping stone for students looking to break into the competitive world of consulting. Offering hands-on experience with real clients and projects, these EY internships provide a unique opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, gain exposure to EY’s global network, and work alongside some of the best minds in the industry.
Whether you’re aiming for a full-time job offer or simply exploring a career in consulting, an internship with EY can set you on the path to success.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What are EY consulting internships?
- Benefits of having an EY internship on your resume
- A day in the life of an EY consulting intern
- How to apply to EY consulting internships
- 3 tips to succeed during your EY consulting careers
Let’s get started!
What Does EY Do?
An Overview
EY is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and part of the “Big Four” along with Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG. EY offers a wide range of services, including assurance, tax, consulting and Strategy and Transactions (SaT).
Assurance: Audit services to ensure financial transparency.
Tax: Navigating the complexities of tax regulations globally.
Consulting: Offering strategic advice on improving operations, implementing technology, and managing risk.
Strategy and Transactions (SaT): Helping businesses manage mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings.
Accounting vs. Consulting
Historically, EY has been known for its accounting and audit services, but its consulting arm has grown and evolved significantly. EY Accounting (Assurance) focuses on financial audits, regulatory compliance, and reporting accuracy. EY Consulting has a broader scope, tackling challenges in operations, technology, and organizational strategy to help businesses improve efficiency and achieve their goals.
EY Consulting Arm: EY-Parthenon and Beyond
EY-Parthenon is EY’s dedicated strategy consulting division, specializing in areas like corporate strategy, growth opportunities, and private equity. Within EY Consulting, there are several other groups and focuses.
Technology Consulting: Leveraging digital transformation tools to optimize operations.
Risk Consulting: Helping businesses identify and mitigate operational and financial risks.
Supply Chain & Operations: Streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
EY-Parthenon is often regarded as the boutique, high-impact strategy-focused team within the larger EY organization. This distinction allows them to compete with firms like Bain, McKinsey, and BCG on strategic engagements.
Why EY is a Top Choice for Consulting Internships
EY is a top choice for consulting internships for several reasons:
Diverse Opportunities: Interns gain exposure to various industries and functional areas, from strategy to technology implementation.
Strong Learning Culture: EY emphasizes professional development, providing structured training, mentorship, and leadership exposure.
Global Reach: With a presence in over 150 countries, interns often work on projects with an international scope.
Path to Full-Time Roles: EY internships are known to be a pipeline to full-time consulting positions.
Collaborative Environment: EY fosters a culture of teamwork and inclusivity, making it an attractive choice for aspiring consultants.
Different EY Consulting Internships You Can Apply To
EY offers a variety of internships tailored to students aspiring to make an impact in consulting. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and insight into the consulting industry. While opportunities vary by region, here are the top consulting internships primarily in North America, with some notable programs in Europe and AMEA as well.
EY Launch Internship
This highly competitive program focuses on introducing underrepresented students to the consulting industry. Interns gain exposure to multiple service lines, such as strategy, technology, and risk consulting, while benefiting from mentorship and structured career development resources.
This internship is designed for undergraduate students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, and provides a broad introduction to EY’s consulting services and company culture.
EY Business Consulting Internship
This internship allows students to work directly with clients on projects ranging from operational improvements to organizational transformation. Interns collaborate with teams to solve complex business problems and deliver actionable insights.
This program focuses on supply chain, finance transformation, and enterprise risk management. It is offered in North America, with some opportunities in Europe and AMEA.
EY Technology Consulting Internship
The Technology Consulting Internship allows interns to explore the intersection of business and technology by working on projects involving digital transformation, IT systems implementation, and emerging tech like AI and blockchain.
This program is geared to students with an interest in technology, engineering, or computer science and provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech solutions for real-world business challenges.
EY-Parthenon Strategy Internship
For students passionate about strategy, EY-Parthenon offers an internship focused on high-level strategic projects, including market entry strategies, growth plans, and private equity portfolio management. This experience is competitive and fast paced, where interns are often working alongside C-suite clients.
This internship is offered in the firm’s major hubs like New York, London, and key cities in APAC and is in close competition with traditional strategy firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG.
EY People Advisory Services (PAS) Internship
This program centers on human capital consulting, helping organizations align their workforce strategies with business goals. Interns might work on projects like organizational design, talent management, or change management.
This experience is ideal for students interested in HR, organizational psychology, or people-centric consulting and offers a unique perspective on how workforce solutions drive business success.
Additional Opportunities in Europe and AMEA
For those seeking international exposure, EY offers region-specific internships in areas like sustainability consulting, government and public sector advisory, and financial services consulting. These programs often reflect the unique challenges and market demands of their respective regions.
How to Choose the Right EY Internship for You
When deciding which program to apply for, consider the following:
Your Interests: Do you enjoy working on technical solutions or developing high-level strategies?
Career Goals: Are you looking to specialize in a particular area, such as technology or human capital?
Regional Preferences: Are you open to internships in global hubs for a broader perspective?
Interning with EY is a great opportunity to gain real-world consulting experience, network with industry leaders, and build a foundation for a successful career. With these programs, you’ll be equipped to thrive in one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
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Perks of Having EY Consulting On Your Resume
Adding EY Consulting to your resume isn’t just about flashing a big name—it’s a career-changing credential that opens doors in consulting and beyond. Here’s why having EY Consulting experience sets you apart:
Career Opportunities Post-Internship
EY internships are a direct pipeline to full-time roles. Many interns receive return offers, securing their spot with one of the top professional services firms in the world. Even if you choose a different path, the skills and experiences gained at EY are highly transferable and sought after by employers in consulting, finance, and technology.
Skill-Building and Mentorship
An EY internship equips you with critical skills, such as problem-solving, data analysis, and client management. The structured mentorship programs connect you with experienced professionals who guide your development, helping you refine your consulting toolkit and prepare for leadership roles.
Global Brand Recognition
EY’s reputation as a Big Four firm carries weight on a global scale. Whether you pursue opportunities in consulting or pivot to another industry, having EY on your resume signals excellence, professionalism, and the ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
Networking Opportunities
Interning at EY gives you exposure to a global network of professionals. You’ll collaborate with industry leaders, connect with peers across the organization, and gain access to alumni who can open doors throughout your career.
Exposure to High-Impact Projects
EY interns work on meaningful, real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience that goes far beyond classroom learning. From collaborating with Fortune 500 companies to implementing innovative strategies, you’ll have stories to tell and accomplishments to highlight in future interviews.
Day in the Life of a EY Consulting Intern
As an EY Consulting intern, each day is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and build skills that lay the foundation for a successful consulting career. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might look like, using a real-world example.
Project Snapshot: Digital Transformation for a Major Bank
Imagine you’re part of a team working on a digital transformation project for a leading bank. The goal is to design and launch a cutting-edge, customer-facing mobile app that streamlines banking services and enhances user experience.
Morning: Team Check-In and Strategy Planning
Your day starts with a virtual or in-person team huddle where you discuss progress, challenges, and the day’s priorities. As an intern, your role involves:
Data Collection and Analysis: Reviewing customer feedback and app usage data to identify key features clients need.
Market Research: Benchmarking the bank’s app against competitors to understand industry best practices.
Presentation Prep: Helping create slides for an upcoming client meeting that outlines proposed solutions.
Midday: Mentorship and Collaboration
During lunch, you might meet with your assigned mentor—a senior consultant—who provides guidance on navigating your responsibilities. Mentors help interns refine their analytical approach, offer career advice, and ensure they feel supported in tackling complex tasks.
Back at your desk, you’ll collaborate with teammates, shadowing experienced consultants as they build frameworks and prepare client-facing deliverables. This is an invaluable chance to see how strategies are developed and communicated.
Afternoon: Client Interaction and Problem-Solving
Later, you might participate in a client call to discuss the app’s wireframe design and potential features. Your role is to observe, take detailed notes, and contribute by sharing insights from your data analysis. Team members ensure you’re prepped for these moments, offering feedback and coaching beforehand.
Following the call, you’ll assist in brainstorming solutions for any challenges raised by the client, such as integrating security features without compromising the user interface.
Evening: Reflection and Learning
At the end of the day, you’ll document key takeaways and identify skills or knowledge areas you want to develop further. Many interns also attend internal training sessions or webinars offered by EY to build expertise in topics like project management, digital tools, or industry trends.
What Interns Gain from the Experience
Real-World Impact: As an EY intern, you’re not just observing—you’re actively contributing to transformative projects.
Mentorship and Support: Guidance from senior professionals helps you grow both professionally and personally.
Learning Opportunities: You’ll develop a strong foundation in consulting skills like data analysis, communication, and problem-solving.
How to Apply to EY Consulting Internships
EY Consulting internships are highly competitive, and understanding what the firm looks for in candidates can give you a strong advantage. Here’s what you need to know about the skills EY values and the application process.
What Skills is EY Looking For?
Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
EY consultants tackle complex business challenges daily, so the ability to break down problems, analyze data, and propose actionable solutions is key.
Teamwork and Collaboration
As part of a consulting team, you’ll work closely with colleagues and clients. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset are essential to building trust and delivering results.
Communication and Client Management
Whether it’s presenting ideas to clients or contributing to team discussions, clear and professional communication is a must. EY values candidates who can articulate insights effectively.
Technology Skills
In today’s consulting landscape, digital transformation is front and center. Familiarity with tools, platforms, or concepts related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing can help you stand out.
Overview of How to Apply
Step 1: Submit a Strong Resume
Your consulting resume should highlight relevant experiences, including internships, leadership roles, and technical skills. Tailor it to showcase achievements aligned with EY’s values.
Step 2: Take the Online Assessment
The EY online assessment allows the firm to prescreen your capabilities and may include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning and situational strengths.
Step 3: Complete a Video Interview
EY often uses video interviews to assess candidates’ problem-solving skills and cultural fit. Be prepared to answer behavioral questions and discuss your experiences confidently.
Step 4: Tackle a Case Interview
For many consulting roles, case interviews are a critical part of the process. You’ll be asked to solve a business problem on the spot, so practice frameworks, structured thinking, and clear communication.
You can learn more about the EY consulting interview here.
3 Tips on How to Have a Successful EY Consulting Internship Experience
An EY Consulting internship is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your professional network, and set yourself up for future success. To make the most of your time, focus on these three strategies:
Show Initiative
Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned—actively seek out ways to contribute to your team. Whether it’s volunteering to tackle a new challenge, suggesting process improvements, or diving into research for an ongoing project, showing initiative demonstrates your commitment to adding value. If your team is preparing a client presentation, offer to develop slides or organize supporting data to lighten the workload.
Network Strategically
EY provides an excellent platform for building relationships with professionals at all levels. Take advantage of networking events, team meetings, and informal chats to connect with colleagues. Get to know your manager, mentor, and peers, as well as team members in other practices or offices. Show curiosity about their experiences and advice for navigating a consulting career. Follow up after meetings or introductions to leave the door open for further conversations that could lead to mentorship opportunities or future referrals.
Document Your Achievements
Throughout the internship, keep a detailed record of your contributions and accomplishments. This will not only help with end-of-internship evaluations but also provide material for your resume and future interviews. Be sure to track projects you worked on, measurable outcomes you contributed to, and any new skills or tools you mastered.
When applying for full-time roles, these records will help you articulate the value you brought to EY. For example, if you helped streamline a reporting process that saved your team time, note the impact and your specific role in achieving it.
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In this article, we’ve covered:
- Overview of EY consulting internships
- Why an EY consulting internship is a career booster
- Inside look of a typical day as an EY consulting intern
- A guide to applying for EY consulting internships
- Top 3 strategies for making the most of your EY consulting internship
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about EY consulting internships, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people prepping for EY consulting internships found the following pages helpful:
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