Insider Tips to your EY Internship Interview Questions

Finding a job in one of the big four accounting firms is an exciting opportunity, and the process to get there can be competitive. If you are looking to join Ernst & Young (EY) as an intern, it is vital to be prepared for the interview. This article will help you with essential insider tips for answering common EY internship interview questions.

Additionally, you’ll get an in-depth look at the best tactics to ensure that you stand out from the crowd and present yourself as a strong candidate. Let’s quickly find out about the company and what they do!

About Ernst & Young (EY)

Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, is arguably the most extensive global professional services firm globally. The company offers various services to businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations.

The company was founded in 1989 due to a merger between two accounting firms, Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Today, EY has a global presence, with over 300,000 employees in over 150 countries.

EY’s services can be broadly categorized into four main areas:

• Audit and Assurance: EY provides audit, financial reporting, and risk management services to help clients comply with regulatory requirements and improve their financial performance.
• Tax Services: EY offers tax advisory and compliance services to help clients navigate complex tax laws and regulations and optimize their tax positions.
• Consulting: EY’s consulting services cover many areas, including technology, strategy, operations, and human resources. The company helps clients to optimize their business processes and leverage emerging technologies.
• Transactions: EY provides advisory services to help clients with mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and other transactions. The company helps clients to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with transactions and to execute them effectively.

EY is known for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company has implemented countless measures to reduce its carbon footprint, promote diversity and inclusion, and support local communities.

Overview of EY Internship Programs

Now, let’s look at an overview of EY Internship Programs, including what they are, who can apply, and what the application process involves. In addition, we recently posted an article about an EY graduate Trainee Internship program for recent grads. You should have a look!

The EY Internship Programs are designed for students and fresh graduates who want to gain practical or hands-on experience and develop their skills in a professional setting.

EY offers internship programs across different service lines, including Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Transaction Advisory Services. Depending on the location and service line, these programs typically run for 8-12 weeks during the summer break.

To be eligible for an EY internship, you must be a student or recent graduate with a solid academic record and relevant coursework in accounting, finance, economics, business, or related fields. Furthermore, you should also have excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a team.

The application process for EY Internship Programs typically involves submitting an online application via the EY Career website page, completing an assessment test, and participating in interviews with EY representatives. The assessment test may include a series of questions and exercises that assess your skills and abilities in various areas, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and numerical reasoning, which is the main subject of our discussion.

Suggested: How to Excel in Internship – A Full Guide!

So what are the tips to acing your EY Internship Interview Questions? What questions should you be prepared to answer at the internship interview? Let’s find out below!

Tips for your EY Internship Interview Questions

Here are some tips for acing your EY internship interview questions:

Research the company.

Before the interview, research the company, its values, culture, and services. Go through the company’s website and read its mission statement, history, and about their services. Look at their social media pages, and check their LinkedIn page to see if any articles, videos, or blogs highlight the company’s work. Learn about the work culture at EY, what is expected of interns, and what benefits they offer. Understanding the company will help you answer questions specific to EY, showing your enthusiasm and commitment to the company.

Prepare for common interview questions.

Prepare for common interview questions that interviewers typically ask. Practice answering questions you expect to hear during the interview, such as “Why do you want to work for EY?” or “Tell me about a time when you worked in a team.” Consider examples from your past experiences, whether in school, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. Prepare for behavioral questions asking for specific examples of how you handle challenges, work in teams, or demonstrate leadership skills. Practicing your responses will help you confidently answer questions and show that you are the right fit for the role.

Showcase your skills and experiences.

During the interview, showcase your skills and experiences that align with the internship position. Provide examples of how your past experiences have prepared you for the internship and how you can apply your skills to the job. For example, if you have a background in accounting or finance, highlight how that has prepared you for the internship. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities demonstrating your skills. Showing that you have the relevant skills and experience will make you a strong candidate for the position. 

Demonstrate your interest in the industry.

Demonstrate your industry interest by discussing current trends, challenges, or innovations. This shows your enthusiasm for the field and your desire to learn more. In addition, mention any relevant readings, research, or industry events you attended. Showing your interest in the industry will make you stand out from other candidates and show you are passionate about your work.

Ask Questions.

Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the internship program, and the role. This demonstrates your interest in the opportunity and helps you better understand what to expect.

Some of the questions you may be asked during your EY internship interview include the following:

• Why do you want to work at EY?
• What experience do you have that makes you a good fit for this internship?
• Can you tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership or teamwork?
• How do you handle challenging situations or conflicts with colleagues?
• What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see this internship fit into those goals?

Final Thought!

If you secure an EY Internship interview, you have come a long way! However, preparing for an EY internship interview requires research, preparation, and confidence. By following the tips outlined on this page, you can demonstrate your skills and passion to the interviewers and increase your chances of success.

Finally, remember to be honest, concise, and professional in your responses and highlight relevant experiences and skills. Good luck with your EY internship interview!