EY Graduate Programme & Scheme 2024: A Complete Guide

Ernst & Young (EY) is a professional services firm that provides auditing, consulting, strategy, transactions and tax services. 

Part of the Big 4 accounting firm in the UK, EY is a global organisation that works with businesses of all sizes across multiple sectors worldwide.

The firm helps its clients to navigate and manage business challenges optimizing their financial performance and ensuring business growth and stability. 

EY is also known for its commitment to building trust, fostering innovation and promoting sustainability. 

As a multi-national firm, EY recruits individuals at the school level, graduate and experienced hire level. This article explores the EY graduate programme in more detail.

We look at the programmes that EY offers to graduate students and the requirements for those interested in applying.

Also covered are the benefits of applying to a graduate programme such as the EY graduate programme and what happens when individuals complete the programme. 

At the end of this article, those interested in applying should understand the different graduate programmes at EY and what they need to do to give themselves the best opportunity to secure a graduate role at the firm.

Ernst and Young Graduate Program Opportunities

EY offers a range of graduate program opportunities in various fields to help recent graduates kickstart their careers, running graduate programmes in five service areas:

1. Assurance
2. Tax
3. Consulting
4. Transactions
5. Strategy

Assurance

Assurance services at EY help investors and stakeholders build trust in a client's financial statements and reporting. 

The role involves auditing and verifying financial data to ensure it is an accurate, true and fair representation of what is happening within the organisation.

This also ensures the organisation complies with financial regulations.

EY's Assurance graduate programmes run for between two to three years. These programs provide comprehensive training in auditing, accounting and financial analysis.

Many graduate programmes in Assurance require candidates to complete a professional qualification, such as the Association of Certified Accountants (ACA) in England & Wales or the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US. 

Consulting

EY's Consulting sector specializes in helping clients solve complex business challenges.

The work of EY Consulting specialists helps organisations transform and thrive in the ever-changing business and economic landscape.

This field covers a wide range of services, including digital transformation, strategy development and technology implementation.

Graduate Programs

EY's Consulting graduate programs vary in length but typically run for two to three years.

These programs offer opportunities to work on diverse projects and acquire valuable skills in areas such as technology, management consulting and strategy development.

Programmes that run in specific areas of consulting include specialisms such as enterprise risk, business consulting and financial accounting advisory services. 

Strategy and Transactions

The Strategy and Transactions team at EY assists clients in making decisions on mergers and acquisitions and how to maximise their capital.

This field is highly specialised and involves work such as financial analysis and modelling, due diligence and deal advisory services.

Due to the nature of the work in these areas, individuals are often required to travel based on client needs. 

There are nine graduate programs in Strategy and Transactions, including corporate finance, transaction diligence and valuations. 

Programmes last between two and three years, depending on the area, and equip students with the skills and knowledge to help clients navigate the growth of their business.  

Tax

EY's Tax professionals provide a wide range of tax services, including compliance, advisory and international tax planning, to help clients manage their taxes efficiently and navigate complex tax regulations.

The graduate programs in EY's tax practice last two to three years.

Running in corporate and indirect tax, tax transformation, mobility, and reward, participants learn about tax compliance, planning and consulting.

In addition to the specific field-related training, the programmes provide professional development opportunities and mentorship.

This means those on the programme gain a solid foundation in their tax specialism and develop highly valuable skills in the business world.

The Benefits of EY Graduate Program

The EY graduate program offers a supportive and rewarding environment for those looking to start their career in a global professional services firm such as EY. These include:

Competitive Salary

The EY graduate program salary is competitive. The firm offers market rate starting salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to all its graduates.

This includes private healthcare, discounted gym memberships, various health insurances and matched employer pension contributions up to 6%. 

Mentorship and Coaching

The firm is focused on providing graduates with continued support, coaching and mentorship.

As a graduate, individuals have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals who can guide and support their career development.

Mentors also provide advice and networking opportunities, helping you navigate your career path within EY.

Training and Development

EY places a strong emphasis on training and development, investing significantly in its graduate employees. This includes on-the-job training, access to workshops, seminars and online resources to enhance technical and soft skills.

Flexible Work Arrangements

As a firm, EY understands the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements to its employees.

These arrangements may include remote working options, flexible (formal and informal arrangements), reduced hours or flexing your start and finish times depending on commitments.

The firm also operates various family and career leave policies.

Varied Client Base and Global Client Exposure

As a global, multinational firm, working within the EY graduate program offers opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients in varying sectors.

Depending on the project, this can mean the chance to liaise with or visit clients globally. This opportunity enables candidates to widen their skill set and knowledge of international regulations and issues.

EY Graduate Program Requirements

Joining a firm such as EY provides excellent opportunities for graduates. 

Specific requirements can vary depending on the program.

The general requirements to apply for an EY graduate programme include the following:

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for the EY graduate programmes is a degree.

Some programmes may require a specialist degree, for example, IT-related degrees for specific Consulting or Technology programs.

Academic Performance

EY does not screen applicants based on academic performance or attained grades or degree classifications.

This approach aligns with the firm's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, aiming to consider a wide range of talent.

GCSE Requirements

EY requires candidates to have a minimum of grade four or a C in GCSE English Language and Maths.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in an application for the EY graduate programme, candidates must demonstrate transferable skills.

These skills are transferable skills that individuals may have developed from their academic career, extra- curricular activities, work experience, voluntary work or playing sports.

The firm values skills such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork and leadership potential.

Strong commitment to the firm's values, including integrity and respect and an understanding of how these align with an individuals values must also be demonstrated throughout the recruitment process.

Application Process

EY runs a structured multi-stage application process.

This process includes an online application, online tests, followed by an assessment centre and interviews.

Candidates should be prepared to showcase their skills, experiences and passion for the field they have applied for throughout the application process.

Right to Work

All graduate programmes require that candidates demonstrate the right to work in the UK for the duration of their graduate programme. 

Those that do not have the right to work in the UK are still welcome to apply to EY’s graduate programme.

If an individual is successful in their application and made an offer, the firm will apply for a UK work visa.

This provision is for graduate programmes in Assurance, Strategy and Transactions, Tax and Consulting. It is important to remember that visa rules can change at any point.

The firms commitment to obtaining a visa for non-UK nationals offered a place on the a UK EY graduate programme is dependent on the immigration rules at the point of visa application.

When to Apply for the EY Graduate Program 2024

Graduate programmes at EY generally start in the Autumn of each year.

Some roles, such as an EY grad role, are open all year round until the vacancies have been filled.

Other roles work on a deadline-driven basis. For full detail details of deadline dates, visit the EY website.

EY runs a rigorous and structured application process for all graduate programme vacancies.

Those applying need to be well prepared and understand the application process.

What Happens After the EY Graduate Program?

EY is committed to the talent development for all its employees, including those completing their graduate programme. 

Upon completing the EY (Ernst & Young) graduate program, those who have performed well will continue in a role at EY. Individuals generally stay within the specialism or area they have completed their graduate programme

EY recognizes that career paths are not one-size-fits-all. They offer a range of career development options, including opportunities for cross-functional moves, international assignments, and diverse projects.

In some instances, individuals may move into a new team or department depending on their performance, long-term career aspirations and suitable vacancies based on business needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

EY is a global organization providing professional services in audit, tax, transactions and strategy and consulting services to a wide range of clients.

As the firm operates across multiple sectors, roles at EY enable individuals to gain exposure to a varied client base and build a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge.

The firm runs graduate programmes in each of its five core business areas. These programmes last between two to three years and enable graduates to build their skills and expertise in a specific field.

Some roles also enable candidates to study for a professional qualification. 

EY is a progressive employer, offering individuals a competitive salary and benefits package and opportunities for long-term career progression beyond the graduate programme.

Health and well-being are also important to the firm. This is reflected in its benefits offerings and opportunities for flexible working. 

Before applying for a vacancy, those wishing to apply for EY graduate roles should consider their skills, strengths, career goals and interests.

The firm runs a multi-stage application process evaluating individuals' strengths and potential for a position at EY.

Ensuring you’ve applied to the best vacancy that matches your strengths and aspirations is essential to succeed in the recruitment process. 

Those who secure a role on the EY graduate programme can look forward to a career supporting training, development, and mentorship.

Individuals can stay in the position they have completed their graduate training programme in, or, if the business need and vacancy arises, expand their knowledge, move to a different area or in some cases, experience working globally.