EY Extends Internships to 1-Year Residencies

EY is launching a paid Career Residency program that extends internships by 8-12 months, helping young consultants develop skills for the AI era. The program is a response to the changing skills required for entry-level workers due to AI, with junior consultants now spending more time exercising judgment and less time on 'assembly' work.

The Career Residency program will help participants develop skills such as judgment and professional skepticism, which are harder to teach in a traditional internship setting. Participants will work remotely on EY projects and receive personalized coaching, with the goal of joining the firm as analysts rather than staff if they complete the program and receive an offer.

EY received over 24,000 applications from students on the CPA track in the past year, with a 33% year-on-year increase in applications. The firm made 2,400 internship offers, demonstrating the high demand for positions at the company. Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas' chief talent and culture officer, said that workers are looking for employers that can 'help them stay relevant and grow'.

The traditional professional-services career ladder has been disrupted by AI, with junior consultants now required to exercise more judgment and critical thinking. Errol Gardner, EY's global head of consulting, described 'assembly' work as pulling together presentations, drafting proposals, and synthesizing information, tasks that are increasingly being automated.

## What it means The launch of the Career Residency program is a significant shift in how EY approaches entry-level hiring and training. By extending internships and providing more comprehensive training, the firm is acknowledging that the skills required for success in the AI era are different from those of the past. The program is a response to the changing needs of the workforce and the increasing demand for skilled professionals who can work effectively with AI.

## Why it matters The Career Residency program is not just a response to the changing skills required for entry-level workers, but also a recognition of the need for employers to invest in the development of their employees. As AI continues to reshape the workforce, companies like EY are recognizing the need to provide more comprehensive training and support to help their employees stay relevant and grow. The program is a significant investment in the future of the company and the development of its employees.