Expedition EY: Complete Guide and How to Succeed in the Program

Expedition EY is a virtual, app-based program designed to help underclassmen explore careers at EY while building professional and teamwork skills. With a gamified format, students complete tasks, engage with EY professionals, and may earn scholarships along the way. If you're early in your college journey and curious about professional services, Expedition EY can be a low-risk, high-value opportunity.

In this article, we will explore what Expedition EY offers, who it’s for, and how you can make the most of it.

What is Expedition EY and who is it for?

Expedition EY is a virtual learning experience for undergraduate freshmen and sophomores that introduces them to careers at EY through interactive challenges and professional development. The program is designed for students from diverse backgrounds pursuing interests in business or technology, with no prior experience required.

A Virtual, Gamified Career Exploration Program

The program runs virtually from March to May, targeting underclassmen interested in business or technology. You’ll complete activities and challenges that simulate what it’s like to work at EY. (See the next section for a detailed breakdown of what to expect.)

Two Tracks: Business and Technology

Participants can choose between the Business Track, which focuses on professional services and client engagement, or the Technology Track, which adds technical content such as data analytics and digital tools. Both tracks aim to build skills relevant to EY roles, but the technology path emphasizes digital transformation and innovation.

Who Should Apply?

The program is intended for:

• First- and second-year undergraduate students
• Students pursuing or exploring majors in accounting, business, economics, finance, information systems, or computer science
• Individuals from historically underrepresented communities, including Black, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQ+, veterans, women in tech, and students with disabilities

There are no GPA minimums or prior internship requirements, making it accessible to students just starting their academic and professional journeys.

What can you expect during the Expedition EY experience?

Expedition EY offers a self-paced, app-based experience where students engage in on-demand learning modules, complete real-world challenges, and interact with EY professionals. The program blends virtual teamwork, professional skill development, and optional live events, all designed to simulate a professional services environment.

On-Demand Learning Modules

You’ll work through a series of modules covering topics such as:

• Virtual interviewing strategies
• Presentation and communication skills
• Professional resilience and mindfulness
• Introduction to EY’s service lines and culture

These sessions are available at your own pace and are accessible throughout the program period.

Skill-Based Challenges and Team Activities

Students complete mini-challenges that apply real-world business and technology skills. For example, you may:

• Analyze data using predictive analytics tools
• Collaborate on a case-style team project
• Provide recommendations based on a business scenario

The gamified structure awards points for completed tasks, encouraging participation and progress.

Live Sessions and Networking Opportunities

Although the core program is asynchronous, participants can join:

• Virtual panels with EY consultants and technologists
• Q&A sessions on early careers at EY
• Team-building events and peer networking

These sessions give you direct access to EY professionals and a chance to ask questions about roles, work culture, and career paths.

Scholarship Incentives

As you complete program milestones, you accumulate points. Top performers may be selected for scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, based on participation, engagement, and performance. While scholarships are competitive, every student gains valuable insights and resume-worthy experience.

Which track should you apply for: Business vs Technology?

Expedition EY offers two distinct tracks, Business and Technology, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your academic background and career interests. The Business Track focuses on foundational consulting and accounting skills, while the Technology Track integrates emerging tech topics like machine learning and data analytics.

Business Track Overview

This track is ideal for students interested in:

• Consulting
• Accounting and audit
• Tax and business advisory
• Client services and project management

You’ll explore EY’s business functions and gain exposure to how teams solve client challenges using structured thinking, teamwork, and communication.

Best suited for students studying:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Business administration

Technology Track Overview

This track emphasizes digital problem-solving and technical skill-building. Expect content on:

• Predictive analytics
• Data visualization
• Cloud and AI tools
• Cybersecurity fundamentals

Students in this track complete challenges aligned with EY’s technology consulting practices, offering hands-on exposure to digital transformation projects.

Best suited for students studying:

• Computer science
• Information systems
• Statistics
• Engineering

Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy working with data and emerging technologies? → Consider the Technology Track
• Am I more interested in business strategy or client-facing roles? → Consider the Business Track

Both tracks offer professional development and networking, so there’s no wrong choice. Select the one that aligns most closely with your long-term goals and interests.

Who is eligible and what are the application requirements?

Expedition EY is open to first- and second-year undergraduate students who are at least three years away from graduation and have an interest in business, technology, or professional services. The program encourages applications from students of all backgrounds, especially those from historically underrepresented groups in the workplace.

Academic and Graduation Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
• Have at least three years remaining before graduation (typically freshmen or sophomores)
• Be pursuing or considering a degree in fields such as:
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Engineering

There is no minimum GPA requirement, and prior internship experience is not required.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

EY strongly encourages participation from students who self-identify as:

• Black, Latinx, or Native American
• LGBTQ+
• Women, especially in tech fields
• Military veterans
• Individuals with disabilities

The program aligns with EY’s broader diversity recruiting initiatives, helping students from varied backgrounds explore consulting and technology careers in a supportive environment.

Application Timeline and Process

Applications usually open in the fall and close around December or January each year. To apply, you’ll typically need to:

• Submit a brief application form through EY’s campus programs portal
• Answer a few short questions about your interests
• Upload your resume (optional but recommended)

Admission is non-competitive, and most students who meet the basic criteria are accepted. You’ll receive confirmation via email if selected.

Why apply to Expedition EY? What are the benefits?

Expedition EY offers early exposure to careers in professional services, along with structured opportunities to build skills, expand your network, and potentially earn scholarship funding. The program is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and highly valuable, even for students with no prior experience.

Explore Careers at EY

Expedition EY gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at one of the world’s largest professional services firms. Through learning modules and live sessions, you’ll:

• Learn about EY’s consulting, tax, audit, and tech practices
• Understand day-to-day responsibilities in business and technology roles
• Hear from professionals about their career paths and firm culture

This firsthand exposure helps you make more informed decisions about pursuing internships or full-time roles at EY later on.

Build Professional and Technical Skills

Throughout the program, you’ll develop:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Analytical thinking and decision-making
• Familiarity with digital tools like predictive analytics and data visualization
• Confidence in virtual team collaboration

These are transferable skills that will strengthen both your resume and future interviews.

Grow Your Network

Live sessions and team challenges give you access to EY recruiters, professionals, and fellow students from across the country. These interactions allow you to:

• Ask career-related questions
• Get mentorship-style insights
• Build relationships that may support future recruiting efforts

Compete for Scholarships

Participants accumulate points throughout the program. Top scorers may receive:

• Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000
• Recognition that can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile

While not all participants win scholarships, all gain structured experience that helps position them for future opportunities.

What are the common misconceptions about Expedition EY?

Many students assume Expedition EY is a formal internship or a guaranteed path to a job offer, but that’s not the case. It’s an early-exposure, learning-based program designed to help you explore career options at EY, not a recruiting pipeline or assessment center.

Misconception 1: It’s a Pre-Internship Program

Expedition EY is not a feeder program into EY internships. Participation does not automatically lead to interviews or offers for internships like Launch or internships in consulting or technology. While it gives you a leg up by providing insights and resume-worthy experience, it is not tied to hiring outcomes.

Misconception 2: Participation Affects Your Candidacy

Joining or skipping Expedition EY does not impact your chances in future EY recruiting. It’s completely optional and not tracked by recruiters during later application reviews. However, participating can help you feel more prepared and confident when those opportunities arise.

Misconception 3: It’s Competitive or Selective

Unlike traditional internships, the program is not competitive. Most students who meet the eligibility criteria are accepted. There’s no interview, GPA cutoff, or technical screening. It’s designed to be inclusive and accessible to first- and second-year students from all backgrounds.

Misconception 4: It Requires Full-Time Commitment

The program is entirely virtual and flexible. You can complete modules at your own pace and attend optional events if your schedule allows. There is no required time commitment or minimum participation level.

These misconceptions often show up in forums like Reddit or student groups, so it’s important to understand what Expedition EY is, and what it’s not, before applying.

How can you maximize your experience and prepare next steps?

To get the most out of Expedition EY, treat it as a launchpad, not just a program. Use it to sharpen your resume, build relationships, and begin preparing for EY's formal recruiting process. Taking initiative during and after the experience will put you ahead when applying for internships or full-time roles.

Polish Your Resume with New Experience

Expedition EY provides several resume-worthy accomplishments, especially if you:

• Complete all learning modules and challenges
• Contribute meaningfully to team-based activities
• Attend live sessions and engage with professionals

After the program, update your resume to reflect relevant skills, such as teamwork, analytics, or exposure to EY’s business and technology areas. Be sure to quantify your involvement wherever possible (e.g., “Completed 10+ interactive modules on data analysis and communication skills”).

Begin Preparing for EY Interviews

If you’re considering future internships or consulting roles at EY, now is the time to prepare. Start with:

• Practicing behavioral interview questions like leadership, problem-solving, or conflict resolution stories
• Familiarizing yourself with case interviews if you're targeting consulting or strategy roles
• Reviewing EY’s core values and service lines so you can speak confidently about your interest

The skills and exposure from Expedition EY will help you connect your stories to real firm experience.

Network with EY Recruiters and Alumni

Your access to EY professionals during the program can open doors later. After Expedition EY:

• Follow up with professionals you met during live sessions
• Connect with past participants or campus ambassadors on LinkedIn
• Attend EY’s future recruiting events and info sessions

Strong networking can lead to referrals or insider tips during the formal recruiting season.

Keep an Eye on Upcoming EY Deadlines

Internship and entry-level deadlines at EY typically begin in late summer or early fall. Make sure to:

• Monitor EY’s careers portal and your school’s job board
• Finalize your application materials before deadlines close
• Apply early to maximize your chances

By staying proactive, you can turn your Expedition EY experience into a strategic advantage.

Final Thoughts

Expedition EY is more than just a virtual program, it’s a valuable starting point for any student exploring a future in business or technology consulting. By actively participating, building new skills, and staying engaged with EY professionals, you can gain clarity on your career goals and position yourself strongly for upcoming internship opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for EY or simply looking to grow professionally, this experience offers a solid foundation to build on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Expedition EY selective?
A: Yes, Expedition EY is selective, as it targets high-potential underclassmen from diverse backgrounds through a competitive application process. Applicants are evaluated based on interest in business or tech, academic performance, and alignment with EY student programs.

Q: How does Expedition EY work?
A: Expedition EY works as a virtual, gamified learning experience where students complete career-related challenges through an app. Participants earn points, access exclusive content, and engage in virtual professional development with EY professionals.

Q: What if I fail the assessment test?
A: If you fail the Expedition EY assessment test, you may not advance in the program, but it won't impact future applications to other EY student programs. Use the experience to refine your approach for the EY business track vs technology track.

Q: How many people pass the EY assessment centre?
A: EY does not publish exact pass rates for its assessment center, but it is a competitive stage of the hiring process. Success depends on preparation, communication skills, and alignment with EY’s values and consulting culture.

Q: Is EY laying people off?
A: While EY has made some workforce adjustments globally, these changes typically do not impact early-career programs like Expedition EY. The EY Expedition program continues to support virtual internship experiences and early talent development.