EY Tech Consulting Internship: How to Land a Competitive Offer

The EY Tech Consulting Internship is a highly competitive opportunity for students interested in the intersection of technology and business consulting. It offers hands-on experience on real client projects while helping you build the skills needed for a future career in technology consulting. Whether you’re exploring tech careers or aiming for a full-time consulting role, this internship can be a valuable launchpad.

In this article, we will explore how the internship works, who is eligible, what the application process involves, and how to stand out in interviews to secure an offer.

What is the EY Tech Consulting Internship and why does it matter?

The EY Tech Consulting Internship is a 4 to 8 week program where students work on live client engagements focused on solving real-world technology challenges. Interns gain exposure to digital transformation projects, strategic IT planning, and hands-on technical analysis while being mentored by experienced consultants.

During the internship, you’ll be placed on a project team that supports clients across various industries. Projects may involve anything from cloud migration planning to building data models or supporting large-scale systems implementations. This real-world exposure helps you understand how consulting teams deliver value through technology.

Key focus areas include:

• Technology Transformation: Helping clients define and execute IT strategies.
• Data and Analytics: Supporting data architecture, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Cybersecurity: Addressing security risks and improving system resilience.
• Cloud and Emerging Technologies: Designing cloud-based and automation solutions.
• System Engineering: Implementing and managing enterprise-level platforms and tools.

Interns also benefit from EY’s structured training programs, access to digital tools, and networking opportunities. Beyond technical skills, the internship emphasizes critical thinking, client communication, and team collaboration, core elements of a career in consulting.

Finally, the internship serves as a key recruiting channel. Many participants receive return offers to join full-time after graduation, making it a high-stakes opportunity for those looking to build a consulting career in tech.

Who is eligible to apply and what are the key requirements?

To apply for the EY Tech Consulting Internship, you must be a penultimate-year undergraduate or in the final year of a one-year master’s program. You should demonstrate a strong interest in technology, meet language and location requirements, and have a solid academic record. While technical experience is not mandatory, relevant skills in data tools or programming are viewed favorably.

The eligibility criteria are designed to assess both your academic background and your potential to contribute to real consulting projects. EY typically expects applicants to be in the second-to-last year of their degree program, though final-year master’s students are also eligible. You should be available to work full-time for the entire duration of the internship.

Minimum eligibility requirements include:

• Current academic status: Penultimate-year undergraduate or final-year one-year master’s student
• Academic field: All disciplines are welcome, but interest in technology is essential
• Work authorization: You must have the right to work in the country where you apply
• Language skills: Fluency in the local office language is required
• Availability: You must be based in the internship location for the entire program duration

Preferred (but not required) qualifications:

• Experience with tools like SQL, Python, R, VBA, or SPSS
• Familiarity with data reporting, databases, or analysis frameworks
• Extracurriculars or coursework in analytics, IT systems, or digital transformation

You don’t need to be a computer science major to apply. EY values diverse academic backgrounds and encourages applications from students in business, engineering, economics, and even liberal arts, so long as you can demonstrate curiosity and a problem-solving mindset related to technology.

When should you apply and what are the deadlines?

Applications for the EY Tech Consulting Internship typically open in January and are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a general deadline around January 31. However, exact dates can vary by country or office, so it's essential to check the official EY website for current timelines and apply early to maximize your chances.

EY follows a rolling application process, meaning the sooner you apply, the better your chances of being reviewed before positions fill up. Delaying your application could result in fewer available interview slots, especially for popular office locations.

Most applicants start preparing in the final months of the calendar year and submit their application as soon as the portal opens. This allows time to refine your resume, gather any required documents, and prepare thoughtful responses to screening questions.

Key application timeline tips:

• Monitor application opening dates in early January on EY’s careers page
• Submit your application early, ideally within the first two weeks of the window
• Prepare required documents (resume, academic transcripts, office preferences) in advance
• Double-check your location preferences, as EY typically prioritizes your top-choice office
• Stay updated by subscribing to EY’s student career alerts or checking with your university’s career center

Some locations may host pre-internship virtual events or info sessions before applications open, so engaging early can give you helpful context and demonstrate interest. Timeliness is often a differentiator between applicants who land interviews and those who don’t.

How should you prepare your application package?

A strong EY Tech Consulting Internship application includes a tailored resume, thoughtful office and service line preferences, and clear answers to optional questions. Your resume will carry the most weight, so it’s important to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and impact clearly and concisely.

EY’s application process typically begins with a simple online form asking for personal details and academic background. However, the resume is what recruiters spend the most time reviewing. That makes it the core component of your application strategy.

Resume tips for EY tech consulting roles:

• Keep it to one page with clear formatting and no dense blocks of text
• Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g. led, analyzed, created, optimized)
• Quantify your achievements to show measurable impact (e.g. “improved system speed by 20%”)
• Show a mix of technical and soft skills such as data analysis, teamwork, or leadership
• Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless you're applying to a specialized technical track
• Include academic projects or internships that involved problem solving, data tools, or team collaboration
• Mention tools like SQL, Python, Excel, or Tableau if you’ve used them in any capacity

Additional parts of the application:

• Office preferences: You’ll choose up to three offices and assign a weight to each. EY typically prioritizes your top choice.
• Service line preference: Select whether you’d like to work with financial services, non-financial clients, or have no preference.
• Optional questions: These may include short prompts or ranking your interests; treat them seriously and answer thoughtfully.

Application submission tips:

• Review your resume multiple times or ask peers or mentors for feedback
• Ensure your resume aligns with the skills and qualities emphasized in EY’s tech consulting roles
• Double-check that your office and client preferences align with your goals and background
• Upload a polished PDF version of your resume, no typos, inconsistencies, or formatting issues

Ultimately, your application should clearly communicate why you’re a great fit for EY Tech Consulting, not just in technical ability, but also in communication, collaboration, and motivation.

What does the EY Tech Consulting interview process look like?

The EY Tech Consulting Internship interview process typically includes one or two rounds featuring behavioral questions, motivational prompts, and sometimes a technology-focused case interview. The goal is to evaluate your communication skills, analytical thinking, and interest in both consulting and EY specifically.

Depending on the region, your first-round interview may be virtual or in-person. The process usually begins with behavioral or motivational questions designed to understand your experiences, values, and interest in the firm. In some cases, a structured case interview may follow to test how you approach real-world client problems.

Behavioral and motivational questions often include:

• Tell me about a time you led a team through a challenge
• Describe a situation where you solved a problem using data
• Why are you interested in consulting?
• Why do you want to work at EY?
• Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it

EY interviewers use these questions to gauge how you’ve handled situations in the past, how you work with others, and how you reflect on your experiences. Using clear examples from your resume or academic projects is key.

Case interview expectations:

While not always required, you may be asked to complete a short case interview related to business or technology challenges. These cases are less technical than those at pure strategy firms, but still test your ability to:

• Structure ambiguous problems
• Ask clarifying questions
• Perform basic calculations
• Think through tradeoffs and make a recommendation

For example, you might be asked: "A client is considering a new software system. What factors should they consider before implementation?" You'll be expected to walk through your logic clearly and stay composed under time pressure.

Interview tips:

• Practice telling 6 to 8 unique stories using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Prepare thoughtful answers to “Why consulting?” and “Why EY?”
• Stay current on emerging tech trends to show awareness
• Be clear, concise, and structured in all your answers
• End each response with a takeaway or impact statement

Interviews at EY are generally friendly but focused. Recruiters want to know not just what you’ve done, but how you think and whether you’d thrive in a client-facing, collaborative consulting environment.

How can you excel at behavioral and motivational questions?

To excel at EY’s behavioral and motivational questions, prepare 6 to 8 clear stories using the STAR method and tailor your answers to highlight relevant consulting traits. Focus on showing teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and genuine interest in both EY and the consulting industry.

These questions are designed to reveal how you think, how you’ve acted in past situations, and what drives your career choices. Strong answers go beyond describing what happened; they demonstrate self-awareness, impact, and lessons learned.

Use the STAR format effectively:

• Situation: Briefly explain the context of your story
• Task: Describe your role or goal
• Action: Highlight the steps you took
• Result: Share measurable outcomes or what you learned

Sample behavioral themes to prepare for:

• Leading a group or team under pressure
• Overcoming setbacks or learning from failure
• Resolving team conflict or managing difficult stakeholders
• Solving a complex problem using data or logic
• Taking initiative to improve a project or process

Prepare one story for each of the core consulting competencies: leadership, communication, collaboration, problem solving, and adaptability. Your stories don’t all need to come from professional experiences. Academic projects, extracurriculars, or volunteer work are also valid if they demonstrate relevant qualities.

Motivational questions to expect:

• Why do you want to go into consulting?
• Why EY and not another firm?
• What excites you about technology and its business impact?

Your responses should reflect that you’ve researched the firm, understand the consulting lifestyle, and are motivated by client impact, problem-solving, and learning, not just prestige or salary. Specific references to EY’s culture, recent work in tech, or development programs can help personalize your answer.

Finally, practice delivering your stories out loud. Recording yourself or doing mock interviews can reveal where your responses may be unclear or too long. The goal is to sound confident but conversational, like you’re sharing meaningful moments, not reciting a script.

How do you approach a technology or data‑focused case interview?

To succeed in a tech or data-focused case interview at EY, focus on structuring your approach, clarifying objectives, and using logical thinking to analyze business scenarios. You’re not expected to be a coder, but you should show comfort with data, tech trends, and business impact.

While not every candidate receives a technical case, it’s increasingly common in the EY Tech Consulting Internship process. These cases often explore problems such as improving system efficiency, evaluating software investments, or using data to drive client decisions.

Common case formats may include:

• Cost-benefit analysis of implementing new software
• Assessing ROI of a cloud migration or analytics platform
• Recommending a solution to improve IT infrastructure
• Analyzing performance data to identify root causes of business issues

Even without technical background, you can do well by showing structured problem solving and comfort with abstract technical themes.

Tips to prepare for EY’s tech-oriented cases:

• Clarify the business goal: Always begin by understanding the client's objective
• Structure your answer: Use MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) buckets or a decision tree
• Quantify when possible: Simple math, growth rates, or cost estimates show analytical thinking
• Ask smart questions: Probe for context like user needs, budget constraints, or legacy systems
• Explain your logic clearly: Even if your recommendation isn’t perfect, your reasoning matters most

Example question:

A client is seeing delays in their product delivery system. They’ve recently integrated a new logistics software. What would you investigate to identify the issue?

A strong response might involve examining system integration points, evaluating user adoption, comparing pre- and post-implementation performance metrics, and identifying any gaps in training or change management.

Remember, EY case interviews test your ability to break down complexity, communicate clearly, and think through implications, not your ability to write code or memorize technical terms.

Why is networking strategic for securing an offer?

Networking plays a crucial role in landing an EY Tech Consulting Internship because it helps you learn about the firm, gain insider insights, and build early rapport with potential interviewers or referral sources. While not mandatory, reaching out to current interns, alumni, or consultants can give your application a meaningful edge.

EY values candidates who are proactive, curious, and informed about the firm’s work culture and project types. Building genuine connections through networking allows you to ask specific questions about day-to-day roles, team dynamics, and what makes a strong intern stand out.

Effective networking strategies include:

• Connect with past interns or recent hires via LinkedIn or university events
• Attend EY virtual info sessions hosted through career centers or open webinars
• Reach out to alumni from your school who now work at EY
• Ask targeted questions such as “What surprised you most during the internship?” or “What made someone stand out on your team?”
• Follow up professionally with a short thank-you message and note of appreciation

The goal isn’t to ask for a job, it’s to build relationships, understand EY’s work better, and express your genuine interest in the Tech Consulting track. If you’re memorable and thoughtful in your outreach, those conversations can later translate into referrals or advocates during resume screening.

Additionally, learning from those who’ve been through the process can help you avoid common mistakes and tailor your application and interview prep more effectively.

How do you make the most of your internship to earn a return offer?

To increase your chances of receiving a full-time offer after the EY Tech Consulting Internship, focus on consistently adding value to your team, taking initiative, and showing strong communication and professionalism. Return offers are typically awarded to interns who demonstrate potential as future consultants.

EY evaluates interns based on performance, attitude, and cultural fit. This means it’s not only about your technical ability but also about how you collaborate, learn, and contribute to team goals.

Key ways to stand out during your internship:

• Understand your team’s goals: Ask questions early to clarify project objectives, deliverables, and timelines
• Be proactive: Look for ways to contribute beyond assigned tasks, such as creating templates or identifying process improvements
• Communicate clearly and regularly: Keep your manager updated on progress and flag issues early
• Ask smart questions: This shows engagement and helps you learn faster
• Be reliable and detail-oriented: Deliver high-quality work on time, every time
• Demonstrate professionalism: Be punctual, prepared, and respectful in all client or internal meetings
  Seek feedback: Regular check-ins can help you adjust and improve throughout the internship

Additional tips:

• Use downtime wisely: Explore learning resources available on EY’s platforms to build consulting or technical skills
• Network within your project and beyond: Build relationships with people in other teams or service lines
• Reflect on your impact: At the end of the internship, be ready to articulate how you added value

Interns who treat the experience like an extended job interview, while also showing a learning mindset, tend to earn return offers. Managers want to see that you’re someone they’d want to work with again, not just someone who completed the checklist.

What are common pitfalls and how do top candidates avoid them?

Common pitfalls in the EY Tech Consulting Internship process include submitting a generic resume, underpreparing for interviews, failing to show enthusiasm for technology consulting, and being passive during the internship. Top candidates avoid these mistakes by preparing deliberately and approaching each stage with clarity and intent.

EY looks for candidates who are thoughtful, curious, and capable of contributing to client work. Avoiding preventable errors can set you apart in a competitive applicant pool and increase your chances of earning both the internship and a return offer.

Application-stage pitfalls to avoid:

• Generic resumes: Failing to tailor your resume to highlight skills relevant to technology and consulting
• Lack of quantifiable impact: Using vague bullets instead of measurable outcomes
• Missing deadlines: Not tracking application dates or submitting too close to the deadline

Interview-stage pitfalls:

• Unclear motivation: Giving shallow answers to “Why consulting?” or “Why EY?”
• Weak storytelling: Not preparing structured STAR-format examples for behavioral questions
• No case practice: Assuming you can “wing it” during a case interview without practicing

Internship-stage pitfalls:

• Passive participation: Waiting for tasks instead of proactively seeking work
• Poor communication: Not updating your team or asking clarifying questions
• Ignoring feedback: Not acting on guidance or appearing resistant to improvement

How top candidates succeed:

• Start resume prep weeks in advance and get feedback from trusted peers
• Rehearse behavioral stories out loud and refine them for clarity and impact
• Complete at least 5 to 10 practice case interviews before your real one
• Treat the internship like a trial run for a full-time role, every day counts

By taking ownership of your preparation and approach, you signal to EY that you're capable, motivated, and ready to contribute from day one. That mindset makes a lasting impression and often leads to an offer.

Final Thoughts

The EY Tech Consulting Internship is more than a resume builder; it's a direct pathway into the world of technology consulting. From application to return offer, every step of the process is an opportunity to showcase your curiosity, analytical thinking, and collaborative mindset. By understanding what EY looks for, preparing intentionally, and engaging fully throughout the internship, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate.

Whether you're navigating the application process or stepping into your first client project, remember that the goal is not perfection but consistent effort, a learning mindset, and a genuine interest in solving real-world challenges through technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do tech consultant interns make at EY?
A: Tech consultant interns at EY typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on location and role. EY’s paid internships offer competitive compensation as part of its professional services internship program.

Q: Is an EY internship hybrid?
A: Yes, many EY internships are hybrid, combining in-person client work with remote collaboration. The format may vary by office and service line, so it’s best to confirm during the EY internship application process.

Q: Do interns usually get hired?
A: Many interns receive return offers from EY, especially those who excel during the summer internship at EY. Performance, professionalism, and fit with the team are key factors in securing a full-time role.

Q: Is it hard to get an internship at PwC?
A: Yes, landing an internship at PwC is competitive due to high application volume and strict screening. Like the EY Tech Consulting Internship, candidates are evaluated on GPA, resume strength, and interview performance.

Q: What does an intern at EY do?
A: An intern at EY works on real client projects in areas like data analysis, cloud systems, or IT strategy. The EY intern experience often includes team collaboration, training, and exposure to technology consulting at EY.