Why Ernst & Young: Guide to Careers, Culture, and Opportunities

Landing a role at Ernst & Young is more than just joining one of the world’s leading professional services firms it’s stepping into a culture built on integrity, innovation, and impact. EY offers diverse career paths, world-class learning programs, and a people-first environment that helps professionals grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re exploring why EY stands out among the Big 4 or what makes it a great place to work, this guide will help you understand everything that makes the firm unique.

TL;DR – What You Need to Know

Ernst & Young is a global professional services firm that offers career growth, inclusive culture, and purpose-driven opportunities across consulting, assurance, tax, and strategy services.

• EY operates in 150+ countries, delivering integrated consulting, assurance, tax, and strategy services for global clients.
• EY careers provide international exposure, structured mentorship, and leadership development through programs like EY Badges and global mobility assignments.
• EY’s company culture emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity through values that promote trust and professional growth.
• Compared to other Big 4 consulting firms, EY stands out for its innovation, technology integration, and focus on sustainability and social impact.
• Entry into EY is competitive, but strong analytical skills, adaptability, and alignment with its purpose-driven values help candidates succeed.

What Is Ernst & Young and What Does the Firm Do?

Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, is a global professional services firm that provides assurance, consulting, tax, and strategy services to help organizations build trust, transform operations, and drive sustainable growth. As one of the Big 4 firms, EY serves clients in more than 150 countries through its integrated, purpose-driven approach.

Founded in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young, EY has evolved into one of the most respected and globally recognized consulting and accounting organizations. Its network includes over 400,000 professionals dedicated to delivering innovative solutions across industries ranging from finance and healthcare to energy and technology.

EY operates through four main service lines:

• Assurance Services: Including financial audits and risk assessments that ensure transparency and compliance.
• Consulting Services: Covering business transformation, digital innovation, and performance improvement for both public and private sectors.
• Tax Services: Helping organizations navigate complex global tax regulations, compliance, and planning strategies.
• Strategy and Transactions: Advising on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring to drive long-term value creation.

Each division works closely with clients to solve complex business problems, implement effective strategies, and achieve measurable results. This cross-functional collaboration ensures EY delivers holistic solutions that combine strategic insight with technical expertise.

Beyond its core offerings, EY has established a strong focus on technology and innovation. The firm invests heavily in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and sustainability initiatives to help clients adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape.

EY’s purpose  “Building a better working world”  reflects its long-term vision of creating positive impact for clients, employees, and society. Whether you’re pursuing a consulting role or exploring EY careers in audit, tax, or advisory, understanding what the firm does provides the foundation for why it remains one of the most influential players in global business today.

Why Choose Ernst & Young for Your Career?

Ernst & Young is an ideal choice for professionals seeking meaningful work, global exposure, and structured career development. The firm combines diverse learning opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative environment that empowers employees to make an impact from day one. This balance of purpose, growth, and inclusion defines why so many choose EY for their careers.

EY’s appeal goes beyond its size and global brand recognition. The firm emphasizes purpose-driven work, allowing you to contribute to real-world challenges like sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. This makes your role not just about delivering results but about creating lasting change.

Key reasons to consider EY for your career include:

• Global Mobility: With offices in 150+ countries, EY provides international assignments and cross-border project opportunities.
• Learning and Development: Continuous upskilling through EY Badges, leadership programs, and structured training paths.
• Inclusive Culture: A strong focus on diversity, equity, and belonging that encourages collaboration and authenticity.
• Career Progression: Transparent promotion paths supported by mentorship and performance coaching.
• Purpose and Impact: Projects that align business goals with societal improvement, reinforcing EY’s purpose of “building a better working world.”

For aspiring consultants, EY offers exposure to diverse industries and clients, giving you the chance to work on high-impact projects early in your career. Whether you’re targeting roles in consulting, audit, or tax, EY’s integrated approach ensures that you gain holistic business experience that accelerates your professional growth.

EY Company Culture and Core Values Explained

EY’s culture is built on trust, inclusion, and integrity, shaping how its people work, lead, and create value. The firm’s core values  integrity, respect, teaming, and energy  guide every project and relationship, reinforcing a workplace where professionals feel supported and inspired to perform at their best.

At the heart of EY’s success is its commitment to people. The firm cultivates an environment where collaboration and psychological safety are prioritized, allowing employees to voice ideas freely and grow without fear of failure.

EY’s core values include:

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency in all business dealings.
• Respect: Treating colleagues and clients with fairness and empathy.
• Teamwork: Emphasizing collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams and geographies.
• Energy and Enthusiasm: Driving positive change with passion and determination.

Beyond values, EY’s company culture reflects its global inclusivity and emphasis on belonging. Employee networks, such as Women in Leadership and Unity (LGBTQ+), create safe spaces and mentorship opportunities that build community and confidence.

By fostering an environment that values diversity, continuous feedback, and open dialogue, EY ensures every professional has the resources and encouragement to succeed. This culture not only attracts top talent but also strengthens EY’s reputation as a trusted advisor and top employer.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities at EY

EY provides structured career paths and continuous learning programs that help professionals build both technical and leadership skills. Through initiatives like EY Badges, leadership workshops, and mentorship programs, employees gain access to development opportunities that accelerate long-term growth and global career mobility.

The firm’s career development framework ensures that every professional receives tailored support. EY’s learning model focuses on three dimensions: technical mastery, leadership capability, and business acumen. This enables employees to grow into well-rounded consultants and leaders.

EY’s key career and learning opportunities include:

• EY Badges: Digital credentials earned through training in emerging areas like AI, sustainability, and data analytics.
• Global Mobility: Short- and long-term international assignments that build cross-cultural leadership skills.
• Mentorship Programs: Structured coaching relationships with senior leaders to support goal setting and performance feedback.
• Continuous Training: Access to industry-leading certifications and internal courses through EY’s learning platforms.

By investing heavily in education and leadership development, EY ensures that its people stay ahead of industry change. Whether you’re just starting or advancing your career, you’ll find clear progression paths and support systems that make long-term success achievable.

How EY Compares to Other Big 4 Consulting Firms

EY distinguishes itself among the Big 4 through its purpose-driven culture, innovation focus, and strong commitment to sustainability. While Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG are also leaders, EY stands out for integrating consulting with technology and social impact, providing a balanced environment for professional and personal growth.

In the Big 4 landscape, EY’s consulting practice emphasizes cross-industry collaboration and digital transformation projects that create real value. Its approach blends technical expertise with human-centered design, helping clients adapt to new technologies while fostering long-term relationships.

Key differentiators that make EY unique include:

• Purpose-Driven Strategy: Every engagement ties back to “building a better working world.”
• People-Centric Approach: Strong focus on diversity, flexibility, and mental well-being.
• Technology Integration: Early adoption of AI, data analytics, and sustainability tools across services.
• Holistic Consulting Model: Combines audit, tax, and strategy expertise for comprehensive business solutions.

This well-rounded focus makes EY particularly attractive to consultants who value innovation, social responsibility, and professional stability   a combination few firms match.

Is It Hard to Get Into EY?

Getting into EY is competitive due to its global reputation and high professional standards. The firm seeks candidates with strong analytical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit, making the selection process rigorous yet transparent. Applicants should demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to EY’s purpose-driven values.

EY’s recruitment process typically includes:

• Online Application and Assessment: Focused on skills, communication, and logical reasoning.
• Behavioral Interviews: Testing alignment with EY’s culture and values.
• Case Interviews: Evaluating problem-solving and business judgment.
• Final Round: Assessing leadership qualities and interpersonal effectiveness.

While entry is challenging, preparation can make a major difference. Strong resumes highlighting leadership experiences, internships, and technical expertise stand out. EY also encourages applicants to understand its culture, which helps candidates articulate why they’re a good fit.

Common Misconceptions and Challenges About EY

While EY is admired globally, misconceptions exist about its work intensity and culture. In reality, EY promotes balanced workloads, flexible arrangements, and mental well-being programs that counter common myths about Big 4 burnout.

Common misconceptions include:

• Work-Life Balance: Many assume EY has long hours universally, but flexibility varies by team and project.
• Career Growth: Some believe advancement is slow, yet EY’s merit-based system rewards high performers quickly.
• Culture: The perception of rigidity contrasts with EY’s inclusive and open feedback environment.

Challenges at EY can include managing demanding client timelines or adapting to a fast-changing business environment. However, with mentorship and clear communication channels, employees often find the experience rewarding.

Why Ernst & Young Remains a Top Choice for Future Consultants

Ernst & Young continues to be a top destination for consulting talent due to its global scale, people-first culture, and commitment to innovation. The firm offers clear career progression, diverse industry exposure, and projects that deliver measurable social and business impact.

EY’s holistic ecosystem connects learning, leadership, and purpose, giving future consultants an environment to thrive both professionally and personally. By aligning career goals with meaningful work, EY remains not just a top employer but a long-term partner in building a better working world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why work at Ernst & Young?
A: Working at Ernst & Young offers exposure to global clients, continuous learning through EY Badges, and a purpose-driven culture focused on professional growth and innovation.

Q: What makes EY different from other Big 4 firms?
A: EY stands out from other Big 4 firms through its focus on sustainability, inclusive culture, and integration of technology and consulting to drive long-term client impact.

Q: What are EY’s core values?
A: EY’s core values are integrity, respect, teamwork, and energy, guiding how its people collaborate, serve clients, and contribute to building a better working world.

Q: Is it tough to get into EY?
A: It can be challenging to get into EY due to its selective recruitment process, which prioritizes analytical ability, leadership potential, and cultural alignment with EY’s values.

Q: What makes EY a great place to work?
A: EY is a great place to work because it combines professional growth, diverse teams, and meaningful projects that align with its purpose of building a better working world.