EY Extends Internships Into Year-Long Residencies to Prepare Workers for AI-Driven Consulting

EY is transforming its internship program into an extended "Career Residency" that lasts eight to twelve months following the traditional eight-week summer or winter internship. The initiative aims to prepare young professionals for an evolving workplace where artificial intelligence is reshaping the skills entry-level consultants need. Under the new model, interns continue their college education while working part-time on EY projects during their senior year. Participants receive personalized coaching and participate in targeted skills development focused on judgment, critical thinking, professional skepticism, and communication. The program launches initially for assurance interns. Those who successfully complete the residency and receive a full-time offer will start as analysts rather than staff, allowing them to take on more advanced responsibilities from day one. Compensation will include a pay increase determined by performance and completion of program assessments. The shift reflects a broader change in professional services. As AI handles routine tasks like preparing presentations and drafting proposals, consultants increasingly focus on interpreting client insights and shaping strategic outcomes. EY received over 24,000 applications from CPA-track students in the past year and extended 2,400 internship offers.