EY is turning its internships into yearlong residencies as AI changes entry-level work

EY is introducing an 8-12 month residency program to train young consultants for the AI era, extending internships by a significant length. Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas chief talent and culture officer, stated that workers desire employers to assist them in staying relevant and advancing in their careers. The Big Four firm believes that an eight-week internship is insufficient to prepare young workers for the AI age, and the residency will provide paid training, part-time employment on EY projects, personalized coaching, and skills development.

Participants will continue their college education while working part-time during their senior year. EY aims for successful residency participants to join the firm as analysts, bypassing the junior consultant level and starting with more responsibility and higher pay. The application process remains unchanged, with candidates undergoing a skills assessment and interview.

EY has received over 24,000 applications for internships, with a 33% increase in applications from 2025 to 2026. The residency focuses on developing skills like judgment, professional skepticism, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication through simulations and real-world EY work.