Paths to success
Whether you’re at school, an undergraduate or a post graduate, right here is where you get a head start. Fancy starting your career while everyone else is still studying? Want to jump to the front of the queue and find out what working here is like, before we start recruiting? There are many paths to realising your potential. Discover what we offer and what you’re capable of.
We employ graduates in all of our six offices across Australia and the available roles vary in each location. Many of our graduate roles will be offered to students who participate in our Vacationer Program so we encourage you to consider the Vacationer Program as a way to secure your graduate role early.
We accept applications from all degree disciplines. Find out more here.
Want to avoid competing with thousands of other students in your final year and secure a graduate position early on? Become a vacationer and put yourself well ahead of your peers.
Our summer or winter* Vacationer Program provides client work, skills development, training and professional experiences. Not only do you learn about our organisation, you get to apply that knowledge to real client projects.
This is a popular path, with many vacationers being offered full-time positions with us when they've finished their studies. You'll be able to put into practice what you've been studying at university and head back to your studies confident that your career's already begun. So show us what you're capable of and you could be invited to join us after graduation.
Apply in the penultimate year of your degree.
*Only Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth office run winter programs.
Preparation
You'll need some basic skills to be successful in your Vacationer Program, so you'll undertake induction. We'll equip you with the essentials and help you rapidly develop your capabilities through a series of exercises – including talks and team-building sessions. You'll then be ready for business, handling tasks similar to those we give to our first-year graduates.
Teaming
As part of a team, you'll benefit from the knowledge and experience of established professionals. You'll also gain exposure to a variety of clients and industry sectors. This will give you an insight into the business and a good understanding of life at Ernst & Young.
Meeting leadership
As well as client work, you'll have the opportunity to meet and perhaps shadow one of our partners. This will give you an idea of where your ambitions can take you. We're looking to recruit future leaders through our Vacationer Program, so this is an opportunity to show us what you're made of.
Feedback
You want your Vacationer Program to be a valuable and challenging experience. So do we, which is why we appoint a counsellor to provide regular feedback and guidance. Your counsellor will be your main point of contact during your time with us and will be responsible for helping you develop professionally and personally.
Relationships
You'll make plenty of contacts and connections during your Vacationer Program. To help cement these relationships, we recommend you get involved in the many opportunities and events on offer. You might also choose to become an ambassador for Ernst & Young upon your return to university.
Requirements
You can apply to join the Vacationer Program in the penultimate year of your degree.
You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident to be eligible for this program.
We recruit talented students from a range of degrees.
Summer Vacationer Program Application Dates
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Adelaide | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
| Brisbane | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
| Canberra | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
| Melbourne | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
| Perth | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
| Sydney | 27 February 2012 | Applications are closed. |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to
Job Search to review the opportunities on offer in your preferred location(s) and apply.
If you join us as a vacationer, you'll have the opportunity to qualify for our annual three-day intern leadership event, which is held in Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
We bring together the best vacationers and interns from around the world and provide them with an opportunity to learn about our strategy and vision, meet Ernst & Young's global leadership and network with peers.
During the conference, you'll develop a clear understanding of the scope and range of possibilities that Ernst & Young can open up for you.
To be considered for the conference, you need to demonstrate the qualities we're looking for in our future leaders and who we believe best live by our values and demonstrate a strong desire to achieve their potential.
What our vacationers and global interns say
"I thought it was an amazing privilege to hear the personal stories of so many Ernst & Young leaders, including Global CEO Jim Turley. As I listened to them sharing their experiences and goals, it showed me how rewarding a career at the firm will be."
Aleshia Myers, Australia
"The stand out for me was a workshop called 'Executive Presence'. The session went through public speaking tips, general presentation skills and helpful hints on how to get the most out of networking. I found this session extremely helpful and know I’ll use what I learnt in the future."
Pedro Palomares-Martinez, Australia
"I left the IILC with a deeper understanding of the firm’s values, my career options and the support I'll be given through my career development. I feel I’ve truly connected with the firm and with many interns. I can now say with certainty that I made the right decision to sign with Ernst & Young!"
Annie Chow, Hong Kong
"Throughout the Conference, we could pick from a number of workshops, covering many professional interests and one that I chose to attend was ‘Do the right thing’. In the workshop we were able to examine the motives, occurrences and effects of fraud in accounting. It was an experience that broadened my knowledge about this subject and demonstrated the importance of the Ernst & Young values."
HyeSun Choi, South Korea
"One of the activities I enjoyed the most was the scavenger hunt at Universal Studios. Searching for clues to answer questions, we coordinated our team to complete many different tasks at the same time. Getting to work with people from different countries I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the different perspectives that people bring to teams. It showed me the success we can achieve as a team and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming a challenge together."
Tanya Geng, China
Requirements
If you see yourself in Florida in 2013, you need to be a high-performing vacationer who's accepted an offer to join us as a graduate in 2014.
You can apply to join the Vacationer Program in the penultimate year of your degree.
You're ambitious. You've studied hard and you want to put your knowledge and skills to the test. If you've recently graduated, or are about to, become a graduate and set yourself up for a world of opportunities.
With early responsibility and the support and training to grow, you'll build the confidence to pursue your goals. Exposed to a wide range of clients, you can expect to develop your networks, collaborate with specialists, learn from mentors and even study for postgraduate qualifications, including the Chartered Accountant qualification or a Masters of Tax. You'll begin to build your technical, leadership and communication skills, and be responsible for parts of projects right away, working in a business area of your choice. As a graduate with Ernst & Young you'll be able to add value to your clients and shape your career as a professional.
At our graduate induction you'll meet other new graduates from your office. Your buddy and your counsellor will help you learn your way around the firm, set your goals and plan your development. You'll be well paid and have the chance to enjoy some excellent benefits, including the opportunity to apply for three months leave after you've been with us for 18 months. You might also find yourself working interstate or overseas.
Our Assurance and Advisory Sydney practice also offers you the chance to join via the Graduate Challenge Program.
Requirements
You can apply to join the Graduate Program when you're in the final year of your degree or within 18 months from your graduation date at the time of application.
You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an international student who meets our criteria.
We recruit talented students from a range of degrees.
When to apply
Apply early. The earlier we hear from you the earlier we can review your application and the sooner you'll know what we can offer you.
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Adelaide | 27 February 2012 | 28 March 2012 |
| Brisbane | 27 February 2012 | 30 March 2012 |
| Canberra | 27 February 2012 | 10 April 2012 |
| Melbourne | 27 February 2012 | 26 March 2012 |
| Perth | 27 February 2012 | 30 March 2012 |
| Sydney | 27 February 2012 | 29 March 2012 |
Serious about your career and keen to get ahead? Ambitious and hungry for real work experience now? Become a cadet and combine your degree with real work experience to make a serious start to your career.
As a cadet, you'll combine full-time work with part-time university studies. It takes drive and commitment, but we'll provide you with the support you need to succeed. You'll gain valuable experience working with clients and will be exposed to senior managers early so that you can learn from some of the best. You'll also benefit from the training and skills development we provide. And when you do graduate, the professional experience you'll have gained through the cadet program will place you head and shoulders above your peers.
Apply in Year 12 or in year one of your university degree for the Melbourne or Sydney Program or in years one to three of your university degree for the Brisbane Program.
Discover more:
Melbourne Cadet Program and Sydney Cadet Program
You'll work full time with us for two years while studying part time, then study full time until you've completed your degree and you may work with us during your university holidays. That means by the time you've graduated you'll have had the opportunity to build your skills, cement your networks and gain experience with a wide variety of clients.
You could work with large and small clients in Assurance, Tax, or Advisory services. We'll invest in your development, offering you learning, coaching and experiences that will enable you to put into practice what you're studying.
You'll receive a text book allowance, time off for study and the support of your peers and experienced staff.
If you perform well during your first two years as a Cadet - both at work and at university - you'll be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the firm in the form of a Cadet Grant when you return to university full time. The Cadet Grant helps towards the costs of your full-time study, and might alleviate the need for you to have a part-time job. Terms and conditions apply to the Cadet Grant.
Requirements
Apply when you're in year 12 or in your first year of university if you're completing a single degree, three year degree. You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen,or an Australian permanent resident. International students are not eligible for the Cadet Program.
When to apply
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Melbourne | 21 May 2012 | 20 June 2012 |
| Sydney | 21 May 2012 | 25 June 2012 |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to Job Search to review the opportunities on offer in your preferred location(s) and apply.
Brisbane Cadet Program
If you've already started university but would like to fast track your career with a mix of study and work, consider a Cadetship in Assurance, Tax, or Advisory services.
You'll work full time and study part time until you complete your degree and join us at a level higher than your graduate peers. That means by the time you've graduated you'll have had the unique opportunity to build your skills, cement your networks and gain experience with a wide variety of clients.
We'll invest in your development, offering you learning, coaching and experiences that will enable you to put into practice what you've studied. You'll receive a text book allowance and the support of your peers and experienced staff.
Requirements
Apply in the first, second or third years of your degree. Our Assurance and Tax teams recruit students with an accounting major and Advisory look for a range of degree backgrounds. You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident. International students are not eligible for the Cadet Program.
When to apply
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Brisbane | 27 February 2012 | 30 March 2012 |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to Job Search to apply.
Are you looking for some advice on which direction to take your career? Then apply for our Career Compass Program and discover if a professional services firm is the right track for you to take.
You know that making smart decisions about your career is essential. Through the structured learning sessions and workshops included in this unique program you'll understand more about us and gain the skills that will help you grow from student to professional. You'll be equipped to make informed choices about electives and majors for the rest of your degree, regardless of whether you are undertaking an accounting degree or studying another field.
Introduced to the Ernst & Young culture, you'll be invited to network with peers and experienced professionals and share your ideas and aspirations for the future. Demonstrate that you're a high achiever and you could be invited to interview for our Vacationer Program.
Apply for our Career Compass Program and explore your potential.
Apply if you are graduating in 2014.
Program Dates
| City | Number of days | Program dates |
|---|
| Brisbane | 1 day | TBC |
| Melbourne | 3 days | TBC |
| Perth | 1 day | TBC |
| Sydney | 3 days | TBC |
Requirements
You can apply in your first, second or third year of your degree if you are on track to graduate in mid or late 2014.
You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident to be eligible for this program.
When to apply
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Brisbane | | Applications will open in July |
| Melbourne | | Applications will open in July |
| Perth | | Applications will open in July |
| Sydney | | Applications will open in July |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to Job Search to review the opportunities on offer in your preferred location(s) and apply.
You have great qualifications, so why not work with a firm that lets you use them in the best of both worlds and really set yourself up for success? If you're a high achiever and motivated to succeed, the Graduate Challenge Program is for you.
Our Graduate Challenge Program is a five-year program for graduates interested in a career that develops their knowledge and experience in both our Advisory and Assurance areas. You'll take on responsibilities from day one and receive the support you need to gain valuable professional qualifications.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Develop skills in both information technology risk as well as financial auditing and accounting
- Gain valuable coaching by a team of technical and industry experts in both information technology risk and financial auditing and accounting
- Build your network and client relationships across the technological, accounting and finance industries
- Benefit from our support while you pursue your Chartered Accountant and Certified Information Systems Auditing qualifications
Once you've successfully completed the program and gained your qualifications, you'll be eligible to receive a bonus.
Requirements
We're looking for candidates who have a background in either;
- A commerce or accounting degree with information systems or computer science electives
- An information systems or computer science degree with commerce or accounting electives
- A double degree in information systems/computer science and commerce/accounting
You can apply to join the Graduate Challenge Program when you're in the final year of your degree or within 18 months from your graduation date at time of application.
You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an international student who meets our criteria.
Along with a proven academic track record we are looking for candidates with strong communication, interpersonal and written skills along with extracurricular activities or community involvement. Relevant work experience will also be highly regarded.
When to apply
Apply early. The earlier we hear from you the earlier we can review your application and the sooner you'll know what we can offer you.
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Sydney | 27 February 2012 | 29 March 2012 |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to Job Search to apply.
Are you a couple years into your degree and itching to see what it's like in the real world? Does your degree require you do a professional placement? Become an intern and whet your appetite for real work, real clients and real experience.
Our Internship Year Program enables students from Victorian universities to work with us for 9 to 12 months before beginning their final year at university.
As an intern, you'll graduate streaks ahead of your fellow students. Plus, after graduating you're likely to be hired by Ernst & Young at a more senior level than your graduate peers.
You'll work with a wide variety of clients in either Assurance, Advisory or Tax, and be responsible for your own areas within projects from day one. You'll work with a counsellor to set your goals for your time at the firm, and a buddy will help you settle into the office.
You'll benefit from great development opportunities - learning, coaching and experiences - and have the chance to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
Requirements
If you're passionate about a career in professional services, we encourage you to apply for our Internship Year Program. We're interested in talented students from a range of disciplines including accounting, commerce, finance, IT and law. If you're studying IT/IS, we encourage you to apply to our IT Risk & Assurance area.
To apply for our Internship Year Program, you'll need to be available to commence full-time work in 2013. In addition, you'll be;
- In your penultimate year of study and willing to defer your studies for 2013 to undertake the full-time placement OR
- Required to complete a one year placement with an employer prior to your final year of university studies
You need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident to be eligible for this program.
When to apply
| City | Application opening dates | Application closing dates |
|---|
| Melbourne | 27 February 2012 | 27 April 2012 |
Applications will close 12:00pm noon local time.
Go to Job Search to review the opportunities on offer in your preferred location(s) and apply.
