Frequently asked questions - Ernst & Young - Switzerland

Applying to Ernst & Young

Q:

How can I learn about open graduate/entry level positions?

A:

For a complete list of open positions in Switzerland, go to Job Offerings.

Q:

How do I start the application process?

A:

Research our website by going to our Job Offerings section to identify your area of interest. You can then apply online. You'll find information about specific qualification requirements in the job description. For more detailed information on our recruiting process, click here.

Q:

How has the current economy affected your graduate recruiting efforts?

A:

People are our most valuable resource and we plan to maintain our current intake of graduates this year. We’re focused on identifying and hiring the most qualified and suitable talent from outstanding universities around the world to support our business now and in the future.

Q:

Can I speak to someone about your recruiting process and available programs?

A:

Under the Contact link, you will find a list of recruiters with their contact details. You can also write to us by using the two following email addresses: careers@ch.ey.com (for the German and Italian part of Switzerland) or recrutement@ch.ey.com (for the French part of Switzerland).

Q:

What happens once we receive your CV/resume? And how long does it take?

A:

We will carefully review your application. If your qualifications meet our requirements, we'll then invite you for an interview. We make every effort to carry out the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. We also make sure that applicants are kept up to date on the status of their application. For helpful tips on how to prepare for an interview, click here.

Q:

Can I join the company with a Bachelor’s degree? Are good grades important?

A:

We welcome graduates with a Bachelor’s degree from university or university of applied sciences, particularly in Assurance and Accounting Services. These graduates are also welcome in special areas of our Tax Services. For our Legal Services, we require not just a Master’s degree in law but also admission to the Bar. Grades are part of the overall assessment and complete the impression that we form of a candidate.

Q:

Does it matter which university or college I graduate from?

A:

No, it doesn’t. It’s more important that you possess a keen interest in economic or legal issues.

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Working at Ernst & Young

Q:

How is Ernst & Young structured?

A:

Ernst & Young is a global organization made up of member firms in 140 countries. Each member firm is owned by its partners and they have operational control of their business. However, in order to maintain the same high standards of service quality and delivery in each of our locations, we have a global governance structure. This consists of five geographic Areas, each with an Area Executive that works in close partnership with our Global Executive, headed up by our CEO, Jim Turley. To support our efforts as a global organization, we also have a global entity, Ernst & Young Global, which works strategically with each of our Areas to support consistency and excellence in all of our activities around the world.

Q:

Where does Ernst & Young have offices around the world? And what locations do you have in Switzerland?

A:

Ernst & Young has 135,000 people working across the world in 140 countries. Take a look at our location map. Ernst & Young in Switzerland has 10 branches: Aarau, Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Zug and Zurich.
The choice of location is considered and discussed on an individual basis. Contracts always state the head office, but we reserve the right to post employees anywhere in Switzerland. While it is true that employees are primarily hired for one particular location, they can change location or transfer temporarily to other language regions after consultation with their line manager.

Q:

How do I choose which service line to join? And are all service lines available in all locations in Switzerland?

A:

The right choice for you will reflect your area of interest and specialization. Have a good look around our website to get a feel for who we are and the services we offer. Then speak with your professors, recruiters, campus careers advisors, friends and family to gather all the information you need to understand where you may best fit. Invest time now to research the possibilities, so you can make an informed choice later on.
With the exception of Assurance Services, not every business unit is represented in every location.

Q:

What is the organization’s policy on flexible working?

A:

We're committed to helping our people succeed professionally and personally. We have a pragmatic approach to supporting individuals in meeting commitments in and out of the office. Through discussion and negotiation, we work together to agree on a framework that meets the needs of our business, our teams, our clients and those of our people. It's an approach that allows you to manage family commitments, or pursue personal passions outside of work. We’re proud that some of our people have participated in the Olympics, written novels and recorded albums alongside pursuing a career at Ernst & Young. During your interview with us, our HR Managers will be happy to explain in details what flexible work arrangements are possible in Switzerland.

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Programs

Q:

Where can I find information about internships?

A:

If you're looking to jump-start your career, participating in one of our internship programs will give you valuable experience and insights. We do not offer short-term or part-time internships. Our internships last generally from 4 to 6 months.

Q:

What responsibilities do interns have?

A:

Interns work with a team just like every other new graduate staff. This means that you'll collect data, complete analyses, prepare presentations, and participate in meetings. Rest assured you will also receive intensive training to help get you started and extensive coaching from the advisors on your team along the way.

Q:

What does Ernst & Young offer in the way of internship abroad?

A:

No internship abroad is organized from Switzerland. But we can help by providing contact details. Or you can switch from this website to the desired country. You will then find contact information or information on how to apply for an internship in that country.

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Developing your career

Q:

How will I continue to grow as a professional?

A:

We're committed to your ongoing learning and development. We take your individual strengths and learning requirements into account to provide the right blend of experiences, learning and coaching for you. This approach will help to accelerate your progress and support your career goals and aspirations.

Q:

What training is on offer?

A:

In Switzerland, we offer to train you as a Swiss Certified Public Accountant or Swiss Tax Expert. We invest of lot in training our staff. With our award-winning learning and development programs, you receive the formal training you need through a variety of approaches in the classroom and online. You'll also receive valuable informal training through new experiences and on-the-job coaching and mentoring.

Q:

Once I join what opportunities do I have for working in another country?

A:

We're committed to offering our people international experiences. You can apply for a short- or long-term secondment or international mobility program. You'll need a strong performance record to qualify. Speak to your manager and he or she will help you identify any suitable opportunities to enhance your career development with some international experience. In Switzerland, you will first need to concentrate on getting your Swiss Certified Public Accountant or Swiss Tax Expert diploma.

Q:

What influence will I have over my career progression?

A:

You own your career at Ernst & Young but developing it is a mutual commitment. You're responsible for articulating your development needs and aspirations. We provide a supportive learning, teaming, high-performance environment that will help you become a highly competent and successful professional. We offer plenty of career options and, wherever possible, we allow flexibility, so you can balance the demands of work and personal life. In return, you take responsibility for your professional and personal growth and for performing at your best every day.

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Life at Ernst & Young

Q:

What hours will I work a week?

A:

There's no typical week at Ernst & Young. Your hours will vary according to the work or engagement in which you're involved. Occasionally, there may be some weekend work, particularly during busy periods. We encourage teams at all levels to work flexibly and discuss and negotiate how to meet the demands of each engagement. By communicating regularly with your team and supervisor, you'll be able to understand their expectations and plan your time effectively. In Switzerland, our working contracts are set to 42 hours a week.

Q:

What do people wear at Ernst & Young?

A:

We're providing a professional service to our clients and they expect us to look the part, so formal business attire is appropriate for meetings with clients. The exception to this rule is when you're based at client sites, in which case you may adopt the client's dress code policy.

Q:

What is the social life like in the office?

A:

Here, you'll find individuals representing a variety of backgrounds, opinions and perspectives but united by a shared set of values. This means that there are plenty of groups and networks built around shared issues and interests. These range from hobbies, sports and creative or intellectual pursuits through to support and volunteer opportunities. Regardless of your background or areas of focus, you'll find colleagues who share your interests.

Q:

What is Ernst & Young's approach to diversity and inclusiveness? And how high is the percentage of women employed?

A:

We're committed to creating an environment where all people feel valued, are part of the community and are able to perform at their best. Diversity and inclusiveness are about everyone. It's about welcoming and harnessing diverse viewpoints, and about how this leads to making better decisions for us and for our clients. It's also about operating in a way that helps people to achieve their potential and make a difference, wherever they come from and whatever their characteristics. We believe in developing our people's cultural awareness and skills, including helping them to be aware of their own assumptions, frames of reference and behaviors. To us, diversity and inclusiveness make business sense: it helps us to engage with clients and teams in a global economy. And in a world of shifting demographics, it allows us to navigate efficiently across boundaries.
35% of all employees in Switzerland are women; unfortunately only 20% of them at management level.

Q:

The environment is very important, what is Ernst & Young's approach towards sustainability?

A:

We recognize that we have a corporate responsibility to the environment and believe in making it possible for our people to contribute on an individual basis. As an organization we've implemented various strategies. For example, developing carbon neutral buildings; reducing the need for overseas travel through the use of video and teleconferencing; and sourcing green energy suppliers wherever possible.

Q:

How can I get involved with my local community?

A:

We have a philosophy of volunteering and strongly encourage you to support your community in any way you can.

Q:

I have personal commitments that are important to me. Can I still join Ernst & Young?

A:

We understand that success is broader than what you achieve at the office. That's why we support one another in attaining life balance, in reaching our personal goals and keeping our personal commitments. Some of our people have participated in professional sports, written novels, recorded albums and achieved a host of personal initiatives while working with us. The key to balancing your professional and personal commitments is communicating often with your team and supervisor and remaining flexible.

Q:

What values describe the Ernst & Young culture?

A:

Our values are set out in a “Code of Conduct”. This guide contains the behavioral guidelines which define our actions in all areas and which are observed by all employees of Ernst & Young. See Code of Conduct

Q:

What qualities are important to Ernst & Young?

A:

In addition to a graduate diploma, we also expect excellent communication skills, very good knowledge of English, personal integrity, team spirit, initiative, commitment and a great willingness to learn.

Q:

What sets Ernst & Young apart from the competition?

A:

Every single one of us. The main distinguishing features are the employees and their relationship with one another, as well as the organization and structure.

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