Our journey with EY-Parthenon’s Women in M&A program

From a mentor and mentee perspective, explore how the Women in M&A program empowers future women talent.

Hi! We’re Hannah and Manon, colleagues at EY‑Parthenon, and we’re excited to share our experiences with our Women in M&A network program for students.

I, Hannah, was a mentee at the Women in M&A in 2023. Now, I work full-time as part of the EY-Parthenon transaction team and will, for the first time, be part of the Women in M&A mentoring team.

I, Manon, facilitated the program from the EY-Parthenon side in 2025, helping students explore the world of finance and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Together, we want to give you a sense of what the program is, how it works and what it feels like to be part of it — from both perspectives.

From a facilitator perspective, what is Women in M&A?

Manon: I know that as a student it is difficult to get proper insights into the world beyond university. The program was created to serve as a platform for you to connect, learn and be empowered within the world of transactions. At Women in M&A, the goal is to create a space where women interested in mergers and acquisitions can engage with experienced professionals, gain first-hand knowledge of our day-to-day life and build relationships that last beyond a single event.

As organizers, we focus on three things:

• Access: Opening doors to conversations that go beyond the technical jargon and into the real challenges and rewards of working with Mergers & Acquisitions.
• Community: Bringing together a network of supportive, ambitious women who share experiences, celebrate wins and navigate challenges together.
• Perspective: Providing opportunities for you to learn about the deal-making process and get excited about your future career in M&A.

Women in M&A isn’t just about understanding the mechanics of mergers and acquisitions — it’s about giving you the necessary tools and understanding for you to make the right career decision for yourself.  

From mentee to mentor: my journey with Women in M&A

Hannah: When I applied for Women in M&A two years ago, I was curious but didn’t know what to expect, just like Manon. I still remember walking into the first event thinking, “What will this be about and do I see myself working in this field?” Over three sessions, I was then allowed to meet like-minded and inspiring women from EY-Parthenon but also other students just like me. The program included networking, interactive workshops, mock interview cases, dinners and engaging sports sessions, offering a mix of professional insights and informal connection. One of the most inspiring parts for me was hearing from the mentors’ perspectives across EY-Parthenon. Listening to their career journeys, challenges and lessons learned gave me insights into what working in M&A really looks like and showed me the variety of paths a career in transactions can take.

Now, two years later, I work full-time in EY-Parthenon’s transaction team. Looking back, the program gave me a realistic perspective on the work and helped me build confidence and connections that continue to benefit me today. Being on both sides — first as a participant and now as part of the team — gives me a clear sense of how important initiatives like this can help young women explore their interests and see that there’s a place for them within the field of M&A.

If you’re curious about M&A, eager to learn from those who’ve been there or are simply looking for a community that champions women in transactions, join us. You’ll leave with more than just insights; you’ll leave with connections and confidence.