Tell us your story.
Recruiters at Ernst and Young may ask this question, which is another version of 'Tell us about yourself.' This question is one of the most challenging interview questions to approach because it's open-ended. It is not easy to know where to begin and where to end!
A great place to start is to understand the reasoning behind the question. Primarily, the interviewers will use this question as an icebreaker. This question allows the interviewers to get to know you professionally and gain a glimpse into your personality and how it may be a fit for EY.
One helpful approach to forming your response is the Past, Present, Future framework.
- Past: Provide a brief overview of your educational journey.
- Present: Discuss your current situation as it relates to this internship opportunity.
- Future: Talk about your career aspirations and how this internship (and future career opportunities) fits.
"(Past) Two years ago I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business at UCLA, where I became fascinated with corporate accounting. (Present) Since beginning university, I have maintained a GPA of 3.7 and have made the Dean's list every year. I have gained considerable confidence in my knowledge of business accounting, audits, and taxation during this time. I am now ready to pursue my career path with a Big 4 firm confidently. (Future) I am seeking a summer internship within EY, specifically within Audit. My long-term goal is to work toward my CPA designation after graduation. This internship opportunity with Ernst and Young is a terrific opportunity to leverage my career and help me achieve my goal of successfully passing my CPA exam on the first attempt. The EY mission and corporate integrity align with my core passions and personal strengths, such as inclusivity and leadership in action. It would be an honor to grow my career with this esteemed organization."