MU - Information Technology Student Organization

Ernst & Young: Quality in Everything We Do

"Quality in Everything We Do"
Quality is a word you often hear around Ernst & Young offices. Not only is it one of the main pillars the firm is built upon, it is the reason why Ernst & Young has become one of the leading firms in the industry. Quality is something that our 135,000 employees in 140 countries throughout the world embody everyday. Ernst & Young people demonstrate superiority and excellence in the services we provide to our clients, which is evident in the People First culture that continues to keep Ernst & Young at the top. Recently, Ernst & Young was ranked in Forbes magazine as one of the "Top 100 Companies to Work For," ranking the highest among the Big Four professional service firms. BusinessWeek also ranked Ernst & Young as the #1 "Company to Launch a Career" in 2008!

So How Do You Fit In?
Ernst & Young has opportunities for internship positions as well as fulltime positions in many different service lines. However, the best fit for ITfocused students is within the Advisory Services practice. Students specifically focused on IT would fit best in the Technology & Security Risk Services (TSRS) group. Some common services provided to our clients include: - Helping to protect IT assets against external viruses, cyber terrorism and other malicious attacks and internal security threats
- Advising on software application controls integrity
- Improving IT processes
- Addressing regulatory compliance on IT applications

The Internship
An internship with Ernst & Young's TSRS group will offer a wealth of experience for you. The internship program starts with orientation and training, providing a chance to learn more about the firm and network with fellow interns and other Ernst & Young colleagues. During orientation and training you will begin to get a feel for the things you'll be doing during your internship. After training, you will be assigned to an engagement where you will be able to see first-hand what occurs on a daily basis. However, your experience isn't limited to watching others - you will have the opportunity to complete work that is expected of any full-time hired staff. The network of support you have at Ernst & Young helps you succeed at the tasks assigned to you. The firm builds an internship program that sets you up for success, and as an intern, you will gain real-life experience that will further enhance your skills and knowledge in the IT audit industry.

Of course, your experience won't be all work - often times you'll have the opportunity for a trip to a baseball game or two, as well as social hours to meet and network with other colleagues in the office. Summer interns also have the privilege to experience the International Intern Leadership Conference (IILC) held annually in Orlando, Florida. This is a four day event where you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the firm and develop organizational, interpersonal, leadership and networking skills. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Ernst & Young partners and employees from around the world. This is an experience you don't want to miss!

The Full-Time Position
Much like the internship, training and education is a highly valued commodity at Ernst & Young. The support network that you build during your first two years with the firm is an invaluable asset. Colleagues are supportive and are willing to help you succeed, as they understand the excitement and anxiety the first year of work can bring. As with interns, full-time staff work directly with the client and perform invaluable tasks that further enhance the skills and knowledge gained during college, training and other employment experiences. Because of our "People First" culture, and the "Quality in Everything We Do" mentality, employees build the foundation to achieve great success both inside and outside the firm.

What Else is There?
Much, much more! The Milwaukee office has different committees, organizations and activities that further enhance your work/life balance. Some activities include: the Professional Women's Network, Social Committee, Junior Achievement, bEYond, summer softball and kickball leagues, and recruiting events.

Volunteering and giving back to the community are also highly valued. Annually, the Milwaukee office supports Longfellow Elementary School and in the past year was able to donate approximately 260 backpacks and $5,000, which went towards the purchase of school supplies and other classroom materials for Longfellow families. Ernst & Young also holds an annual campaign for United Way in which the Milwaukee office alone was able to raise over $125,000 for the Milwaukee area. This is just one more way that Ernst & Young embodies our philosophy of "Quality in Everything We Do."

Talk To Us
You now have a basic understanding of Ernst & Young, but if you need more information or have questions, please contact Joe Plouff (joe.plouff@ey.com) or Sarah Vida (sarah.vida1@ey.com). We are more than happy to expand on any of the topics above or any other questions you may have. The more questions you ask, the better you are prepared to know exactly what you want for your future!

Joe Plouff is a Marquette alumnus in the second year of TSRS while Sarah Vida is the senior associate for TSRS.

Read more articles in ITSO..GOOD Vol. 2 No. 5

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