Niamh O’Beirne, EY Ireland people partner

With Irish graduates in higher demand than ever before, leading global companies are stepping up their efforts to attract the cream of the latest graduating classes.

EY Ireland employs more than 5,100 people on the island of Ireland, with offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. As the largest professional services firm on the island, EY Ireland offers a range of award-winning graduate programmes across all areas of its business and is now accepting applications for the EY 2025 Graduate Programme,

Attracting, developing and retaining the best graduate talent is a key contributor to EY Ireland’s ongoing success. The EY Graduate Programme is a comprehensive entry-level scheme designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and experience to excel in the professional services industry.

“The programme is a gateway to a world of opportunities at EY, where graduates can work across various domains such as Assurance, Tax & Law, Consulting, Data Analytics & AI, and Strategy and Transactions,” explained Niamh O’Beirne, EY Ireland People Partner.

“The calibre of Irish graduates is exceptional, and our Graduate Programme is a testament to our commitment to harnessing this potential. It’s a strategic approach to attracting and empowering the brightest minds to lead into the future.”

Attracting, developing and retaining the best graduate talent is a key part of EY Ireland’s ongoing success

Graduate roles are available across Assurance (Audit), Tax & Law, Data Analytics, IT Controls, Actuarial, Strategy and Transactions (Corporate Finance), and Consulting (Business, People, Risk and Technology Consulting), offering a wide range of opportunities to ambitious graduates. This year the company is expanding opportunities in the areas of AI, Law and Health in response to significant client demand in these areas.

“Each year, we see a huge growth in demand for our Graduate Programme offerings. This is testament to the quality of the programme, which provides an opportunity for ambitious graduates to kick-start their career in professional services across a wider range of domains,” said O’Beirne.

Over many years, EY Ireland has developed a truly compelling prospect for graduates. The company is proud of its people-centric and collaborative culture that welcomes new ideas and lateral thinking. Employees enjoy a great work/life balance, with support for both career and personal goals from the start. Lifelong learning, flexible working options, paid study leave, an enjoyable and positive work culture and continuous opportunities are all on offer as your career progresses.

Diversity and inclusion are also important in EY Ireland, and are reflected in their graduate recruitment process.

“At EY we are seeking applicants who are not only academically accomplished but also demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit,” O’Beirne stated.

“We value diversity in thought and background, which enriches our culture and enhances our ability to innovate. We welcome applicants from a host of disciplines and academic backgrounds. Today, at EY offices across the island you are as likely to jump in a lift with a data scientist or a lawyer as an accountant or a commerce graduate.”

Joining the EY Graduate Programme means becoming part of a leading global organisation with a commitment to professional growth and personal development.

“We offer a competitive salary, a dynamic career path, and a hybrid work model that adapts to the needs of our people and their clients,” O’Beirne said.

For the company, the benefits of the programme are clearly seen. “The Graduate Programme allows us to nurture future leaders who are aligned with our values and vision of building a better working world,” O’Beirne said. “It’s an investment in the innovative minds that will continue to drive our success.”

Participants on the programme can develop their skills and talent naturally through real-world, on-the-job experiences. Working with colleagues and clients can enhance analytical and problem-solving skills – all while learning to network, build working relationships and lead projects. Exposure to all sorts of industries, people and occupations simply add to the experience. Upon finishing the programme, graduates will have years of incredible business experience under their belts.

“Our graduates are highly valued and have the opportunity to build a successful career with EY,” O’Beirne said. “Their journey with us is marked by ongoing support, mentorship, and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic professional environment.”

Applicants are asked to submit an online application form and CV, which is followed by EY Ireland’s new, two-stage online assessment process. Those who make it through will be invited to a final interview stage with the EY leadership team. Candidates for the EY 2025 Graduate Programme can apply online at ey.com/en_ie/careers.

Applications close October 23 at 5pm.