About the campaign

EY realised that the key to unlocking future innovation lay in a new approach to entry-level recruitment. The company had seen a 95% growth in tech consulting roles and needed to fill 20% more graduate vacancies and improve gender diversity, following a fall in applications post-Covid.

The EY Internship of the Future was designed as the first virtual reality programme for interns, offering something unlike anything else in the market. The intern followed a five-week journey using their own headset, from an initial client meeting with an explanation of the challenge, culminating in a ‘pitch’ to senior EY stakeholders, having learnt, planned, and prepared their solution in a purpose-built VR setting. Interns could also explore the virtual EY world, including a VR learning cinema where they could play games and a ‘wellbeing island’ for meditation and reflection. The way this was presented was designed to communicate EY’s culture in a fun and inclusive way that resonated with early talent but also showcased the firm’s values.

All interns completed the entire five-week programme, and 92% said their understanding of EY improved. The offering has improved diversity, with 68.4% of interns female. Many interns reported better understanding of client projects and business needs and 83% felt their communication skills had improved. Perception of EY improved for more than nine in 10, and 83% described the company as ‘tech-centric’. There are now plans to expand the VR internship with school leavers.