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How well does an EY Consulting -Finance internship serve as a stepping stone toward breaking into Tier 2 strategy consulting firms?

Hey everyone, I just received an offer from EY Consulting – Finance and was wondering: 1) how is it perceived in terms of CV prestige, and 2) how do Tier 2 firms or even MBB view this kind of experience? I’m in my final undergraduate semester of studying International Business Management and would really appreciate any insights. Thanks a lot!

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Mariana
Coach
on Apr 01, 2025
You CAN make it! | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions |Free 20-Minute Call

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! That is already great!
1) I wouldn’t say it has prestige, but it’s definitely a relevant name. I had several colleagues that worked in Big4 before McKinsey.

2) They will consider the brand, which is known, but more importantly, what you have done while you were there.

Big 4 transfers to consulting are common, and EY is a strong brand, so in general terms, you are in the right path. It would be better if you could stick at least 1 year in this role, to gather relevant experience.

While at EY, make sure to collect achievements that will be relevant for your consulting application. Focus on projects with high impact, solving problems and generating value. Happy to coach you on this endeavor if needed (DM me to receive my credentials if interested).

Good luck on your journey!!

Best,

Mari

on Apr 01, 2025
Ex-McKinsey | Personalised Preparation | Free Intro-Call | Learn from a Coach Who Skipped McKinsey's Final Round

Hello there,

Congrats on the offer. It's a solid step in the right direction.

  1. In terms of brand, EY Consulting – Finance isn’t seen as highly prestigious in strategy circles, but it’s well-recognised and definitely valued.
  2. Tier 2 and even MBB won’t dismiss it. What matters most is what you do during the internship. Try to get staffed on projects where you can drive insights, solve real problems, and show ownership.

I actually started out at a Big 4 myself before moving into MBB a bit later. So yes, it’s absolutely a viable path. Make the most of the role, build a clear impact story, and you’ll be well-positioned going forward.

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 02, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It has some recognition. It is a good brand name and you are learning modelling skills. However, there are bigger fishes in the pond... 

Overall, nothing wrong with it. Make sure you have a great experience and are able to bring good stories out of that internship.

on Apr 03, 2025
1st session -50% and free 15min call| Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Hi! First off, congrats on your offer, that’s a big win!

To answer your questions:

1. CV Prestige: EY is a globally recognised brand, and even though you’re in the Finance side of Consulting, it still carries weight. Many consultants at MBB  started their careers at Big 4 firms, especially in advisory or strategy-adjacent roles (Infact, I started at Deloitte's Monitor and moved to McKinsey) What matters most is how you maximize the opportunity.

2. How it’s viewed by Tier 2 and MBB: It's a solid foundation. You’ll be gaining real consulting exposure and building strong financial acumen because both are highly transferable skills. If you can demonstrate impact, client exposure, and strategic thinking, you’ll be in a strong position for your next move.

My advice:

  • Try to THRIVE in the role >> aim for high-impact projects, seek out mentors, and get to know the partners.
  • Excel visibly >> take initiative, communicate well, and please don’t shy away from leadership opportunities. 

Happy to chat more or even help you map out a plan for pivoting into strategy consulting , just reach out. 

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Alessa
Coach
on Apr 03, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there 😊

Congrats on the EY Consulting – Finance internship, that’s a great achievement already! 🎉

To your questions: Yes, an internship like this can absolutely be a good stepping stone toward Tier 2 firms (like OW, Strategy&, RB, Kearney) and even MBB with the right narrative. While it’s not a pure strategy role, it gives you brand-name experience, exposure to real client work, and helps build your consulting toolkit (Excel, PowerPoint, client communication, etc.) — all of which Tier 2 firms value a lot 🙌

To make the most of it, try to:

  • Get staffed on project-based work with clear impact (rather than internal finance ops)
  • Emphasize problem-solving and client interaction in your CV
  • Prepare a strong story that connects your internship to your interest in strategy and business impact

If you'd like, happy to support with CV/cover letter review or strategy to make the jump next 🌟

Best,
Alessa 😊

Florian
Coach
5 hrs ago
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

It's a good steppingstone and would be perceived very well. 

However, there are some other factors to consider as well on top of that (your degree, uni, GPA, other internships, leadership experience, etc.).

Cheers,

Florian

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