As graduation gets closer, one question feels more important than ever: What’s next?
For me, an internship with EY’s People Consulting team last summer helped bring clarity to that question.
Consulting is something I was interested in for a while through my involvement with the Oregon Consulting Group, but I wasn’t sure whether it was the right long-term fit. By the end of the summer, I felt much more confident in my next career step.
How I Prepared for the Interview
The process of getting to EY was not something that happened overnight. It took a lot of preparation, networking, and reflection.
After I submitted my application, I spent time visiting the company’s website and the type of work I would be stepping into.
Once I secured an interview, I reached out to Mohr Career Services and friends on campus to do behavioral interview prep. The feedback I received during those prep sessions encouraged me to focus on my leadership experience in the Oregon Consulting Group, which gave me real examples to share about managing teams, working with clients, handling ambiguity, and leading through challenges.
In the interview, sharing those examples helped me clearly communicate who I was and why I was interested in consulting.
If you’re preparing to interview for an internship or job, I suggest practicing with others so you can get feedback, too. Don’t forget to think about your campus involvement and find ways to turn that experience into interview stories.
Seeing Consulting Up Close
Going into the internship, I was excited but also a little unsure of what to expect.
The experience gave me an inside look at how consulting work actually impacts organizations and their people. What stood out to me most was how much of the work was centered around understanding people, asking thoughtful questions, and helping clients navigate change.
I have always enjoyed working with teams, building relationships, and solving problems, so seeing those skills in a professional setting confirmed that this type of work was a good fit for me.
The Biggest Lesson I Learned
One of the biggest lessons I took away from the internship was the importance of being proactive. The people who got the most out of the experience were the ones who asked questions, reached out to others, and looked for ways to add value.
I tried to approach each week with that mindset. Whether I was learning about a new project, meeting someone from a different team, or receiving feedback, I focused on staying curious and being willing to improve.
The resources and support around me also made a huge difference. Mentors, career advisors, peers, and professionals I connected with along the way all helped me prepare for the opportunity and make the most of it once I got there. Looking back, this experience reinforced that career growth is about more than landing one role. It is also about building relationships, habits, and confidence over time.
Figuring Out What’s Next
My internship experience not only confirmed that I want to continue pursuing consulting, but also gave me clarity on areas within the field that interest me most. I also discovered that I enjoy working in environments where I am challenged, surrounded by motivated people, and constantly learning new things.
For students preparing for internships or full-time work, my biggest advice is to stay curious, seek feedback, and take advantage of the resources around you. The preparation you put in before an opportunity often makes the biggest difference once you get there.
