ERNST & YOUNG

Black Collegian, Oct 2004 by Léger, Katarina

Learning partnerships and career watch programs makes this firm an employer of choice. By Katarina Léger

Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its people pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in Ernst & Young's core services of audit, tax, and transaction advisory services.

Employees:

With 103,000 people in more than 140 countries, Ernst &Young is committed to an inclusive culture that leverages the differences of our people to create diversity of thought.

Master's of Accountancy Program:

Ernst & Young's Your Master Plan is a program at Notre Dame and The University of Virginia that targets minority business majors. For more information, contact Tara Rose, 404-817-5135.

Website:

www.ey.com

Why did you choose to join Ernst & Young?

After interviewing with several firms, I chose Ernst & Young because I really liked the people culture. I was convinced that Ernst & Young is committed to providing a progressive, flexible, and inclusive workplace that values my individual contributions.

How did Ernst & Young meet your expectations?

Ernst & Young has exceeded my expectations by providing me with the necessary resources to be successful both professionally and personally. Ernst & Young has an inclusive environment where the diversity of our employees' background is appreciated and leveraged. People are challenged and able to develop both professionally and personally.

Can you describe Ernst & Young's diversity initiatives?

We have several diversity-focused career development programs here at Ernst & Young. Minority employees are, for example, offered access to senior leadership through our Learning Partnerships mentoring program. We also have a Career Watch program where leadership takes part in the career planning of minority professionals. We help our professionals to identify development opportunities, expose them to top clients and improve their sales skills through on-the-job training. Workplace diversity is important at Ernst & Young. Each of our 13 regions in the U.S and Canada have diversity steering committees working towards the long-term success of minority professionals and of creating a more inclusive environment which benefits all of our professionals. In addition, the firm has other important initiatives supporting recruiting and supplier diversity.

Why are minority students important to your Firm's success?

Our firm believes that workplace diversity gives us an opportunity to leverage the individuality of all our people. By doing so we can advance our position in the market place, create the best solutions for our clients as well as mitigate risk. This tone is set from the top. John Ferraro, Vice Chair, Client Services, and a member of the firm's executive board, oversees all of the firm's inclusiveness initiatives to ensure that diversity is as an integral part of our business strategy.

If you were to highlight one competence or strength that your company works to develop in its employees, what would it be?

We are committed to creating a progressive work environment that leverages the diversity of all our people. By bringing teams with diverse backgrounds together where different views are valued we aim to provide the best ideas to our clients. Creativity is a competence that is valued at Ernst & Young.

What are the first few months like for new hires?

During the first few months we work to integrate new hires into the business world. By providing them with the right resources through training and exposure to our clients, we aim to ensure their success within our firm and in our industry. I also want to point out that Ernst & Young offers exciting careers for more than accounting students. We are a large, global firm with varying lines of business. For example, we offer careers in auditing, tax, and transaction advisory services.

To what does your Firm owe its success?

Our best resource is definitely our people. We have a people first culture. We want to ensure that our employees have a quality career experience where they can learn and grow within Ernst & Young. Satisfied employees ensure high quality work for our clients and that leads to success for the firm.