EY Professionalism Program provides development opportunities for students
In fall 2020, the School of Business launched the EY Professionalism Program, required for all undergraduates students beginning with those fall 2020 freshmen. The program allows students to gain a competitive advantage in the job market post-graduation.
The program combines a series of six, 1-credit courses focused on career and professional excellence with the Platform for Professional Excellence, or ePlatform. The ePlatform holds many free opportunities for students to network with companies, earn certifications, learn hard and soft skills and much more. These opportunities help students stand out as they enter the workforce and offer marketable skills for the real world.
“The benefit of the program post-graduation is to give students a competitive edge with potential employers — we are offering skills, training and experiences that employers want to see at no cost for students, and it’s up to them to take advantage of them” said Matt Lancaster, director of the EY Professionalism Program.
The ePlatform, powered by the Suitable app, is based on an ePoints system where activities are assigned a level indicating how many ePoints it is worth. Students must earn 200 ePoints to graduate. While ePoints can be achieved by going to events, it is recommended that students complete certifications and online learning programs that are worth more points. These opportunities also help students have a competitive advantage and gain professional development.
ePoint levels
- Level 1 — 10 ePoints. Activities include exposure to a topic.
- Level 2 — 20 ePoints. Activities include a participation aspect, such as a half-day workshop or webinar.
- Level 3 — 50 ePoints. Activities include a longer engagement, such as earning a certification or completing a long project.
- Level 4 — 75 ePoints. Activities include an expertise aspect, such as studying abroad for a semester or completing a second internship.
- Level 5 — 100 ePoints. Activities include a high-level mastery aspect.
Discovering ePoint opportunities
The most beneficial opportunities include LinkedIn Learning certifications, as well as certifications in Salesforce, Excel, Python and Tableau that are worth 50 ePoints. These opportunities give students an early exposure to career concepts and programs used in the work force. They are all free to students and are great additions to a resume.
“Students should seriously consider exploring the certificates, experiential learning opportunities and other filters to get the most ‘bang for their buck’ from the ePlatform,” said Lancaster. “They can complete a wide variety of bona fide experiences that will help prepare them for their future careers.”
During the 2022–23 academic year, the School of Business began partnering with Skillful.ly to provide short-term, virtual internships for students. It offers online learning programs, a short virtual internship program and a career launchpad to help students make connections. Students will earn 20 ePoints after completing the Discovery Phase, where students can take short assessments. Students will receive 50 ePoints after the Growth Phase, where they complete four-weeklong virtual internships with employers like TD Ameritrade, EY and Accenture. Students can get experience in finance, audit accounting, management consulting, tech consulting and business essentials.
Other opportunities worth 75 ePoints include studying abroad and minoring in another language. For 50 ePoints, students can get a certification in another language. Having an additional internship complete before graduation is worth 75 ePoints, on top of the required internship and its corresponding BUS 310: Internships with Impact class.
It is recommended that students check Suitable once a week for new opportunities. All activities listed in Suitable are open to all students in the School of Business. Various organizations in the School of Business are also listed in Suitable. These organizations can lead to business opportunities, including networking and finding internships.
“I discovered Women in Finance through the app, joined the organization, joined the executive board, and got my internship through the organization,” said Audrey McBride, a junior business administration major. “Adding the leaderboard on the Suitable app also makes for a fun competition, so I like to do all I can to stay at the top. There are many types of activities for me to do to earn ePoints, so I am always getting value out of it.”
The EY Professionalism Program was created to enhance students’ undergraduate experience. The opportunities for professional development and understanding career concepts will allow students to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. By participating in clubs, completing certifications and completing internship programs, students will stand out among future employers.
For more information on the EY Professionalism Program, visit business.ku.edu/ey-professionalism-program. Check the Suitable app to view all upcoming and ongoing ePoint opportunities.
For additional EY Professionalism Program questions, contact Matt Lancaster, EY Professionalism Program director, at matt.lancaster@ku.edu.
By Lauren Hartwig
