Talent is no longer defined solely by diplomas, job titles, or years of experience. Across industries, capability is increasingly measured by practical skills—adaptability, digital fluency, and the ability to apply knowledge in fast-evolving environments.
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is accelerating this shift. As businesses transform, organizations are no longer just competing for talent—they are actively building it. For young professionals, this presents a dual reality: expanded opportunities, alongside heightened expectations to be job-ready from day one.
Bridging this gap requires more than traditional education. It calls for a deliberate integration of academic learning with real-world application—an approach that EY Global Delivery Services Philippines (EY GDS Philippines) is actively advancing.
From classroom to career: A skills-first approach
Recognizing the growing demand for expertise in AI, data analytics, and programming, EY Global Delivery Services Philippines is shifting from conventional role-based development to a skills-first model—one that prioritizes capability-building over credentials.
At the core of this strategy is close collaboration with universities. By embedding enterprise-grade tools, certifications, and hands-on learning into academic programs, EY GDS enables students to develop job-relevant skills even before graduation. The result is a more seamless transition from theory to practice, where graduates are equipped not just to qualify for roles, but to contribute meaningfully from day one.
A key component of this ecosystem is early exposure to platforms like ServiceNow, a widely used digital workflow solution that streamlines operations across IT, customer service, and risk management. As a Global Elite Partner, the EY network integrates ServiceNow into its training approach, allowing students to work within environments that closely mirror real business settings.
Through this exposure, learners gain hands-on experience in automation, digital workflows, and AI governance—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s workforce. More importantly, they learn how these technologies connect to real organizational needs, strengthening both technical competence and business understanding.
Immersive learning that mirrors real work
To deepen this approach, EY Global Delivery Services Philippines launched its Academia Program, designed to immerse students in real workflows and business scenarios. Complementing this is the Accelerated Learning Program for ServiceNow (ALPS), which provides a structured pathway for skill development ahead of graduation.
Implemented in partnership with Cebu Institute of Technology – University, ALPS begins as early as two years before students complete their degrees—giving them time to build both technical expertise and professional maturity.
Beyond ServiceNow, EY GDS has also introduced initiatives such as its Cybersecurity Academia Program and specialized bootcamps. These programs equip students with in-demand competencies in areas like cyber threat management, security operations, and risk and compliance, combining foundational knowledge with real-world application.
“This immersion bridges the gap between theory and practice,” said Raymond Go, Consulting Leader at EY GDS Philippines. “Students build confidence, improve decision-making, and enter the workforce prepared and effective from day one.”
Building long-term capability through early exposure
Early industry exposure is proving to be a powerful differentiator. By working with enterprise tools and frameworks, students develop not only technical skills but also a deeper understanding of how businesses operate—particularly in areas such as Risk Consulting and Assurance.
According to Karthik Bhaskaran, Assurance Leader at EY GDS Philippines, structured training in professional fundamentals—such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking—plays a crucial role in shaping future-ready talent. This includes fostering a “questioning mindset,” which strengthens professional skepticism, discipline, and integrity.
Students also gain familiarity with tools like Canvas, Financial Statement Tie-Out (FSTO), and Copilot, exposing them to end-to-end professional service environments. Working alongside industry practitioners further reinforces their readiness, building both competence and confidence.
For Diana Dionisio, Talent Attraction and Acquisition Leader at EY GDS Philippines, the impact is already evident. “Our program sets a strong benchmark for industry-academia collaboration. Many students earn certifications and even secure job offers before graduating,” she shared, noting the program’s expansion across Cebu as a growing hub for ServiceNow and cybersecurity talent.
Redefining readiness in the age of AI
Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, EY Global Delivery Services Philippines is building a sustainable talent pipeline—one that evolves alongside industry demands and technological change.
By aligning education with real-world application, the organization is helping shape professionals who are not only technically equipped, but also adaptable and resilient. As AI continues to redefine the nature of work, this model ensures that talent development remains both immediately relevant and future-ready.
To learn more, visit https://www.ey.com/en_ph/careers/global-delivery-services.
