Talent, as industries know it, is being redefined. Once measured by degrees, titles and years of experience, capability is now increasingly judged through practical skills—adaptability, digital fluency, and the ability to apply knowledge in rapidly changing environments.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating this transformation. As organizations evolve alongside new technologies, the focus is shifting from competing for talent to actively developing it. For young professionals, this creates a dual reality: greater opportunity, but also heightened expectations to be workforce-ready from day one.

Closing gap

Bridging this divide requires more than traditional education. It demands clearer pathways that connect academic learning with real-world application early in a student’s journey.

EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines is among those rethinking how talent is nurtured at its earliest stages. Recognizing rising demand for expertise in AI, data analytics and programming, the organization is shifting from role-based hiring to a skills-first model that prioritizes capability over credentials.

Campus link

Central to this strategy is direct collaboration with universities. By embedding enterprise tools, certifications and applied learning into degree programs, EY GDS equips students with job-relevant skills before they graduate, the company said in a statement.

This approach moves learning beyond theory, enabling students to contribute meaningfully from the start—not just qualify for roles, EY GDS stressed.

A key component is early exposure to enterprise platforms such as ServiceNow, a digital workflow system used to streamline operations across IT services, customer experience and risk management.

As a Global Elite Partner, the EY network integrates ServiceNow into its talent development programs to mirror real business environments. Students gain hands-on experience in automation, digital workflows and AI governance, while understanding how these tools function within organizations.

Immersive path

To deepen this effort, EY GDS launched its Academia Program, designed to immerse students in real workflows and business scenarios. Programs such as the Accelerated Learning Program for ServiceNow (ALPS) provide structured pathways for students to build competencies aligned with industry needs.

“This immersion bridges the gap between theory and practice,” said Raymond Go, EY GDS Philippines Consulting Leader. “Students build confidence, improve decision-making and enter the workforce prepared and effective from day one.”

In partnership with Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), ALPS begins as early as two years before graduation, giving students time to develop both technical expertise and professional maturity.

Skills build

Beyond ServiceNow, EY GDS has expanded its initiatives through a Cybersecurity Academia Program and specialized bootcamps, also in collaboration with CIT-U. These programs provide hands-on training in cyber threat management, security operations, and risk and compliance—areas that are increasingly in demand.

Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, EY GDS is building a long-term talent pipeline that evolves with industry shifts. Early exposure to tools, frameworks and guided learning experiences supports students as they transition from classroom theory to professional roles.

Career edge

Industry-integrated curricula give students a distinct advantage. Early familiarity with enterprise platforms strengthens both technical capabilities and business understanding, particularly in fields like Risk Consulting and Assurance.

According to EY GDS Philippines assurance leader Karthik Bhaskaran, structured training also emphasizes professional presence, teamwork and communication. This approach cultivates a “questioning mindset,” enhancing critical thinking, discipline and integrity.

Students also gain exposure to digital tools such as Canvas, Financial Statement Tie-Out (FSTO) and Copilot, allowing them to experience full professional services environments even before entering the workforce.

Future ready

Working alongside practitioners further deepens learning, helping students understand the realities of consulting and assurance work while building confidence.

“Our program sets a standard for industry-academia synergy,” said Diana Dionisio, EY GDS Philippines Talent Attraction and Acquisition Leader. “Students gain access to platforms and development tracks, with many earning certifications and even job offers before graduation.”

For employers, this translates to graduates who are more adaptable and able to contribute faster, reducing the learning curve in both technical roles and team environments.

Lasting impact

For EY GDS, early exposure is not the end goal but the starting point of sustained capability. By aligning education with real-world application, the organization is helping shape professionals who are not only technically equipped but also resilient amid continuous change.

As AI continues to redefine the nature of work, such approaches ensure that talent development remains both relevant today and prepared for the future. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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