Securing an internship is an integral part of the accounting and finance undergraduate academic experience. Internships do not grow on trees, though. As such, accounting and finance students must put in a great deal of effort to obtain them, even if the firms at which they wish to work conduct on-campus interviews or have booths at the school’s job fair(s). Here are a few tips for landing the accounting or finance internship of your choice:
Do Your Homework with Respect to Your Potential Employers
You have to know what you are getting yourself into with your internship search. If you blindly send your resume to every firm you come across without doing any research, you will have nothing to talk about if you are given an interview.
Hit the Books
Employers possess nearly all the leverage in the intern hiring process. The more prestigious the employer, the more selective that employer can choose to be. This is because everyone will want to work for these particular firms, allowing them their pick of the intern litter. Each of the Big Four professional services firms is a prime example of this phenomenon. It stands to reason that employers with this kind of leverage would hire only the most qualified applicants. Unfortunately for many, grades are often a large part of this equation. If you have sub-par grades, your chances of landing a desirable internship are quite slim. Do everything you can to make sure that potential employers see your grades as an asset, not a liability.
Get Experience Beforehand
Any prior work experience is good work experience. Even if you just flipped burgers, delivered pizza, bagged groceries or tended lawns, it is to your advantage to have prior work experience. It shows initiative and discipline. You will be even better served if you are able to demonstrate how your prior experience has taught you something that can be applied in your internship. Also, make sure to contact your former employers and ask them to serve as professional references during your internship search. They will be more than happy to do so, and their recommendations will go a long way with your potential employers. All you have to do is ask. It requires minimal effort from them and could pay huge dividends for you.
Network
Do not be shy. Create relationships with your professors, who can provide you with invaluable professional recommendations. It is equally important that you develop relationships with people who work in the practice group or groups in which you want to work during your internship and after graduation. It never hurts to know someone on the other side of the table.
Conclusion
Although landing the accounting or finance internship of your choice requires a great deal of commitment, the sacrifices you have made along the way will all pay off in the end. If you follow these tips, you will have a leg up on other students who are competing for those precious offer letters. If you are just getting started, check out the Top 10 Best Masters programs.
