15 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
78
Questions
Asked
2767 views
What should I do if I don't get an internship?
I will graduate in May 2023. I've been looking around for accounting internships in my local area and remotely, without much success. If I'm unable to secure an internship, should I get a part-time job, or should I do something else?
15 answers
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
227
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Genevieve, thank you for your question. I had the same question when I was in college, all you need to do is secure the internship ideally you would want and internship in the field you're training in. But sometimes you may have to, compromise like instead of looking for accounting only open up the search to any kind of office dealing with money or bookkeeping. This way you will take the pressure off not being able to find anything, and you can still look for the internship you really want. Best of luck.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Genevieve
Sanath Rameshan
Senior financial analyst
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sanath’s Answer
Hey,
Dont worry if you dont get an Internship. Try to get a full time Job if possible, There are handfull of opportunitues, Try to spend more time on linkdn than Social media.
Dont worry if you dont get an Internship. Try to get a full time Job if possible, There are handfull of opportunitues, Try to spend more time on linkdn than Social media.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Genevieve
Amanda Kishfy
People in Deals Senior Associate
13
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Genevieve,
I want to echo what others are saying on this post - do not worry if you cannot get an internship. This is more common than you think.
See below for my first thoughts:
1. What to do if you don't get an internship:
- Getting a part-time job is helpful to gain more skills, such as an ability to pick up on tasks quickly, understanding your duties and responsibilities, and interacting with others.
- In the meantime, you could also take a free online certification course to develop more skills and stand out on your resume. edX is a great starting point. These are ones offered by UPenn and it's free. https://www.edx.org/school/pennx
- Continue to connect with folks through recruiting during the summer. Perhaps message them on LinkedIn and ask for a call to chat and stay connected.
2. What steps to take to still try to secure an internship:
- Revisit your resume and feel prepared to talk about any component of your resume
- Practice interviewing
- Continue to connect with professionals to augment your interest in an internship
- Ask for feedback from your school's resource center or professionals that you have connected with
Feel free to reach out further - good luck!
I want to echo what others are saying on this post - do not worry if you cannot get an internship. This is more common than you think.
See below for my first thoughts:
1. What to do if you don't get an internship:
- Getting a part-time job is helpful to gain more skills, such as an ability to pick up on tasks quickly, understanding your duties and responsibilities, and interacting with others.
- In the meantime, you could also take a free online certification course to develop more skills and stand out on your resume. edX is a great starting point. These are ones offered by UPenn and it's free. https://www.edx.org/school/pennx
- Continue to connect with folks through recruiting during the summer. Perhaps message them on LinkedIn and ask for a call to chat and stay connected.
2. What steps to take to still try to secure an internship:
- Revisit your resume and feel prepared to talk about any component of your resume
- Practice interviewing
- Continue to connect with professionals to augment your interest in an internship
- Ask for feedback from your school's resource center or professionals that you have connected with
Feel free to reach out further - good luck!
Thank you for the resources and well wishes! :)
Genevieve
Katherine Segovia
Copywriter
1
Answer
Belleville
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi, Genevieve! Don't worry if you haven't been able to complete an internship yet. I've heard of many students having difficulty with this, especially during the pandemic - so don't worry too much as you are not the only one.
My advice would be first to revise your resume to focus on any types of jobs or relevant projects/experience you have. Even with a job in another industry, like retail or hospitality, there are many transferable skills that recruiters love to see. You can also add any clubs or organizations you joined as a student, as these experiences can give recruiters and hiring managers insight into your skills.
Best of luck!
My advice would be first to revise your resume to focus on any types of jobs or relevant projects/experience you have. Even with a job in another industry, like retail or hospitality, there are many transferable skills that recruiters love to see. You can also add any clubs or organizations you joined as a student, as these experiences can give recruiters and hiring managers insight into your skills.
Best of luck!
Thanks Katherine!
Genevieve
Robert Mingus
Culinary Director
67
Answers
Poplar Grove, Illinois
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Genevieve,
I would not worry about getting an internship after you graduate. It is in your best interest to get a job in accounting for a reputable company. You can start working as a tax advisor for turbo tax or something like it. This may get you in the ranks of where you want to be, if there is nothing else.
Retired Executive Chef Rob Mingus
I would not worry about getting an internship after you graduate. It is in your best interest to get a job in accounting for a reputable company. You can start working as a tax advisor for turbo tax or something like it. This may get you in the ranks of where you want to be, if there is nothing else.
Retired Executive Chef Rob Mingus
Thank you so much!
Genevieve
Tracy McClellan
Campus Recruitment Team
3
Answers
Kent, Ohio
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Hi Genevieve, thanks for your question. At Verizon we have entry-level opportunities for those graduating next Spring 2023. We should be posting our opportunities in the next few weeks so please check our website: https://www.verizon.com/about/careers/college-students?CMP=OOH_NA_OTH_22222_NA_20190207_NA_NM20190021_00001
Thanks Tracy! I'll be sure to check it out!
Genevieve
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
You will be going back to school full-time by now for the final year of your undergraduate. I gather seeking an internship is no longer applicable.
One of the ways to secure internships is to show what subjects you have taken in the Accounting field and what type of grades you have received.
You can secure an internship by volunteering until you graduate in 5/2023. You could also help fellow students who are junior to you.
Once you are about to graduate, do not limit yourself to staying in one geographic area. The reality check is that plenty of jobs are unfilled in coastal cities and states.
One of the ways to secure internships is to show what subjects you have taken in the Accounting field and what type of grades you have received.
You can secure an internship by volunteering until you graduate in 5/2023. You could also help fellow students who are junior to you.
Once you are about to graduate, do not limit yourself to staying in one geographic area. The reality check is that plenty of jobs are unfilled in coastal cities and states.
Thank you! :)
Genevieve
Kira Taylor
3
Answers
Weehawken, New Jersey
Updated
Kira’s Answer
If you are having trouble getting an accounting internship, there are a few things that you can do.
1. You can reach out to your network and see if anyone you know has a internship opening on their organization. Oftentimes it helps knowing someone within the organization already to help get your foot in the door.
2. You can also reach out to organization within your area to volunteer your accounting services. If you can identify a problem that they may have and then offer to fix that problem, they will feel compelled to take you up on that offer and that may lead to a formal internship experience or just an informal experience that you can use in the future to vouch for your skills and your willingness to work hard and get the job done.
There are always opportunities to get more work experience. Best of luck in your endeavors!
1. You can reach out to your network and see if anyone you know has a internship opening on their organization. Oftentimes it helps knowing someone within the organization already to help get your foot in the door.
2. You can also reach out to organization within your area to volunteer your accounting services. If you can identify a problem that they may have and then offer to fix that problem, they will feel compelled to take you up on that offer and that may lead to a formal internship experience or just an informal experience that you can use in the future to vouch for your skills and your willingness to work hard and get the job done.
There are always opportunities to get more work experience. Best of luck in your endeavors!
Thank you!
Genevieve
Parniya Khosravi, SHRM-CP
8
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Parniya’s Answer
Hello!!
Yes, definitely do not worry if you do not land an internship. As others have said, networking opportunities with professionals in your field can be extremely valuable, finding a part-time job even if it is only remotely related to your field can be valuable, or reaching out to local organizations to volunteer can also be a great way to gain experience.
Yes, definitely do not worry if you do not land an internship. As others have said, networking opportunities with professionals in your field can be extremely valuable, finding a part-time job even if it is only remotely related to your field can be valuable, or reaching out to local organizations to volunteer can also be a great way to gain experience.
Thank you for the advice and encouragement!
Genevieve
Michael Kramer
Risk Manager
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hey! I highly recommend exploring expert groups that focus on the field you're interested in interning. For instance, in Risk Management, there's the Risk Management Association, which offers diverse programs, brings together Risk Professionals of all levels, and presents chances to network. This networking could help you meet professionals who might have internships on offer, and/or give advice on the application process.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Thank you!!
Genevieve
Amani Bass
Client Service Associate
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Amani’s Answer
Hi Genevieve,
I would recommend gaining experience through attending networking events associated with your major or industry you want to be in, Volunteering, and/or getting a part-time job that coincides with the industry you are going to be in. More than anything though network that is one of the most important things you can do as they say its not so much about what you know, but who you know. The experience will come!
I would recommend gaining experience through attending networking events associated with your major or industry you want to be in, Volunteering, and/or getting a part-time job that coincides with the industry you are going to be in. More than anything though network that is one of the most important things you can do as they say its not so much about what you know, but who you know. The experience will come!
Thanks Amani!
Genevieve
Brandon Dang
214
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
It's normally better to be a little bit more open and flexible on your possible options. If you are unable to get the internship you are hoping for, you should try to find either a part-time job, or a non-profit organization where you can start to develop your skills. When you get into the workforce, many, MANY jobs will ask for your experience in the field and what you have actually worked on. Getting experience wherever you are in your pursuit of getting a job is a positive.
From my own personal experience of being rejected from internships, it is not the end of the world. When I didn't get mine, I didn't know that at the time so I had panic attacks and anxiety problems after graduating University. The most important thing that you need to know, is that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication in order to increase the chances of yourself getting a job.
Good luck!
From my own personal experience of being rejected from internships, it is not the end of the world. When I didn't get mine, I didn't know that at the time so I had panic attacks and anxiety problems after graduating University. The most important thing that you need to know, is that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication in order to increase the chances of yourself getting a job.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your kind answer! I appreciate your support. :)
Genevieve
Gianni Perrotti
Compliance Analyst
18
Answers
Middletown, Connecticut
Updated
Gianni’s Answer
Keep going! Searching for jobs, particularly after finishing school, will become your main focus. I didn't have an internship either, but when I completed my studies, I submitted applications to 50 jobs daily! Some of these were through hiring agencies that work with companies that don't post their job openings elsewhere! Be sure to watch out for those opportunities and continue applying! Remember, if you're determined, you'll always find a path to success.
Thanks for the encouragement!! :)
Genevieve
Christopher Marin
Accounting
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Genevieve,
I know it may seem right now that not having an internship before graduating will affect your ability to secure a job but ITS NOT. Being part of accounting organizations such as Accounting Society or and or part of other clubs can go such a long way. I also did not have internship experience but when I interviewed for jobs within public accounting, they did not ask about that but asked about my experiences and efforts around accounting society. Since it looks like you have 1 more semester before graduating, I would suggest to try to land some volunteering experience especially around accounting.
I know it may seem right now that not having an internship before graduating will affect your ability to secure a job but ITS NOT. Being part of accounting organizations such as Accounting Society or and or part of other clubs can go such a long way. I also did not have internship experience but when I interviewed for jobs within public accounting, they did not ask about that but asked about my experiences and efforts around accounting society. Since it looks like you have 1 more semester before graduating, I would suggest to try to land some volunteering experience especially around accounting.
Great answer! Thank you!
Genevieve
Nicandro Mendoza Mireles
Business Systems Analyst
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
Nicandro’s Answer
Hey Genevieve,
I wanted to provide my insight to your question as well. Something I did when I didn't have an internship was look for projects I could do online for the type of job I was hoping to get. For example, I would look for projects related to data analysis and complete them to be able to show when I was interviewing for internships or even job roles. It also served as an indicator of whether this was the type of work I wanted to do in the future.
Additionally, I would read case studies for the field I was interested in to learn about what work I should be preparing for.
Finally, I would recommend that you take advantage of the time you have if you do not get an internship to do some serious interview prep. I always advise students to learn as much about the organizations they are applying to or the role they are applying to down to reading the organization's website and articles to learn about what initiatives the org is undertaking. This is knowledge that you can leverage during the interview process that will show the interviewer that you are interested and invested in the organization from the start.
Look at job roles you are interested in and read the job descripitions
Learn about the different orgs you are interested in working for in the future
Start applying for entry level positions as early as 6 months before your graduation date
I wanted to provide my insight to your question as well. Something I did when I didn't have an internship was look for projects I could do online for the type of job I was hoping to get. For example, I would look for projects related to data analysis and complete them to be able to show when I was interviewing for internships or even job roles. It also served as an indicator of whether this was the type of work I wanted to do in the future.
Additionally, I would read case studies for the field I was interested in to learn about what work I should be preparing for.
Finally, I would recommend that you take advantage of the time you have if you do not get an internship to do some serious interview prep. I always advise students to learn as much about the organizations they are applying to or the role they are applying to down to reading the organization's website and articles to learn about what initiatives the org is undertaking. This is knowledge that you can leverage during the interview process that will show the interviewer that you are interested and invested in the organization from the start.
Nicandro recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the helpful advice! :)
Genevieve
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