8 answers
Kacey
Student
Madison, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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When is the best time to start looking for internship and where do you look?
Incoming freshman and studying accounting/finance; where can I look for internship opportunities and when is the best time to start?
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8 answers
D.J. Benion, MBA
Federal Law Enforcement Officer
21
Answers
Updated
D.J.’s Answer
As a freshman embarking on your journey in accounting/finance, here are some empowering tips:
The best time to start: It's fantastic that you're already planning ahead! While a considerable number of internships are tailored for juniors and seniors, there's no shortage of opportunities for freshmen and sophomores too. It's advisable to kick-start your search during your first semester.
Where to scout for internships:
a. Your university's career hub: They usually have established relationships with local enterprises and alumni.
b. Professional bodies: Entities like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) frequently feature job boards or internship postings.
c. Government portals: For instance, USAJobs.gov showcases federal internships, including those in accounting and finance.
d. Corporate websites: Numerous sizable accounting firms and financial institutions offer internship schemes for students at different stages.
e. LinkedIn: Establish a profile and hunt for internship prospects.
f. Networking gatherings: Participate in career expos and networking events arranged by your institution or local professional groups.
Start preparing early: Even if you don't secure an internship immediately, utilize your freshman year to:
Enlist in pertinent student associations
Uphold a robust GPA
Enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile. Refine relevant abilities (e.g., Excel, financial software)
Consider job shadowing opportunities or part-time roles in related sectors to acquire experience.
Don't lose heart if you don't secure an internship right off the bat. Many students don't intern until later in their academic journey.
Bear in mind, internships are beneficial, but they're not the sole means to gain experience. Voluntary work, relevant studies, and participation in student associations can also contribute to honing your skills and building your resume.
The best time to start: It's fantastic that you're already planning ahead! While a considerable number of internships are tailored for juniors and seniors, there's no shortage of opportunities for freshmen and sophomores too. It's advisable to kick-start your search during your first semester.
Where to scout for internships:
a. Your university's career hub: They usually have established relationships with local enterprises and alumni.
b. Professional bodies: Entities like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) frequently feature job boards or internship postings.
c. Government portals: For instance, USAJobs.gov showcases federal internships, including those in accounting and finance.
d. Corporate websites: Numerous sizable accounting firms and financial institutions offer internship schemes for students at different stages.
e. LinkedIn: Establish a profile and hunt for internship prospects.
f. Networking gatherings: Participate in career expos and networking events arranged by your institution or local professional groups.
Start preparing early: Even if you don't secure an internship immediately, utilize your freshman year to:
Enlist in pertinent student associations
Uphold a robust GPA
Enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile. Refine relevant abilities (e.g., Excel, financial software)
Consider job shadowing opportunities or part-time roles in related sectors to acquire experience.
Don't lose heart if you don't secure an internship right off the bat. Many students don't intern until later in their academic journey.
Bear in mind, internships are beneficial, but they're not the sole means to gain experience. Voluntary work, relevant studies, and participation in student associations can also contribute to honing your skills and building your resume.
Thought that D.J. provided a great and comprehensive response. One other idea is if you already have a part time job, consider speaking with your management to determine whether there are opportunities to expand your role. For example, if you work at a restaurant, and are interested in supply-chain, perhaps there is an opportunity to support your company with how they source food or other supplies.
Greg Richmond
Shirley L
Accountant
50
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Kacey,
It's recommended to start looking for internships as soon as possible. You can start with your college's resources such as the career management center. You can also ask around local CPA firms if they're looking for interns. Nonetheless, the career management center should be able to help you polish your resume.
It's recommended to start looking for internships as soon as possible. You can start with your college's resources such as the career management center. You can also ask around local CPA firms if they're looking for interns. Nonetheless, the career management center should be able to help you polish your resume.
Eugene Kim
Program Management
3
Answers
Crescent Springs, KY
Updated
Eugene’s Answer
Hi Kacey,
There are great suggestions from others here! Given you're a Freshman, I'd say you're off to a great start! I would start with where you feel like your career might take you (I see that you tagged Finance / Accounting), but also use an internship as an opportunity to explore both the Company that you might want to land with as well as experiment with other career areas (maybe your second / third choice). You might actually find yourself having a passion for a different field! The early internships are more for general experience and great resume boosters. I would say for your Junior, especially Senior year, you may want to be more focused in your approach. Some companies have conversions where an internship may lead to a full time role after graduating. Some companies offer "leadership programs" that get you on an accelerated career path as well.
Thanks!
There are great suggestions from others here! Given you're a Freshman, I'd say you're off to a great start! I would start with where you feel like your career might take you (I see that you tagged Finance / Accounting), but also use an internship as an opportunity to explore both the Company that you might want to land with as well as experiment with other career areas (maybe your second / third choice). You might actually find yourself having a passion for a different field! The early internships are more for general experience and great resume boosters. I would say for your Junior, especially Senior year, you may want to be more focused in your approach. Some companies have conversions where an internship may lead to a full time role after graduating. Some companies offer "leadership programs" that get you on an accelerated career path as well.
Thanks!
Aaron Tinkham, CPA, PMP
Risk and Controls Consultant
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
The 'Big 4' public accounting firms usually provide internships for students between their junior and senior years. However, recruiting for these opportunities begins early in your junior year. These firms also have other unique programs that you can explore even earlier. I strongly encourage you to participate in recruitment events at the earliest opportunity. This will help you to begin building connections with the recruiters, which can be very beneficial for landing that perfect internship!
Adam Zhang
business strategy
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Use your school's career program/office as much as possible. For some colleges, certain department like school of engineering has its own career office that can help students find internships related to their areas of study. Also, don't forget career fairs. That is a good place to talk to a lot of companies and narrow down your interests and look for good opportunities! In preparation for these conversations, create a good resume and prepare some talks about yourself, your interests and career aspiration might be very handy.
Lindsey Jackson
Talent Acquisition Specialist
1
Answer
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
The sooner the better! Personally, I regretted waiting to get an internship right up until graduation. Because I did an internship and quickly realized I didn't want to do that when I graduated (yet I was already done with the degree so I felt stuck). Try out different things during school so you can get a better feel of what you like and don't like.
Dev Patel
3
Answers
Updated
Dev’s Answer
Hi Kacey!
You should start your search for an internship as soon as possible!
Applying early and with a good quality resume can help your chance of getting an interview and succeeding in the hiring process.
I also recommend going to your university's career center to have your resume reviewed and practice your interviewing skills.
You should start your search for an internship as soon as possible!
Applying early and with a good quality resume can help your chance of getting an interview and succeeding in the hiring process.
I also recommend going to your university's career center to have your resume reviewed and practice your interviewing skills.
Michael Morgan
Manager
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
As an incoming freshman studying accounting/finance, it's great that you're thinking ahead about internships! The best time to start looking is typically in the fall or early spring of your sophomore year. Here are a few places to look for opportunities:
1. University Career Center: They often have listings and can help with resume reviews and interview prep.
2. Online Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor frequently post internship opportunities.
3. Networking: Attend career fairs, join student organizations, and connect with alumni in your field.
4. Company Websites: Many firms post internship openings on their career pages.
5. Professional Associations: Organizations like the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) often have job boards and resources for students.
Starting early gives you a better chance to secure a good position, so begin your search in the fall and apply by early spring. Good luck!
1. University Career Center: They often have listings and can help with resume reviews and interview prep.
2. Online Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor frequently post internship opportunities.
3. Networking: Attend career fairs, join student organizations, and connect with alumni in your field.
4. Company Websites: Many firms post internship openings on their career pages.
5. Professional Associations: Organizations like the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) often have job boards and resources for students.
Starting early gives you a better chance to secure a good position, so begin your search in the fall and apply by early spring. Good luck!