Why did you choose to do an internship?

People often think that a degree in Accounting and Finance has one career path. However, in reality there are many different industries and specialisms you can pursue. I was keen to gain practical experience, learn more about the different options available to me and get an insight into the day to day role.

How did it tie in with your overall career plan?

Experience of any kind is valuable when applying for jobs, as it allows you to develop key skills and show potential employers your abilities. As a result of my internship, I knew exactly what career path I wanted to take.

What was the application process like? Any advice?

The application process consisted of mock assessments, a telephone interview and a face to face interview with a Partner. In my experience, arranging mock interviews with career centers and family or friends helps you build confidence and identify areas for improvement. The most challenging part of online assessments is to work well under time pressure, so it is important to get as much practice as possible.

What attracted you to your internship?

Being a medium-sized company; PKF Littlejohn offers employees a variety of career opportunities. This ranges from advising clients across the financial industry to working with not-for-profit entities. What attracted me to the role was the amount of exposure available to an intern, by interacting directly with clients and working on current projects.

What were the most important things you learned from the internship?

Firstly, I understood how important it was to ask questions and be proactive; interning is all about learning and acquiring new skills. Asking questions builds up confidence, and is the only way to gain real experience. Another important thing I learned was that you don’t need to have studied accounting to become an accountant. Several of my colleagues graduated with degrees in a variety of subjects, ranging from languages to engineering, and are extremely well suited to their roles.

Do you have any advice for someone seeking an internship?

When applying for internships it is essential to research the organisation and familiarise yourself with the industry it operates in. As well as general information, it is also worth reading up on the latest news so you have something topical to discuss in your interview.