Our recent Meet the Profession: Leadership Series event was made possible with the participation of INCPAS Pipeline Partners: Forvis Mazars, KSM and CLH. This event brought together a panel of interns, supervisors and recruiters to explore one of the most pivotal moments in an accounting student’s journey: the internship experience.
Packed with candid advice and actionable tips, this discussion provided four key takeaways for students ready to begin their internship experience.
1. Leveraging Your Peer Network
One piece of advice that resonated with many students: Don’t overlook your fellow interns. As one panelist shared, “They’re in the same boat as you.”
“Don’t overlook your fellow interns. As one panelist shared, ‘They’re in the same boat as you.’”
Fellow interns can serve as a resource for support, encouragement and practical advice, especially when tackling new challenges. Building camaraderie among peers fosters a collaborative learning environment and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Practical Tip: Take the initiative to connect with fellow interns early on — whether through shared projects, group chats or informal meetups — to build a support system.
2. Navigating Challenges: Time Management
Internships often come with multiple deadlines and competing priorities, making effective time management crucial. One panelist emphasized the importance of learning when and how to say “no.” Interns sometimes feel pressure to accept every project or request, fearing they’ll miss opportunities or appear unwilling to work. However, overcommitting can lead to burnout and lower-quality results.
“Interns sometimes feel pressure to accept every project or request, fearing they’ll miss opportunities or appear unwilling to work.”
Setting boundaries and communicating your capacity with supervisors demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain the quality of your work. For instance, if you’re juggling several deadlines, ask your supervisor to help you prioritize tasks to ensure the most critical work gets done first.
Practical Tip: Use a planner or digital tool to organize your tasks and deadlines. Regularly communicate with your supervisor to confirm priorities and manage your workload effectively.
3. Building Relationships & Networking
The panel highlighted the importance of engaging in both formal and informal networking opportunities. From firm-hosted events like kickball tournaments and happy hours to casual lunches with colleagues, these moments are essential for forming meaningful connections. One supervisor shared, “Take advantage of small moments — a two-minute conversation can go a long way in building relationships.”
It’s also important to remember that senior leaders and partners are approachable and eager to share their knowledge. While their titles might seem intimidating, many have walked the same path as interns and understand the challenges you’re facing. Initiating conversations with them can lead to valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.
Practical Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to senior leaders for a quick conversation. Approach them with thoughtful questions, and you’ll likely find they’re more approachable than you imagined.
4. Demonstrating Initiative & Growth
Standing out during an internship often comes down to your approach. As one panelist noted, “Interns who take the initiative to ask for work, keep detailed notes and learn from feedback are the ones who truly excel.” Supervisors echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that progress and a willingness to adapt are more important than being perfect.
One standout example shared during the event involved an intern who consistently sought additional tasks during slow periods. Their proactiveness not only left a lasting impression but also secured them a return offer and the respect of their colleagues.
Practical Tip: Keep a notebook or digital document to track feedback and tasks. Show that you’re applying what you’ve learned by improving and seeking additional opportunities to contribute.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap
An internship is more than a resume booster — it’s a chance to explore, learn and grow. As the panelists emphasized, no one expects you to know everything on day one. Instead, focus on asking questions, embracing feedback, and making the most of every opportunity.
To all future interns, take these insights to heart. Your internship could be the start of something amazing — not just for your career, but for your personal development as well.
Upcoming Meet the Profession Event
Leadership Series: Career Journeys — A Panel with Young, Successful CPAs
March 25 | Virtual
More Career Development Resources
Internships 101: Tips for success and advice from former interns
6 simple tips for success at your first job