As we approach fall, Brickley DeLong looks forward to kicking off the internship recruiting season. In September and October, members of our team will spend time at local colleges and universities, talking with and interviewing hundreds of students about the internship opportunities we offer and how they might be a good fit for our firm.
Ahead of recruiting, here are 5 things we like students to know before they dive into an internship.
- You are not expected to know everything
One of the biggest misconceptions students have before starting an internship is that they are expected to know how to do everything. While their accounting courses have given them a strong foundation, interns are not familiar with our software or processes, and most have not had previous exposure to tax returns or audit engagements. All we expect is for them to ask thoughtful questions, show a willingness to learn, and continuously improve.
- Respond well to feedback
Receiving review comments is intimidating at first – it feels like you have done something wrong. Instead, we encourage our interns to view feedback as an opportunity to learn. Again, the goal is not perfection, but rather improvement.
- Ask questions early and often
Many interns hesitate to ask questions because they do not want to appear inexperienced. But asking questions is a great way to demonstrate your engagement and willingness to learn. Once you have spent a few minutes considering potential solutions, ask your supervisor and go over with them what you have already come up with. Our partners and managers would much rather answer a question (or ten) early than spend time fixing work later.
- Communication and professionalism are just as important as technical skills
Many accounting students are surprised to discover that accounting is a people profession as much as it is a numbers profession. Whether you need to ask a client for documentation or explain a tax concept, your ability to communicate in a clear, professional manner matters. Strong communication helps prevent misunderstandings, builds trust, and makes collaboration much more effective. Being professional does not mean being perfect – it means being dependable, respectful, and treating everyone with courtesy.
- Build relationships, not just experience
Your internship is about much more than completing assignments. It is also an opportunity to build relationships with the people around you. The coworkers you meet may become mentors, references, future colleagues, or even lifelong professional connections.