The benefits for interns

Having an internship on their CV can really set individuals apart from the competition when applying for jobs, particularly in a field as competitive as accountancy.

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An internship provides ‘real world’ and practical experience of the workplace. It can provide valuable hands-on experience and provide an insight into the accountancy profession. For some an internship will be a first taste of working life so it can provide an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the workplace and how to operate in a business environment.

Those who have completed an internship cite exposure to an accountancy role and the general workplace experience as significant benefits. Internships provide an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between academic and working life. Having an internship on their CV can really set individuals apart from the competition when applying for jobs, particularly in a field as competitive as accountancy. In some instances internship activities can even count towards attaining the ACCA qualification. The survey showed that students really do value the experience an internship provides and 88% would recommend an internship to friends and family

AN INTERN’S PERSPECTIVE

‘I needed experience in practice and wanted to show a prospective employer what I could offer. I wrote a letter to a well-known local practice asking for a three month internship and they accepted. I was fortunate enough to be offered a permanent position by the end of the internship. Even if the internship had not resulted in a permanent position, I believe that it would have been a worthwhile experience – I needed to gain the practical experience to understand the knowledge that I had already acquired in my studies. Applying theory to practice is very different and you only become an accountant when you do so. I would do it all over again if necessary.

‘I have now gained my ACCA qualification and hold a position in an international company in London where I act as a European Project Accountant with exposure to different aspects of accountancy from leading audits and tax investigations to monthly and yearly management and financial reporting for both internal and external stakeholders.’

Corinna Biermann Ranir Ltd/Ranir Group