14 answers
1
Question
Updated
1453 views
What's the best way to land an internship?
I'm going to grad school and will be pursuing an MSA degree. I want to use my time in grad school wisely.
Login to comment
14 answers
Updated
Jiasui’s Answer
Attending events can help you build connections and find new opportunities. Be ready with your elevator pitch and know what you want to say when talking to others.
Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn to stay in touch and ask follow-up questions. This shows you're proactive and interested in your connections.
For interviews, be confident and prepared. Confidence leaves a good impression, and preparation helps you answer questions well and highlight your skills.
Best of Luck!
Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn to stay in touch and ask follow-up questions. This shows you're proactive and interested in your connections.
For interviews, be confident and prepared. Confidence leaves a good impression, and preparation helps you answer questions well and highlight your skills.
Best of Luck!
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
So many great answers here but I'll add a couple things on the interview process. Nearly every interviewer has asked me how I discovered accounting. Have an interesting backstory on how you stumbled into this profession. This is an easy way to stand out from most people who typically have a boring answer.
I interviewed at a good amount of public accounting firms during my time in school. From experience, all questions asked will be behavioral-based questions. Meaning that they start with "tell me about a time when..." What worked best for me is I would tell stories that answered multiple questions. Overall, these interviews are much more about having a conversation with the interviewer.
I interviewed at a good amount of public accounting firms during my time in school. From experience, all questions asked will be behavioral-based questions. Meaning that they start with "tell me about a time when..." What worked best for me is I would tell stories that answered multiple questions. Overall, these interviews are much more about having a conversation with the interviewer.
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
Hi Stacey, great question - here is some advice of steps to take:
Start Early: Many firms recruit months in advance—some even a year ahead—so start looking early in your program.
Use Campus Resources: Your university likely has a career services office that offers resume reviews, mock interviews, and internship listings. Professors and advisors can also point you to opportunities—especially if they have industry connections.
Network: Attend career fairs, accounting society meetings, and networking events. Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn who are working at firms you're interested in—they often appreciate helping current students.
Target Accounting Firms and Corporations: Look into public accounting firms like the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), mid-size firms, or corporate accounting departments. Many of them offer structured internship programs.
Polish Your Resume and Interview Skills: Highlight your coursework, relevant experience (even class projects or volunteer work), and software skills like Excel, Alteryx or QuickBooks. Practice common interview questions, especially behavioral ones.
Good luck with landing your internship!
Start Early: Many firms recruit months in advance—some even a year ahead—so start looking early in your program.
Use Campus Resources: Your university likely has a career services office that offers resume reviews, mock interviews, and internship listings. Professors and advisors can also point you to opportunities—especially if they have industry connections.
Network: Attend career fairs, accounting society meetings, and networking events. Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn who are working at firms you're interested in—they often appreciate helping current students.
Target Accounting Firms and Corporations: Look into public accounting firms like the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), mid-size firms, or corporate accounting departments. Many of them offer structured internship programs.
Polish Your Resume and Interview Skills: Highlight your coursework, relevant experience (even class projects or volunteer work), and software skills like Excel, Alteryx or QuickBooks. Practice common interview questions, especially behavioral ones.
Good luck with landing your internship!
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hi Stacey! Great question. My biggest recommendation is to start networking early. Many graduate programs offer built‑in networking opportunities such as company visits, career fairs, and networking events—take full advantage of them. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and begin building connections early on. This helps you gain visibility, learn about different career opportunities, and identify which companies might be the best fit for you.
I also recommend joining accounting and business‑related clubs or organizations your school offers, such as Beta Alpha Psi or an Accounting Club. These groups often provide additional networking opportunities and allow you to connect with peers who are also pursuing internships. You can exchange best practices, tips, and insights along the way.
Additionally, consider utilizing your school’s career services center, attending professors’ office hours, and speaking with peers who have already secured internships. They can offer valuable advice on updating your résumé, preparing for interviews, and navigating the internship search process.
I also recommend joining accounting and business‑related clubs or organizations your school offers, such as Beta Alpha Psi or an Accounting Club. These groups often provide additional networking opportunities and allow you to connect with peers who are also pursuing internships. You can exchange best practices, tips, and insights along the way.
Additionally, consider utilizing your school’s career services center, attending professors’ office hours, and speaking with peers who have already secured internships. They can offer valuable advice on updating your résumé, preparing for interviews, and navigating the internship search process.
Updated
May’s Answer
Hi Stacey,
Here are some steps you can take:
- Check the schedule for campus recruiting events and try to attend each one.
- Talk to the recruiters at these events and send them a follow-up message afterward.
- Research different firms to understand their culture and see which ones match your values.
- Update your resume with your education and extracurricular activities, it's not just all about grades. HR and recruiters want to see that you have transferable soft skills like being a problem-solver, self-starter etc.
- Customize your resume to fit the culture and job description when applying.
Good luck!
May
Here are some steps you can take:
- Check the schedule for campus recruiting events and try to attend each one.
- Talk to the recruiters at these events and send them a follow-up message afterward.
- Research different firms to understand their culture and see which ones match your values.
- Update your resume with your education and extracurricular activities, it's not just all about grades. HR and recruiters want to see that you have transferable soft skills like being a problem-solver, self-starter etc.
- Customize your resume to fit the culture and job description when applying.
Good luck!
May
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Stacey! The best way to land an internship, especially in accounting or with the Big 4, is to start early, stay proactive, and build relationships. I received my internship by applying sophomore year of college for my junior year internship which in turn gave me my full time position now. Polish your resume to highlight academic achievements, leadership roles, and any relevant coursework or part-time jobs, and tailor it for each application. Network through career fairs, LinkedIn, alumni connections, and student accounting organizations like Beta Alpha Psi or NABA. Practice interviews early using behavioral and technical questions, and be sure to understand the basics of financial and tax accounting. Most importantly, stay confident and consistent, grad school is a perfect time to grow your experience and position yourself for success. Good luck!
Updated
Karima’s Answer
Great question—and awesome that you’re already thinking ahead! Since you're going for an MSA (Master of Science in Accounting), there are definitely some smart steps you can take to land a solid internship that helps you grow and sets you up for post-grad success. Here's how to make the most of your time:
🔍 1. Start Early
Don’t wait until you need the internship—start researching and applying as early as possible. Many accounting firms recruit months in advance, especially the big ones (like the Big Four).
💬 2. Use Your School’s Resources
Grad schools often have dedicated career centers, resume workshops, and networking events. Go to those info sessions and career fairs—you’ll meet recruiters and get on their radar.
🤝 3. Network Intentionally
Professors, alumni, and classmates can be great connections. Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn who are working in firms or roles you’re interested in—most are happy to offer advice or point you in the right direction.
📄 4. Customize Your Resume
Don’t send the same resume to every company. Tailor it to match what they’re looking for. Highlight your relevant coursework, any projects, or even soft skills like attention to detail and time management.
💻 5. Apply Broadly, But Strategically
Look at accounting firms, corporate finance departments, nonprofit orgs, and even government internships (like the IRS or state auditor offices). Try to pick ones that align with your long-term interests.
🚀 6. Show You’re Eager to Learn
Even if you don’t have tons of experience, a strong attitude goes a long way. In interviews or networking chats, talk about how you’re excited to learn, take on responsibility, and grow professionally.
Use grad school not just for classes—but for building experience, relationships, and clarity about your path. You're on the right track already!
🔍 1. Start Early
Don’t wait until you need the internship—start researching and applying as early as possible. Many accounting firms recruit months in advance, especially the big ones (like the Big Four).
💬 2. Use Your School’s Resources
Grad schools often have dedicated career centers, resume workshops, and networking events. Go to those info sessions and career fairs—you’ll meet recruiters and get on their radar.
🤝 3. Network Intentionally
Professors, alumni, and classmates can be great connections. Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn who are working in firms or roles you’re interested in—most are happy to offer advice or point you in the right direction.
📄 4. Customize Your Resume
Don’t send the same resume to every company. Tailor it to match what they’re looking for. Highlight your relevant coursework, any projects, or even soft skills like attention to detail and time management.
💻 5. Apply Broadly, But Strategically
Look at accounting firms, corporate finance departments, nonprofit orgs, and even government internships (like the IRS or state auditor offices). Try to pick ones that align with your long-term interests.
🚀 6. Show You’re Eager to Learn
Even if you don’t have tons of experience, a strong attitude goes a long way. In interviews or networking chats, talk about how you’re excited to learn, take on responsibility, and grow professionally.
Use grad school not just for classes—but for building experience, relationships, and clarity about your path. You're on the right track already!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Connect with recruiters through your school or sites like LinkedIn and apply early - many organizations start taking applications 6-9 months+ in advance so make sure you check on when applications are due.
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Hi Stacey, I would recommend to definitely start looking early as many firms, especially big 4, tend to fill their openings for both internships and full-time positions further out. Also, I would recommend to utilize as many opportunities offered through your school as possible. Some of the things offered by my school that I found most useful were accounting related organizations/associations and career fairs. Lastly, I would recommend trying to build relationships with professors if possible. Some of my opportunities came out of having a relationship with a professor and recruiters would then reach out to them looking for recommendations of students to help fill any open roles they had.
Updated
jessica’s Answer
Networking is important. You can consider cold calling, cold email and meet people at the event & ask the referral.
Additionally please use the most of the career center resources, including tutors, resume polishing service and events' notifications.
Be confident ! good luck.
Additionally please use the most of the career center resources, including tutors, resume polishing service and events' notifications.
Be confident ! good luck.
Updated
Candice’s Answer
Hi Stacey! You can go to your university's job fairs to explore opportunities. Also, don't forget to check the careers section on public accounting firms' websites, where they often list available internships. You've got this! Good luck!
Updated
Olga’s Answer
Definitely start early, proactively look for opportunities posted in your career services office, attend all firm campus visits or networking events, build relationships with recruiters on campus or virtually and with any professionals attending the events. Make a great impression so you are remembered by them when you apply.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Stacey - my advice is through your university by attending career fairs and campus networking events (i.e. Accounting clubs, firm nights etc.). I dedicate time each year to recruiting and the majority of our interns apply and are interviewed through university events during the career fair / hiring window that the university has set aside each year. It's also never too early to look for internship opportunities. Best of luck!!
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Great question! It's fantastic to stay ahead. Try attending career fairs at your school. Many reputable companies participate, and they often seek students for internships. Be yourself and connect with everyone you meet!