3 answers
Isis
Student
Wilmington, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
559 views
How can I make myself stand out for accounting internships if I don’t have much professional experience yet?
Managerial Accounting is my favorite, Im a rising senior, and I love computers
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3 answers
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Isis,
Applying for internships can be intimidating, especially if you haven't had much "professional" experience yet. Let me share some insights whether you've had a job before or not.
If you've worked anywhere, like in landscaping or at McDonald's, you've gained valuable skills. You've probably learned to communicate with others, handle conflicts, and prioritize tasks. You might have managed your time or dealt with stressful situations, like being understaffed. These skills are useful in an accounting career too.
If you haven't had a job yet, you've still learned important skills. Working on school projects, participating in extracurricular activities, or helping at home teaches you to juggle priorities, manage your time, and handle conflicts or different personalities.
When I first interviewed for an internship, my experience was from working at TJ Maxx and a local ice cream shop. I practiced interviewing with my college advisor, but you can also ask a parent, guidance counselor, or teacher. This helped me answer common interview questions and show how my skills could transfer to an accounting internship. You have great experience; just think about how it applies to different jobs or industries!
Make a list of the different skills you have developed through school or through any jobs you have had. Think about the skills that can apply to anything, like communication, managing priorities or your time, presenting, writing, etc. For each skill, write down examples of how you developed it.
Use the examples to create your resume, focusing on concise bullets that will make the reader want to ask questions to learn more (e.g. "Served 100 customers/week")
Practice interviewing with someone to get comfortable with how you will respond to the questions.
Applying for internships can be intimidating, especially if you haven't had much "professional" experience yet. Let me share some insights whether you've had a job before or not.
If you've worked anywhere, like in landscaping or at McDonald's, you've gained valuable skills. You've probably learned to communicate with others, handle conflicts, and prioritize tasks. You might have managed your time or dealt with stressful situations, like being understaffed. These skills are useful in an accounting career too.
If you haven't had a job yet, you've still learned important skills. Working on school projects, participating in extracurricular activities, or helping at home teaches you to juggle priorities, manage your time, and handle conflicts or different personalities.
When I first interviewed for an internship, my experience was from working at TJ Maxx and a local ice cream shop. I practiced interviewing with my college advisor, but you can also ask a parent, guidance counselor, or teacher. This helped me answer common interview questions and show how my skills could transfer to an accounting internship. You have great experience; just think about how it applies to different jobs or industries!
Caitlin recommends the following next steps:
julian infante
sales
8
Answers
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Updated
julian’s Answer
You need to strat from the beginign and offer your service to local small shop, independent professional and step by step gain experience and curriculum
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Isis. As Head of Programme, I've helped students find accounting internships before, and I've learned some good strategies that can work for you too.
First, you should focus on what you're good at and what you enjoy. Since you love managerial accounting, make sure to talk about that passion when applying. You can mention any projects or classes where you've worked with budgeting, financial analysis, or planning. Employers want to see that you're not just good at the basics, but also that you're passionate about the area you want to specialize in. If you've done well in any accounting classes, don't be afraid to mention it, especially if you've had hands-on experience in solving accounting problems or working with data.
Your love for computers is another strength. In today's accounting world, many employers look for students who know how to use accounting software. Moreover, knowing how to work with data, manage spreadsheets, and use accounting tools is something that can really help you stand out from others.
Even if you don't have a lot of direct accounting experience, you can still highlight other skills. For example, if you've been involved in any clubs, volunteer work, or group projects, these experiences can show that you have leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. These are all important for accounting internships, where you may need to work with a team or present information clearly.
Networking is also really important. You can attend career fairs, accounting workshops, or events where you can meet professionals in the field.
You could also ask professors if they know of any internship opportunities or can connect you with professionals in the field. Wishing you all the best.
First, you should focus on what you're good at and what you enjoy. Since you love managerial accounting, make sure to talk about that passion when applying. You can mention any projects or classes where you've worked with budgeting, financial analysis, or planning. Employers want to see that you're not just good at the basics, but also that you're passionate about the area you want to specialize in. If you've done well in any accounting classes, don't be afraid to mention it, especially if you've had hands-on experience in solving accounting problems or working with data.
Your love for computers is another strength. In today's accounting world, many employers look for students who know how to use accounting software. Moreover, knowing how to work with data, manage spreadsheets, and use accounting tools is something that can really help you stand out from others.
Even if you don't have a lot of direct accounting experience, you can still highlight other skills. For example, if you've been involved in any clubs, volunteer work, or group projects, these experiences can show that you have leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. These are all important for accounting internships, where you may need to work with a team or present information clearly.
Networking is also really important. You can attend career fairs, accounting workshops, or events where you can meet professionals in the field.
You could also ask professors if they know of any internship opportunities or can connect you with professionals in the field. Wishing you all the best.