3 answers
Valerie
Student
Lubbock, Texas
1
Question
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How Can I Gain Accounting Experience Before Applying for Internships?
I’m currently a sophomore majoring in accounting, and I won’t be starting my accounting classes until this summer. I’m worried that starting late will make it harder for me to get an internship next summer since I don’t have prior experience. Are there any programs or opportunities I can apply for now to help me gain experience and build my resume?
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3 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
130
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You're in a good place as a sophomore, so try not to worry too much. Many accounting students don't get real-world experience until they've completed some core classes, and employers understand that. For now, focus on gaining related experience instead of waiting for the perfect accounting role. Consider campus jobs like office assistant, finance office aide, student billing, or roles involving cash, records, or data entry. These jobs show skills in organization, accuracy, and working with numbers, which are more important than you might think. Even part-time jobs like bank teller, receptionist, or bookkeeping assistant are valuable because they demonstrate trust and attention to detail.
You can also gain experience on your own before internships become available. Start learning Excel, as it's a key skill recruiters look for. Practice using pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and basic financial tracking. Try free bookkeeping simulations or volunteer to help a small club, student group, or local nonprofit manage their expenses or budgets. Many small groups need help with finances, and this gives you real examples to discuss in interviews. Joining your school's accounting or business club is also beneficial, as firms often recruit through these groups and hold networking events for students.
You can also gain experience on your own before internships become available. Start learning Excel, as it's a key skill recruiters look for. Practice using pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and basic financial tracking. Try free bookkeeping simulations or volunteer to help a small club, student group, or local nonprofit manage their expenses or budgets. Many small groups need help with finances, and this gives you real examples to discuss in interviews. Joining your school's accounting or business club is also beneficial, as firms often recruit through these groups and hold networking events for students.
David Markowitz
Audit and Assurance Senior Consultant
10
Answers
Tarrytown, New York
Updated
David’s Answer
It is great that you are looking into this early, as the other responses said, you are definitely not behind. I work in audit and I never had an accounting internship, mine was in Finance. Most audit/accounting positions look for people who interned their Junior Summer, not many expect Sophomore Summer internships, and all certainly expect to teach you what you will require on the job. It is great that you are taking courses as this will only help, but there is extensive training at accounting firms to ensure you learn what you will need to perform the job. I think some good next steps would be:
Network with alumni at accounting firms you are interested in to learn about their firms, what they do, etc. and to build a network within the firm
Go to career fairs at your college to have introductions to accounting firms, most colleges have specific recruiters at each firm that they work with
Familiarize yourself with Excel, there are usually courses on this offered at most schools, but there are many online as well, and Chatgpt is a great tool to help learn Excel functions
Some of the interviews are also pretty tough, so it would be a good idea to do some interview prep with your career center, not all the interviews are technical, most firms have a few rounds and some are behavioral, so you can start prepping for that now
Network with alumni at accounting firms you are interested in to learn about their firms, what they do, etc. and to build a network within the firm
Go to career fairs at your college to have introductions to accounting firms, most colleges have specific recruiters at each firm that they work with
Familiarize yourself with Excel, there are usually courses on this offered at most schools, but there are many online as well, and Chatgpt is a great tool to help learn Excel functions
Some of the interviews are also pretty tough, so it would be a good idea to do some interview prep with your career center, not all the interviews are technical, most firms have a few rounds and some are behavioral, so you can start prepping for that now
semi hayat
Professional Resume Writer
24
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
semi’s Answer
You’re not behind; you’re early in the process, which is actually an advantage.
Right now, focus on exposure over experience. You can apply for bookkeeping or accounting assistant roles (even part-time), volunteer to help small businesses or nonprofits with basic financial tracking, or join a student organization that manages a budget. These all count.
Also consider completing an Excel certification, QuickBooks training, or a short financial modeling course. Recruiters love seeing initiative.
Most importantly, start networking now. Reach out to accounting interns, alumni, or local firms and ask about their path. Relationships often matter more than prior experience.
You’re building momentum, not catching up.
Right now, focus on exposure over experience. You can apply for bookkeeping or accounting assistant roles (even part-time), volunteer to help small businesses or nonprofits with basic financial tracking, or join a student organization that manages a budget. These all count.
Also consider completing an Excel certification, QuickBooks training, or a short financial modeling course. Recruiters love seeing initiative.
Most importantly, start networking now. Reach out to accounting interns, alumni, or local firms and ask about their path. Relationships often matter more than prior experience.
You’re building momentum, not catching up.