Internship in Accounting: Reflective Journal Entry
Johnson & Wales University
Nicole LaBarbiera
Observations:
• What have you observed about your internship experience so far? Consider factors such as company culture, workflow processes, management style.
After speaking to some of the seniors who had gone through the internship at the firm, I was intrigued. During the period of internship, I gained deeper insight into the audit and accounting industry. The firm has an outstanding focus on diversity and programs for career development, which provided an array of learning to my fellow interns and me. At the accounting department where I was interning, I had the opportunity to perform minor tasks such as completing 1099’s, scanning, photocopying and filing. I put my accounting knowledge into practice and I had the opportunity to interact directly with senior accountants and clients. Through my engagements, I got the chance to enrich my experience during the internship period as I gained valuable technical knowledge. The numerous firm events gave me the chance to create valuable friendships with my fellow interns and my colleagues.
• What have you observed about your behavior and actions as an internship student? Those of others? Provide specific examples of both positive and negative interactions you have had with your supervisor or co-workers.
I liked the way interns were treated like full-time associates by co-workers and supervisors who assigned me actual tasks like filling 1099’s which is crucial in giving experience. Another great behavior that I do commend about my supervisor and colleagues is letting me be part of a team that actually completed an audit engagement successfully for a client. While on internship, it was not always work as we had occasional parties to celebrate successful milestones and team building trips. Inter-departmental working amongst interns helped us learn a lot by brainstorming what we learnt and correcting the mistakes we made. Although the positive behaviors of the supervisors and co-workers are numerous, I also noted some negative behaviors such as overworking the interns particularly with minor tedious tasks such as filing, filling, and photocopying – almost everyone in the department dependent on the interns to undertake these tasks for them. More so, I sometimes portrayed bad behavior by ignoring delegation to these minor tasks.
• What professional skills (examples include: marketing, budgeting, organizational, communication, time management, etc) are you currently applying at your internship site?
As an accountant intern I have handled accounts payable, worked with payroll, took part in filing especially prior to audit engagements, managed the budget of the accounts and finance department, helped in the preparation of tax reports and management of tax exemption records, and research of new methods for efficient costing and pricing. Consequently, I have reflected on the process and content of the learning experience. I have also demonstrated professional skills in the workplace by interacting professionally with fellow interns, colleagues, and clients. Furthermore, I have participated in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by interacting with the communities’ social welfare. I have developed strong networking relationships, self-discipline, self-understanding, confidence and maturity.
Personal Statements:
• What does this experience point out to you about your own values, attitudes, biases or preferences?
Understanding the accounting and finance industry help me a lot in visualizing my career planning. While interning, I got to understand the accounting career path differently which will definitely help me to make an informed career decision. Moreover, I understood the value of forging friendships and business relationships with fellow interns, co-workers, supervisors and clients. Intangibles such as high standards and strong work ethics are huge work requirements that I learnt from the internship. Lastly, I learnt the importance and the benefit of having peers and confidants in the industry to encourage and give me advice in the corporate finance sector.
• Please list 3 ways you know you will be effective during this internship experience.
The most important step in acting professionally is the way one presents them; first impression when dealing with client will determine the success in making a business deal. Second, it is very important for an intern to be helpful whenever needed and also offer to help when free. This will increase the chances of learning more and getting a permanent job in the long run. Third, speaking out will help the internship experience to be effective especially when it comes to dealing with the clients. Also, professional communication with respect is important when dealing with co-workers and supervisors.
• Please list 3 professional skills you would like to improve during your internship experience.
First, I would like to improve the skill of self-reliance by working independently in all sectors of accounting and finance. More so, being self-aware of my strengths in getting the job done is very important. Second, I would like to improve my people skills like communication which are the interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues and clients. Third, I would like to improve in general skills like problem solving and special skills like IT skills.
References
Grinnell, (2017). Grinnell.edu. Retrieved 3 April 2017, from https://www.grinnell.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Student%20Internship%20Handbook%20-%202014.pdf
Uwosh, (2017). Uwosh.edu. Retrieved 3 April 2017, from https://www.uwosh.edu/cob/undergraduate/development/internships/TypicalAccountingInternPrivate.pdf
