Intern Reviews 2008

My internship at Smith Leonard was a challenge and helped connect everything from school, to reinforce a lot of what I’d been studying. I had good opportunities to work with clients, and discuss issues with both them and managers.  From top to bottom, everyone was very helpful and willing to take time to help me. I would say the training gave me a very good overview. Although I didn't really get a chance to work with the programs, I still feel the training was best because it allowed me to jump right into some audits and see first hand how things worked. Now I’m definitely more prepared to work in a full time position since I’ve been able to see different sides of an audit and become more familiar with the work required.

Will, Audit Intern - UNCG

My understanding of tax has grown considerably, compared to what I learned in the classroom. In fact, I've learned so much through the internship that I find it difficult to put into words. For instance, I experienced one of the greatest challenges in learning how to prepare corporate taxes, since I have not yet had a corporate tax class. It's true I didn’t have much interaction with clients, but my interactions with the staff went way beyond my expectations. Everyone was incredibly friendly and patient and willing to give me guidance. Initial training was definitely helpful, but also a bit overwhelming. There was so much to learn, it was difficult to take it all in. I definitely feel more prepared to work in a full time post. I'm grateful the staff didn’t give me all “easy” jobs, and that they fully expected me to challenge myself and do some difficult returns.

Laura, Tax Intern - UNCG

Without question, my internship gave me knowledge that will be valuable in my career. The work was real and significant to the audit. I'm proud to say I started off confused—very confused—but was able to work through it and come out feeling confident. I feel knowledgeable now about working through cash, fixed assets, prepays, AP, accruals and more. Not a day went by that I didn't learn something new. I worked with seven different clients, ranging from furniture manufacturers to a cafeteria catering company. I was able to work with Controllers, Finance VPs, and CFOs.  I probably could have used more guidance in working with clients because I didn't know whom to ask what. Nonetheless, everyone helped me a lot. I never felt intimidated to ask questions or bring up any issue. My expectations in that area definitely were exceeded. I actually feel prepared to start working full-time because this experience was similar to being a full-time employee.

Paul, Audit Intern - Elon

Many students tend to underestimate the internship experience during school. Personally, I was one of them. I thought it wasn't going to work with my already overloaded schedule and the knowledge I could receive would not justify the time spent. However, a couple weeks into it and especially upon completion, I've realized how much valuable experience I've gained in just ten weeks and how radically my opinion has changed. I had an honor to intern with Smith Leonard PLLC. The first day was an orientation. Although it lasted only one day (and not a whole lot made sense to me at the beginning), I still believe I was sufficiently prepared for the fieldwork. During my time there, I worked on five audits and one review. I think working for a smaller local firm is more advantageous than working for Big Four firms. Not only did I get exposed to 6 different clients during only ten weeks, but also had a chance to work on different sections of an audit, being given more and more responsibilities as the time went on. The other thing I enjoyed and appreciated was that I was constantly challenged, never bored doing the same thing over and over again or given tasks that nobody else wanted. No matter if the person right next to me was a staff person or a partner, everyone was willing to help, telling me “There are no stupid questions” or “It's better to ask and get it right than write “N/A” and move further.” I'm truly glad I had a chance to attain all this knowledge, receive an offer to continue working for this firm and make friends with everyone I had a pleasure working with.

Kateryna, Audit Intern – UNCG

I have to say your internship exceeded all expectations. Everyone was helpful but also very accommodating, and they created an atmosphere that was friendly and open. That really helped me advance my knowledge of audit. As a new intern, I admit I was amazed at how much interaction I was allowed with clients. I met with members of management (even CEO's) and was able to conduct interviews about their processes. It was so valuable to me that clients were always willing to share their knowledge. I believe the accounting program at UNCG gave me a foundation but the internship gave me hands on experience that you simply can't get in a classroom. The experience is more than mastering particular tasks; it provides opportunities to meet clients, adapt to schedules and interact with audit managers and partners. And it really stresses the importance of communication skills. I'm more prepared now to know what to expect as I pursue a career in auditing.

Tamala, Audit Intern – UNCG