Accounting Student Interns Spotlight

It is no secret that an internship is very beneficial for the future career options for students. It is also an opportunity for students to commit to professionalism, self-improvement, and excellence. We asked a few students who completed an internship in the spring of 2023 to share their experience and skills developed during the busy season.

Courtney Bartz Eide Bailly

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

The most valuable experience that I have gained while working at Eide Bailly has been expanding my knowledge in many different industries. I have also been able to improve my professional skills through communication with clients and onsite visits.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

Personally, I believe that the key to success during an internship is to ask questions and soak up as much new information as possible. Everything takes time and experience so you have to accept that you will not know everything at first.

How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?

I found Eide Bailly through their meet Eide Bailly Day and Summer Leadership program. As I started working at Eide Bailly, I instantly knew it was the right fit for me. Eide

Campbell Paterson Redpath

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

I had a lot of opportunities to work with colleagues from every different level of the company during my internship. I have been working with a partner on personal tax return over the last month and she is an oracle of accounting knowledge. If I have any questions or anything I am unsure of, I know I can ask her and learn. If you find someone willing to mentor you, take that opportunity.

Bailly values their culture, and it is something that is very apparent in the office. Everyone is willing to help and wants you to succeed in your career.

I would highly encourage anyone looking for an internship to attend firm networking events to determine which firm is the best fit.

Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?

I have had a love for math since the 3rd grade. When I started high school, I joined Business Professionals of America (BPA) which was where my interest in the business world began. I put my love for math and the business world together and decided that accounting is the right field for me, which it has been.

What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?

My biggest surprise once I started working at Eide Bailly was that there is very little paper that we handle. A great majority of the work is completed on the computer with little need to print anything. I was also surprised that auditors mainly work at the office and rarely travel onsite to clients since COVID-19.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

Starting out in the accounting industry can be daunting. An internship is a great opportunity to put the theory you have learned in class into practice. You have to remember, you are not expected to know everything from day one. My internship has been a brilliant learning experience. My key to success is being a sponge. Soak up as much information and knowledge as you can. Busy season goes by fast and growth from day one to the end is the most important thing.

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