When it came time to schedule my second- round interview with Schneider Downs, I had to choose between missing my second Tax exam and my birthday. I decided to be a good student and have my second- round interview on my birthday, so I didn’t have to schedule a makeup exam. At first, I was a little bummed that I was interviewing on my birthday, but little did I know that on my 21st birthday I would be interviewing for the internship that would change my life.
My first- round interview went well, but I didn’t know what to expect from my second- round interview. Would I finally find a place where I connected with the other employees? I didn’t feel a strong connection with the other employers I interviewed with, so I walked into PPG Plaza on October 20th hopeful for a positive connection. I have never felt so comfortable in a workplace environment than I did at this interview and throughout my summer internship. I experienced the same wave of relief driving back to campus that afternoon that I had after an open house at my school, Saint Vincent College, because I knew I found the place I wanted to have my first public accounting internship.
Schneider Downs defies modern- day conceptions about CPA firms being large and impersonal. Every employee I encountered has been extremely helpful, patient, and genuine. They truly care about the interns; they want us to have a positive and meaningful experience. Schneider Downs’ interns are not on the outside looking in; you are a valuable part of the team, working toward the same goal of high- quality work for the client. As an Audit intern, I traveled to different client sites in the greater Pittsburgh area and completed the same work as first- year staff. My client work was diverse, and I am grateful I was exposed to a plethora of work in both the for profit and non profit sectors. As an added bonus, I got to see parts of the Pittsburgh area I have never been to before and try new restaurants!
This internship was the platform for enhancing my professional skills. Through obtaining information from clients, I learned how to become a more effective communicator and writer by documenting in the work-papers. My technical skills also increased by using Excel every day and learning the audit software. I also sharpened my problem- solving skills and critical thinking by comparing spreadsheets and developing questions for the client and for the team I was assigned to whenever I needed clarification.
I had no idea that my 21st birthday would define my career path, but I cannot imagine my summer internship being any different. I am so grateful that I was a part of the Audit team this summer at Schneider Downs.
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