At university, you’re given made up companies, with made up numbers and told to process the figures you’ve been given, but actually getting to understand the client you’re working on really does make a difference.
Where and what did you study at University?
I studied Accountancy at the University of Dundee.
Why did you choose to apply to EQ Accountants to undertake an internship?
Whilst still in high school, I reached out to EQ to ask about the possibility of a short work experience / placement for a couple of days to give me some relevant experience to talk about on my UCAS forms for applying to university. Much to my delight, the Glenrothes office happily accommodated me for 3 days and I shadowed many different people working on a variety of jobs in the office. During my time at university, I saw on LinkedIn that the summer internship applications were open and I didn’t hesitate to apply. I was lucky enough to complete a 4 week internship in the Glenrothes office (and I clearly enjoyed both of those experiences significantly as I am now back as a graduate CA trainee!)
What is a normal day like as an intern?
There is no “normal day” as such, working with EQ. As the firm does not departmentalise, you get to work on a wide variety of jobs. From the outset, I was involved in accounts preparation, tax, auditing, bookkeeping etc. which really makes you feel like an equal, and part of the team. If you would’ve told me the jobs I’d be given to complete before actually starting at EQ, I’d never have believed you.
What did you enjoy most about being an intern at EQ?
I really enjoyed working on real clients and understanding their businesses. At university, you’re given made up companies, with made up numbers and told to process the figures you’ve been given, but actually getting to understand the client you’re working on really does make a difference.
Alongside from the obvious work aspect of the internship, I was also invited to social events held by the office during and after my time as an intern. This really settled me in fast and allowed me to develop relationships with my colleagues, making me feel less nervous to ask (sometimes what I thought were slightly silly!) questions.
What did you find the most surprising during your time as an intern with EQ?
The level of responsibility you’re given from the start was really surprising to me! I really did expect to be hanging up coats and making teas and coffees like you see in the movies, so to be able to actually get stuck in with real work from the beginning was very surprising to me (in the best possible way!)
What 3 qualities do you think a student looking for an internship needs to have if they are to be successful?
Curiosity – I think one of the best pieces of advice I was given was to question and understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and not do it just because you’ve been told to
Willingness to learn – although I was three years into a four year degree in accountancy, there was (and still is!) a LOT I don’t know. You can learn from the people around you as there is a wealth of knowledge within the office that you can most definitely use to your advantage.
Communication skills – don’t be scared to ask questions even if you think they’re silly. I can almost guarantee that someone has asked a “sillier” question if that’s what you’re worried about, and everyone is more than happy to help you.
Do you have any advice for those interested in applying for our student internship vacancies this year?
I would urge anyone considering applying for a summer internship with EQ to go for it! The experience I gained has been priceless, and it really does make you stand out from the crowd when looking to apply for graduate positions. What’s the worst that can happen?