How to get an internship?

How to Get an Accounting Internship

• Answer:

  Accounting jobs are competitive. Employers often require that their accountants already have work experience in the field when hired. This might sound like bad news if you're just starting out in the industry, but it doesn't have to be. You can get ahead of the pack by getting an internship and the work experience that comes with it. Internships can turn into full-time paid jobs, too, if your employer happens to need more accountants and you've proven your worth. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions Write a resume. You can find sample resumes online on some employment websites or your university website's career section. Alternatively, visit the library and look for books on resumes to get an idea of how to do this. Include your education history, employment history and achievements. Consider which of your characteristics would "sell" you to future employers, and accentuate them in your resume. Talk to your professors if you're still a student. Get them to write a reference for you, and ask them if they know of current openings that might be suitable for you. An academic reference, especially from accounting professors, will tell your future employer how good you are at performing accounting tasks. Approach your previous and current employers and request reference letters from them. These letters will tell your future employer something about your work ethics. Join an accounting accreditation program. Studying toward an accreditation might show your dedication to the industry and set you apart from your peers. Include this information in your resume. Join organizations for accounting students and professionals. They might have internal job postings, and some members might prefer hiring interns from the same organization they joined. (See References 3) Search for internship vacancies on the Internet, your university's career center and advertisements on print media. Some job websites are tailored to the needs of students and fresh graduates. (See References 2) Also check the websites of accounting companies for openings. (See References 1) Send your resume out, along with a cover letter, to businesses that interest you. Personalize each cover letter to each business if you can. Visit job expos and introduce yourself to representatives of accounting businesses. Get information about how to apply for internship at their particular businesses. You can bring a few copies of your resume with you in case they take applications at the expo. Wait for a response from the businesses you applied to. If you get an interview, dress up in professional attire and show up on time. They might ask you questions like why you want to be in accounting and what you will contribute to their company, so be prepared.