Your internship is one of the first real chances to see what a career in accounting actually looks and feels like. We asked four accounting professionals to share what they wish they'd known, and landed on five tips that can help you stand out from Day 1.
The best thing you can do on day one isn't to answer every question correctly; it is to take a minute to meet the people around you.
"As an intern, don't wait for someone to notice you – introduce yourself… People genuinely want to help you grow. They want to hear your ideas and learn from the perspective your generation brings."
Rebeca C., Lead Tax Services Senior Associate at Crowe | Chicago, IL
"The best advice I received early in my career was that success isn't just about what you know, but the relationships you build along the way…I still keep in touch with people I met as an intern over 20 years ago… It's a testament to how meaningful those early relationships can be."
Melanie B., Principal, Assurance Practice Leader at Sikich | Chicago, IL
So go ahead, introduce yourself. You never know who’s going to be in your corner.
Some of the best career moments start with the “yes” you were almost too afraid to say.
"Say yes to opportunities, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Those moments are what accelerated my learning."
Melanie B., Principal, Assurance Practice Leader at Sikich | Chicago, IL
"It really comes down to one thing – being intentional. Doing your work well is expected, but what sets you apart is how you choose to lean into the experience."
Rebeca C., Lead Tax Services Senior Associate at Crowe | Chicago, IL
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Say yes, show up, and trust that the rest will follow.
Three habits can set you apart this summer: stay curious, stay consistent, and stay coachable.
"I learned to embrace feedback, apply it, and show progress. That willingness to learn and adapt not only accelerated my growth but also made others more willing to invest in my development."
Kofi Y., Assurance Senior at BDO | Detroit, MI
"I treated my internship like a masterclass by attending trainings, shadowing different teams, and paying attention to both the details and the bigger picture."
Jordan J., Tax Experienced Senior at BDO | McLean, VA
Growth doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from how you show up. Staying curious keeps you learning, staying consistent builds trust, and staying coachable shows you’re ready to grow.
No one expects you to have all the answers. What they do notice is whether you're asking the right questions.
"Don’t feel pressure to be perfect or to have all the answers. It's far better to ask questions, take notes, and seek to understand than to struggle silently or guess."
Melanie B., Principal, Assurance Practice Leader at Sikich | Chicago, IL
"Ask questions often and do not be afraid to ask why, not just how. When you understand the reasoning behind the work, it becomes easier to grow and even help others learn along the way."
Jordan J., Tax Experienced Senior at BDO | McLean, VA
Questions are how you show you’re paying attention. Ask them often and never be too proud to ask why.
Big impressions are usually made through small moments.
"Whether you are preparing work papers, drafting a memo, or sending an email, take the time to double-check your work. Clean and thoughtful work always stands out… Teams appreciate interns who are proactive and keep others informed."
Kofi Y., Assurance Senior at BDO | Detroit, MI
"Teams notice when you take initiative and try to make things easier for everyone."
Jordan J., Tax Experienced Senior at BDO | McLean, VA
The small stuff isn’t small. It’s actually how trust gets built.
A summer internship goes fast. But the habits you build, the questions you ask, and the relationships you invest in can follow you a lot longer than a few months. Show up curious, stay coachable, and don't be afraid to take up space. That's how you make it count.
Sign up for exclusive resources from Accounting+
By signing in, you confirm you're at least 13 years old and are willing to receive (infrequent) emails from Accounting+.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Learn about Accounting+ Partners
Accounting+ helps students discover the vast opportunities in the accounting field. We appreciate our partners' continuous support for the campaign and their dedication to strengthening the talent pipeline.
Meet Our Partners