""How an Administrative Accounting Internship Helped Me!" by Intern Emily Chumbley

Hi!  My name is Emily.  I am working on completing my MBA, and I should be done with it in Fall 2020.  I completed my undergraduate career at Morehead State University where I studied Accounting, and I am working on my graduate degree through their online program.  I am currently a summer intern at Monroe Shine.  I started my internship in January 2020 as a spring  administration accounting intern and I was asked to stay on through the summer. 

            Since I am working on my MBA, I wanted an internship that was part time, so I could gain experience in the field I have a degree in but also stay full time in school and have time to get my schoolwork done.  Monroe Shine was great at arranging a way for me to do this.  They hired me on as an administrative intern, and then I transitioned to an accounting intern once my semester was over. 

            Working as an administrative intern and then an accounting intern, I have been able to learn a lot and pickup new skills.  I have also witnessed how work is done throughout the firm, which is beneficial because I know the processes for many different jobs now.  When the accounting work is slow, I can work on administrative work; when the administrative work is slow, I can work on accounting work.  It’s very nice if you’re someone who likes to stay busy.  However, it does get slow in all departments at some point.  Prepare yourself for that. 

            I think as an undergraduate student, it is very important to complete an internship.  Don’t put it off.  Attend the career fairs your school puts on.  Get involved in the Accounting Club or other related activities.  When I was an undergraduate student at Morehead, they offered an elective course during tax season called Practicum Income Tax Accounting.  The course started in January, where you began training to become a certified VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer.  I worked as a VITA volunteer completing returns for low-income families and college students until tax season was over.  It was a great experience and it was fun to put my education to work.  If your school offers this opportunity, take it.  You will not regret it.

Good luck in your search to find an internship!  Monroe Shine is a great place to work!  Their open door policy makes asking questions less intimidating, and it seems friendlier, in my opinion.  I have really enjoyed my time here!

~ Emily Chumbley (A 2020 Spring Administrative Accounting Intern & a 2020 Summer Accounting Monroe Shine Intern)

"Advice for Future Interns!" by Intern, Reynaldo (Rey) Sierra-Escobedo

Hey everyone! My name is Reynaldo Sierra-Escobedo, but I also go by Rey! I have did a Spring internship this last Spring and am currently doing a Summer internship here at Monroe Shine! When I was asked to write a little something about what I wish I knew as a younger student for our recruiting blog I was happy to help! 

Sometimes students struggle on what career path they should pursue. I know I have changed my mind more than a couple of times. I studied engineering for four years in high school and switched to accounting for my major at Indiana University Southeast. Three years later, I decided to double major in accounting and finance. Even though I have changed my mind numerous times, I did not regret it! However, if I could go back and give myself some advice, it would be this: complete at least two internships; attend more networking events, and participate in as many on-campus and off-campus interviews possible.

             First, I wish I would have completed a corporate and public accounting internship. This is true for many students because one might love corporate and another could hate it. I would recommend any student to do this because they are so much different. There are numerous types of accounting: financial, public, government, forensic, tax, auditing, and management. I know a classmate that is studying accounting to be a FBI agent! There are so many opportunities for an accounting major and you should try to experience a couple of them to know what you prefer. Second, I should have attended more networking events earlier at IUS. IUS offers great opportunities for students looking for an internship! One of them is to attend the Accounting and Finance Career Day. Many employers attend this event, including public and corporate. If you go to this event you will meet great people, so don’t be scared! There is also a golf scramble which employers attend to meet potential interns. During this time you should also try to see if you think they would be someone you could work with. The people I will work with is a big factor for me when deciding on what offer to accept. Everyone at Monroe Shine have been awesome and I know I made a great choice! In conclusion, networking events are a perfect way to meet employers, so whenever you are ready to complete an internship they will most likely remember you and you will remember them.           

             Finally, I should have completed more interviews as a freshman and sophomore. On-campus interviews are a great start, especially if you are nervous. You will start to feel more confident and this will help with the off-campus interviews. I completed 6 on-campus interviews as well as multiple off-campus interviews. I definitely felt more confident after the first couple of interviews. Don’t worry if you do not receive an offer after all those interviews because those interviews will be great practice! You will most likely receive an offer during or after your junior year. This is why I recommend starting early with interviews and completing as many as possible.   

            Accounting is a dynamic career, changes are constant. During the coronavirus, I was able to witness the impact it had on tax law and businesses. Businesses relied on CPAs and lawyers because of the changes within tax. Once you gain more experience, you will research questions clients have and advise them on what to do in their situation. Accounting is in high demand and it is also a secure career because of businesses still needing their services. I hope this helps!

~ Rey Sierra-Escobedo (A 2020 Spring & Summer Accounting Monroe Shine Intern)