Accounting Internship Resources
An accounting internship can really help you get a leg up when you enter the job market, or it can give your resume a boost if you have been stuck looking for your dream job for a while. You can gain industry knowledge, accumulate experience, make important professional contacts, and [much more]. The benefits are obvious, but how can you find an opportunity that is right for you? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are a few great ways you can track down the perfect internship.
Colleges and Universities
If you are a student, your school likely has a career resource center with the sole purpose of connecting you with a job. At the very least, your school will maintain many contacts with surrounding businesses through alums and spending. By contacting your advisers and the professors you have good relationships with, you should be able to collect a number of internship options.
If you have recently graduated, it is likely that you will still be able to leverage your school’s resources. Many universities extend their services for as long as 1 year after graduation, so be sure to contact them as soon as possible. Part of your tuition funds this resource, so try to get your money’s worth.
Professional Organizations
There is a need for management accountants in nearly every industry, and many of the work skills you develop will be transferable. Professional associations like the Institute of Management Accountants are a good resource for individuals looking to jump-start their professional network for internship and job opportunities. Members, including student members, can attend events and conferences held around the globe and make valuable business connections. Check to see large accounting organizations might have a regional chapter in your area.
Websites and Search Engines
Along with your professional network, other great resources to track down an accounting internship include the websites and offices of the companies for which you want to work, so contact them. If you cannot decide where to begin, then just start with a simple web search. For individuals looking for an internship in a particular field or in a certain area, you can discover what is available through just a handful of searches. While neither of these recommendations are surprising, they are effective.
Additional Steps to Career Success
Once you complete your internship, consider moving on to the CMA right away to give yourself that extra leg up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of accounting jobs is expected to grow 11% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average. Furthermore, the median salary of accountants with a CMA certification is 28% higher than those without, as reported by the IMA’s annual salary survey published March of this year. A certification can help you position yourself ahead of the pack when it comes to competing for these exciting new jobs and can help you secure a higher salary.
When you’re ready to begin studying, we’re here to help! Gleim created the very first CMA exam prep course more than 35 years ago, and since then, we have trained more CMA candidates than any other course on the market. View our free CMA Exam Guide to get started!
