Every accounting firm boasts about having the best family atmosphere for its employees, but do they truly practice what they preach? This question lingered in my mind as I embarked on my first summer internship. The nerves of being far from home and unsure of successfully transitioning into this new role weighed heavily on me. Now, as my internship comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the experiences that have shaped my journey and want to offer some advice to future interns:

Be a Sponge 

Throughout my internship, one phrase resonated with me: "Be a sponge!" As an intern, it's natural not to have extensive experience, and that's okay. Your managers and coworkers understand this, and what they value most is your eagerness to learn. By paying attention and soaking in as much information as possible, I was able to grow.

Be Coachable

Throughout this learning process, making mistakes was inevitable. Surprisingly, making mistakes was an invaluable aspect of my internship. It provided me with opportunities to learn and grow. When my manager or coworkers pointed out my mistakes, I learned not to be defensive, but rather to thank them for their input. Being open to feedback and learning from my missteps allowed me to improve continuously and refine my skills.

Interact with Others 

The culture at Cohen & Company exudes a family oriented atmosphere, which presented a unique opportunity for me. I embraced this by being proactive in getting to know my colleagues. Building meaningful relationships with them not only enriched my internship experience but also opened doors for potential career support in the future. Moreover, listening to their diverse stories and backgrounds broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of the accounting profession. 

As I near the end of my internship journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons learned and the growth I achieved. Embracing the role of an intern with an open mind, being receptive to feedback and actively engaging with my colleagues have been vital to my success. The family oriented culture at Cohen & Company made my journey even more fulfilling, allowing me to see the value of genuine connections and relationships in the workplace. With newfound confidence and knowledge, I am eager to take on future challenges and contribute to the world of accounting with enthusiasm and determination.