“Hi everyone, I’m Matt.”

I think those were the first words that rambled out of my mouth when I met all of my fellow interns walking in the first day. I remember feeling extremely tense from just the thought of meeting new people and starting a journey that was so unfamiliar to me. I’m sure every other intern was in the same boat, though.

The first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking. I know many people have anxiety about doing something new, whether meeting new people or even doing something out of their comfort zone, myself included. But Cohen & Company isn’t a place that makes you feel anxious. Everyone is super welcoming, and I learned that pretty quickly. I think this was exemplified during my first month with the firm. 

Given time, I slowly settled into my new position on an engagement team and continued to meet more and more people who just seemed to understand me. While I was learning, making mistakes, correcting those mistakes and inevitably making more mistakes, I didn’t feel like I was a burden to other members of my team. They understood I didn’t know anything regarding the position I was in. I remember so many times having to ask what seemed like stupid questions and then instantly being told that I was more than encouraged to ask any question I may have. As a result, I was never afraid to reach out to my learning buddy regarding any question, no matter how big or small. They will do everything in their power to help you get the answers you need. 

Whenever there is a firm-related event, everyone is extremely welcoming, and it makes all the difference. Whether you’re going out to happy hour with some members of your team or just going out to an officewide event, you always feel like you’re a person, rather than just a number. If you want to get to know one of the partners, you’re more than encouraged to send them a message, email or just stop in and say hi if they aren’t busy. The culture at Cohen & Company creates one of the most fun work environments I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t be more thankful I was given an opportunity to laugh, joke and work with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

This internship has taught me so much in such a small amount of time, and I’m so grateful that I was given a chance at doing something that brings me pride, knowing I’m making an impact on people’s lives.

Matthew Weaver, Baldwin Wallace University