Seeking Advice: Making the Most of My Audit Internship
Hi everyone,
I’m a 21-year-old Audit Intern working with an Alternative Investment client base, including hedge funds and private equity. I wanted to share my situation in hopes that other interns in similar positions might find it useful.
To be honest, Audit isn’t my passion, and I only pursued this path because it was my only option at the time. My real interests lie in equity research, investment banking analyst roles, and the buy-side. I understand that many share similar aspirations.
That said, I want to make the most out of this internship and would appreciate any advice on how to maximize this experience.
Here are some of my thoughts:
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Connecting with Transaction Advisory Services (TAS): They have an M&A department that I’m interested in. What’s the best approach to reach out and express my interest?
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Networking with Partners: I’ll be working closely with partners who have valuable connections. How can I convey my desire to analyze portfolio structures and engage with the companies we’re auditing without outright stating that I’m not interested in a career in audit?
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Securing a Good Reference: Ideally, I’d like to leave with a strong reference that could help me land a job down the line, even though I won’t be pursuing a long-term position in audit.
Are there any other strategies or considerations I might be missing? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you!
One response
It’s great that you’re looking to make the most of your Audit internship, even if it’s not your ultimate career goal. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your experience and pivot toward your interests in equity research, investment banking, or buyside roles:
Engage Actively in Your Current Role: Try to glean as much insight as possible from the Audit work. Pay attention to the financial statements and the business models of the companies you’re auditing. This will help you build a foundation that can be useful in roles like equity research or investment banking.
Build Relationships: Networking is key. You should definitely connect with the Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) team. You can express genuine interest in M&A by asking insightful questions during team meetings or suggesting to participate in relevant projects. When reaching out, frame your message to highlight your eagerness to learn and contribute, without necessarily stating your lack of interest in Audit.
Seek Opportunities to Collaborate: Ask your supervisors if you can assist on projects that involve analytical work or any interaction with portfolio managers or analysts. This could provide you with the exposure you’re looking for while demonstrating your initiative.
Find a Mentor: Consider identifying a mentor within your firm or network who works in a field you’re interested in. They can provide guidance, insights, and potentially advocate for you down the line.
Leverage Existing Connections: As you mentioned, working with partners provides a unique opportunity. Make it known in a tactful way that you’re interested in areas beyond audit, perhaps during casual conversations. You can frame it as wanting to understand the full picture of client operations and their financial strategies.
Personal Projects: If possible, start personal projects that align with your interests—like mock equity research reports or analysis on companies you’re curious about. This not only builds your skills but gives you talking points when networking.
Educational Growth: Consider taking online courses or certifications related to financial analysis, equity research, or M&A. Showing a proactive approach to education can impress colleagues and enhance your skillset.
End with a Strong Reference: As you navigate through your internship, aim to perform exceptionally well in audit tasks, ensuring you secure a strong reference when the time comes to transition.
Stay Open-Minded: While you’re focused on a move from audit, try to stay open to the things you might learn or opportunities that may arise. Some skills learned in audit may be incredibly valuable in the roles you aspire to.
Plan Your Exit Thoughtfully: When the time comes to pursue other opportunities, look to leverage the relationships and experiences you’ve built, as well as the reference from your current employers.
Your proactive attitude is already a great step, and by being strategic and forming meaningful connections, you can position yourself well for the transition to your desired field. Good luck!