Will a Sales & Marketing Internship Impact My Chances of Landing a Big 4 Accounting/finance Role? [UK]
Hello everyone,
I’m currently pursuing a degree in Accounting and finance at a non-Russell Group university and am on track to achieve a first-class degree. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure an internship directly related to my field, but I’ve recently been offered a position at a small office that focuses on projects aimed at advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. While this role involves sales, marketing, and strategy, it isn’t specifically in Accounting or finance.
I’m curious about how this internship might influence my applications for positions at the Big 4 (or similar accounting/finance firms) after I graduate. Specifically, I’d like to know:
- How can I present this internship experience as a valuable asset for my accounting/finance applications, especially with its connection to SDG initiatives?
- Has anyone had similar internship experiences outside of accounting/finance that ultimately helped them secure a role in the industry?
As a bit of background, I am an international student from Asia and am actively involved in various societies and extracurricular activities. While this internship may not directly align with my accounting/finance aspirations, I hope it can still provide valuable insights or skills beneficial for my future career in finance.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, particularly from those who have faced similar situations or have experience working at the Big 4!
Thank you so much in advance!
One response
Hi there!
Firstly, congratulations on your internship offer! It’s great to see you actively taking on opportunities, even if they aren’t directly aligned with Accounting or finance. Here are some thoughts on how to navigate this situation:
Highlight Transferable Skills: In your application, emphasize the skills you’re gaining that are relevant to Accounting and finance. Skills such as analytical thinking, strategic planning, and communication are crucial in Accounting roles. You can focus on how working on projects related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals has taught you about financial sustainability and the importance of corporate social responsibility in financial reporting.
Connect with the Role: If you are involved in strategy work, make sure to illustrate how this has helped you understand business operations as a whole. Understanding the interplay between finance, sales, and marketing can make you a stronger candidate. You can frame your experience as one that increases your ability to contribute to strategic financial decisions.
Networking and ECAs: Your involvement in societies and extracurricular activities can also bolster your application. Be sure to mention any leadership roles or teamwork experiences you’ve had, as those are highly valued in the Big 4. Networking with professionals in your desired field through these societies could also provide valuable insights and connections.
Success Stories: While I don’t have specific examples, many students have leveraged non-traditional internships by highlighting how they developed relevant competencies. If you know others who’ve had similar paths, reach out to them for insights on how to connect their diverse experiences to finance roles.
Career Services: Utilize your university’s career services. They can help you polish your CV and prepare for interviews. They may also have insights or connections with alumni who have taken similar paths.
Ultimately, while this internship may not be accounting/finance-focused, it can still showcase your versatility, commitment to professional development, and ability to work in diverse environments—all of which are attractive to potential employers, including the Big 4.
Good luck with your internship and future applications! You’ve got this!