What drew me to apply for CT’s Summer Internship Programme?
What initially attracted me to CT’s Summer Internship Programme was its unique structure, a rotational internship experience. As someone still exploring which area of accountancy to pursue after university, this setup was ideal. Rather than spending the entire internship in a single department, I was able to gain hands-on experience across multiple teams, including ABA, Audit, Tax, and Marketing. This exposure has not only broadened my understanding of the profession but also equipped me with a diverse set of skills and insights that I might not have gained through a more traditional internship model.
What advice would I give to future applicants?
My advice to future applicants is to be inquisitive and proactive throughout the application process. Asking thoughtful questions during your interview both at the end and during the conversation. This will demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity, which are qualities highly valued in any candidate.
When preparing your cover letter, don’t hesitate to highlight transferable skills, even if your academic background isn’t in accountancy. For instance, I undertook analytics modules that involved working with Excel and interpreting data, which proved invaluable during my internship. It’s a valuable skill to be able to draw connections between your experiences and the role you’re applying for.
It’s also important to take time to understand the firm’s values and culture. CT places strong emphasis on delivering excellence to both clients and employees, so ensuring that your own values align with theirs can help you determine if it’s the right environment for you.
Finally, don’t underestimate the relevance of part-time work or extracurricular experiences. I spoke about my role in a small independent gelato shop, where I developed key skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. All of which translated well into a professional setting.
Do I think not having an accounting background disadvantaged me during the internship?
No, definitely not! Everyone at CT was incredibly supportive and approachable, which made it easy to ask questions and learn on the go. Having taken a few accounting modules at university, I had a basic understanding of key concepts, but even if I hadn’t, I would still have been fine. The internship is designed to help you learn and grow, regardless of your academic background. In fact, many of the skills you develop at university, like communicating effectively, working in teams, and thinking critically are directly transferable, and proved valuable throughout this experience.
How have I grown, and what have I learned from this internship?
This internship has been a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. Stepping into a rotational programme across departments like ABA, Audit, Tax, and Marketing gave me exposure to a wide range of work and team dynamics. Professionally, I developed a much deeper understanding of how different areas of accountancy operate and interact. I strengthened my technical skills in Excel and learned how to adapt quickly to new tasks and expectations. Additionally, the supportive environment and approachable team made it easy to ask questions and learn on the go.
But the most meaningful growth came on a personal level. I became more confident in how I communicate, more proactive in how I approach challenges, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it was contributing to team discussions, asking for feedback, or simply navigating a professional setting, I found myself growing in ways that aren’t taught in a classroom. Even just being in a workplace and speaking with colleagues, observing how teams collaborate, and managing my time helped me develop transferable skills that I’ll carry forward with me.
How has the internship changed the way I perceive my future goals and career path?
The internship has significantly shaped how I view my future goals and career path. I leave this experience with a clearer sense of direction, a more confident voice, and a valuable set of skills that I’ll carry forward into the next stage of my journey. Through exposure to various departments, I’ve solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this field and now have a much better understanding of which areas align with my strengths and aspirations.
In addition to gaining practical experience, I’ve also learned a great deal about the different qualification routes available. This has helped me make an informed decision about which path I want to pursue professionally. Overall, the internship has not only confirmed my enthusiasm for this career but also equipped me with the insight and confidence to take the next steps with purpose.
Looking to gain practical experience during the summer?
We offer paid internships every summer with different programmes such as multi-departmental rotational internships and department-specific roles. All these opportunities are listed here. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to HR at HR@ct.me.