As a history student stepping into an accounting internship, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The transition from analysing historical sources to interpreting financial data was daunting but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic and professional journey so far.
The beginning
The journey to CT had to start with the application. With past experience of applications being to stereotypical part-time Uni jobs, I was going in blind and unsure if any accounting firm would even bother looking at a CV that didn’t have a degree in a related field.
After endless scrolling and web searches I came across the ad for CT. It was promising no immediate shut out for anyone that wasn’t studying a relevant degree or singular department internship but a general internship covering all aspects of accounting. This opportunity caught my attention, especially because I was unsure of what department I wanted to work in. Furthermore, CT welcomed all disciplines showing that they were a firm that valued different perspectives and skills sets.
After applying and going through pre-interview tests it was a nervous wait - I wasn’t quite sure if I had a chance. To my surprise and relief, I got invited to an interview… then another… and before I know it, I had been given an offer to join the program!
Throughout the interview process CT set itself apart from others with its emphasis on mentorship, structured training and real-world experiences. From 9am on the first Monday I felt like a valued member of the firm, entrusted with real project work and given the opportunity to be inquisitive and ask questions. This made it easy to adapt and grow while still feeling supported through the 8 weeks.
CT’s focus on its people really shone through: there was always a chance to meet new people through planned social events or even while making a coffee, it was such a welcoming environment and made those early starts that bit easier.
The crossover
It always an interesting conversation starter when you tell someone you study history and that you are currently an intern at an accountancy firm. Their response is always “why accounting?” and “how does history relate to that..?” I was just as surprised when some of my core skills I had gained through history started to become useful.
Being able to break down historical sources and constructing it into an argument proved essential when working with financial data: it's just numbers, not language. My analytical thinking allowed me to spot patterns, think critically and question inconsistencies, making a real difference when reviewing reports, working through substantive testing and reconciling accounts.
Also, my endless hours flipping through books and testimonies was actually worth it! In history you learn to scrutinise and verify sources while building a narrative from complex amounts of information. At CT I found myself applying the same approach while investigating discrepancies or gaining an understanding of unfamiliar process.
It's all about curiosity and thoroughness, two traits that history definitely teaches you. It’s a great feeling knowing that the skills I have built in an unrelated field not only transferred but were valuable in my growth and development as I got to grips with the unique world of accounting.
The impact of my work
It’s easy for a firm to just let interns observe professionals and call it ‘experience’. CT was different: I got hands-on experience with software that’s used day-to-day. I got to understand it wasn’t just about numbers, but the story behind the data and ensuring everything added up with accuracy and credibility. What made the work more meaningful was knowing that even the small tasks I handled contributed to wider client work.
And what a game changer an internship is! I picked up new technical skills and how to navigate financial data. These are skills I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to develop anywhere else; I have left the internship with a much clearer understanding of the industry and a newfound confidence in my ability to thrive in it.
The future and the imprint of my internship
Looking back on my time at CT, I can confidently say it has reshaped my career aspirations in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Initially, I thought of accounting as just audits and providing financial insight to individuals and companies. But I discovered it is a dynamic and constantly-changing industry and not just a rigid number-driven field.
The program has sparked an interest in financial advisory roles not just in practice but also in various industries, something I hadn’t considered before. Working closely with professionals across the departments exposed me to the importance of collaboration needed for success. This is something I can’t wait to continue and hopefully have the chance to gain more experience across different departments as I continue towards completing my CA qualification and future career, whatever that maybe.
Furthermore, on a personal level the growth has been just as great. I’ve become more confident in my ability to adapt, while learning to juggle deadlines and shifting priorities. I am so pleased to have taken this opportunity, and I can’t thank everyone enough - what an experience it’s been!
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.