This summer I learned that accountants value the growth and development of future generations. There is tremendous support for continuous professional development and training the next generation of accountants.
What attracted you to IFAC when you joined?
I was attracted to IFAC because of the opportunity to work in an international environment. As someone who has always had an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, I was excited to learn from people from all over the world. I was also drawn to IFAC’s values of ethics, equality, and professional development within the accounting profession.
What types of projects did you work on?
Throughout my time at IFAC, I was lucky enough to be able to work on projects that allowed me to acquire knowledge about various aspects of Human Capital. In terms of recruitment, I was able to screen resumes, communicate with candidates, create interview questions, and conduct interviews. I also assisted with reviewing all applications for IFAC’s Young Leaders Collective and helped to select and finalize the members of the Collective’s first cohort.
I also worked on projects to implement health and wellness initiatives. In the month of July, we hosted a 3-week teams step challenge. Each week of the challenge was accompanied by a wellness initiative, including an e-gratitude board, coloring books to decompress, and a healthy recipe bundle.
One of my favorite projects I worked on this summer was the creation of a LinkedIn Learning monthly training program. I was able to design and launch a learning and development plan to encourage employees to continue their professional development through themes such as sustainability, Microsoft Office skills, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
What was your most memorable experience?
From a professional standpoint, the most memorable experience was presenting our end-of-summer project to the entire organization. My fellow interns and I created a presentation detailing the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence on the accountancy profession. On the final day of our internship, we were able to present our work to all staff members and answer any follow-up questions they had about the impacts of the rise of AI.
From a personal standpoint, the most memorable experience was the volunteering event we participated in with the fellow interns and staff members. We attended an event hosted by New York Cares and helped package food for local members of the community. This was an extremely rewarding experience, and it was great to interact with colleagues outside of the office while helping a great cause.
What’s the most valuable skill you gained from your internship?
The most valuable skill I gained from this internship was the courage to share my original ideas and insights. As an intern who is still in college and is at the beginning stages of a career, it can be easy to feel like your feedback is not valuable. However, this internship and the incredible people that I worked with helped me to realize the importance of my opinions and that is it not only okay but encouraged to share them.
What have you learned about the accounting profession that surprised you?
Something I have learned about the accounting profession that surprised me is the culture and emphasis on learning both technical and soft skills. From an outside perspective, people may view accountants are being solely focused on numbers and proficiency. However, many accountants also recognize the importance of softer skills such communication and teamwork. Along with that, this summer I learned that accountants value the growth and development of future generations. There is tremendous support for continuous professional development and training the next generation of accountants.
What advice do you have for others going into internships?
I would advise others going into internships to network with as many people as possible. Everyone at IFAC is extremely gracious and willing to help, provide advice, and share their unique backgrounds. Never be afraid to reach out to someone new or to ask questions! Building relationships with staff and with fellow interns is extremely valuable both during and after your internship. An internship is an amazing learning opportunity, so I recommend sitting in on every meeting, asking questions, and being as involved as possible to get the most out of the experience!