“Trust” Me, Interning at Schneider Downs is a Rewarding Experience

This summer, I had the privilege of interning at Schneider Downs, supporting their Estates and Trusts group and their Private Family Office (hope you enjoyed my trusts pun in the title). 

It is hard to believe the summer is over. It feels like just yesterday I was sweating trying to figure out how to use the office printer. Now, I still need technical help, but at least I can print. As a law student who is interested in a nonconventional law path, I was nervous about what my workload might entail being at an accounting firm. I can say without a doubt that I have learned and grown so much in my 12 short weeks at the firm. Regardless of where my future will take me, I can say that Schneider Downs has helped prepare me for whatever the professional world may throw my way. What I enjoyed most about my time at Schneider Downs is the sophisticated projects I was able to work on, the respect that is given to each employee regardless of job title and, most importantly, the phenomenal people. 

I describe myself as someone who learns by doing. A hands-on approach seems to stick with me more than anything else. At Schneider Downs, you are doing real work for clients that genuinely need your expertise. You are forced to be a doer, and for good reason. Struggle creates strength, and while I have struggled in some of my tasks, the resiliency has paid off and cultivated industry knowledge that I can carry with me throughout my professional career. 

For any JD student who has an accounting background, and even ones who do not, I found most rewarding the intersection of accounting and law that I was able to work on during my time at the firm. For anyone who finds themselves intrigued in their tax law classes, Schneider Downs may be the place for you. 

At Schneider Downs, you are treated as a valued team member. It might sound like this goes without saying, but everyone is respected and trusted at this firm (you would be surprised at the number of places where this is not the norm in workplace culture). My internship offered me lots of flexibility, and, when conflicts came about, there were no questions asked from my superiors. When I had a maintenance emergency and had to work from home I was told “hope everything is ok, see you Monday.” No questions were asked because everyone here truly trusts one another. If you deliver quality work, then the sky is the limit for you at Schneider Downs. 

The workplace culture at Schneider Downs has created a work environment that attracts incredible talent. When asked to describe my coworkers I always say, “they are hardworking, intelligent, and everyone has such a personality.” Some people dread going into the office (I do not envy those people) but going into the office is exciting at Schneider Downs. From peers to superiors, everyone at the firm is so welcoming and personable it makes it hard to want to go elsewhere. 

What I enjoyed most about the internship program is the buddy system Schneider Downs has in place. In this program, the firm teams interns up with a recently hired analyst to be their “buddy” for the summer. I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to my buddy Danielle for always being there for me and my 57 silly questions every day. Having her as a resource made the office environment far less intimidating. As someone who lost out on office experience in my undergraduate years due to Covid, it was great to have someone next to me to show me the ins and outs of all things Schneider Downs (including how to use the printer). 

If you want a challenging but rewarding summer, consider sending in your resume to Schneider Downs. I promise, the work is not as “taxing” as it seems. 

Start Your Career with Schneider Downs

You’ll find that it is our people who make Schneider Downs a special place to work. Personable and gifted, our diverse group of professionals includes some of the most respected professionals in their fields. To learn more about our open positions and internship programs, visit our careers page.