How the Global Pandemic has Shaped my Internship Experience

Before starting my internship at Schneider Downs I was very nervous about what it would be like training and learning remotely during a pandemic. Thankfully, Schneider Downs has done a great job running its remote internship program. Training, learning the software systems, and communicating with coworkers have all been so much easier than I had imagined.

During the global pandemic it has been interesting to see how different companies are handling the sudden switch to being out of the office. Some were more prepared than others for the transition to the remote workplace. Schneider Downs seems to be handling the transition very well, allowing employees to work from home with ease -- so much so that they were still able to have a summer internship program. I find it amazing that Schneider Downs was still able to dedicate time and energy to educating a group of interns during a worldwide pandemic. During this internship I have had the opportunity to meet numerous people throughout the tax department. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful, always willing to answer questions and help each other out. I have learned so much about the company during this internship and gained considerable real world experience.

I think it was extremely beneficial that each intern was assigned a “buddy” and a shareholder to meet and talk with. The one-on-one meetings with these individuals were much less intimidating and allowed me to ask more questions and learn more about the company. Even though the internship had to be shortened, Schneider Downs did a great job of ensuring that each intern gained substantial knowledge and experience from their time here. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have had this internship and for all that I have already learned and all the connections that I have made.