More Than Just Public Accounting

I began my internship at Schneider Downs as a fresh college graduate. It was my fifth internship, after wrapping up my time with the AT&T Corporation and other small CPA firms in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

Like most recent college graduates, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my career, community activities or even what I wanted to cook for dinner that night. At Schneider Downs, I was given the opportunity to explore the accounting industry during my Audit Internship. 

Three months later, I am still unsure of where life will take me professionally, but I am confident that I have solved one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. I discovered that what I am looking for might be even more important than what I want to do. I am looking to be a part of a positive workplace culture. During my internship, I learned valuable skills regarding audit practices, but I think I learned something even more important regarding the company. Although an accounting firm at its core, Schneider Downs is focused on making their community, industry and employees better and that included me.   

From the moment I expressed that accounting might not be a part of my future plans to the Schneider Downs team, I have been provided with opportunities within the company to find and harness my other skills and desires.   

No matter what the future holds, or where work takes me, Schneider Downs has set the bar high for all of my future endeavors. Wrapping up my internship with Schneider Downs is bittersweet—I leave confident that I have real-world experience in public accounting, mentored by some of the best, but I move on with a heavy heart knowing I won’t work side-by-side with those who make the firm so great: its employees. 

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.