Andrew Stair- Audit intern

I would recommend anyone considering an internship to seize the opportunity and maximize every day. I learned something new every day and you’ll also learn a good amount in a short period of time. School will prepare you to a certain extent but nothing beats actually getting out in the field and seeing what it’s all about…and trust me, in audit, you will be out in the field a lot!

In the past few weeks, I’ve gotten to work at some banks, builders, and a few other clients. The engagements included internal, 401k, & SOX audits…not bad considering I hardly had an idea of what that stuff was a few weeks ago. The learning curve I’ve gone through has been tremendous. On the job training is probably the best way to learn in my opinion, especially in this field, and PKM will provide you with plenty of it.

I must add however, that my Internship hasn’t been all work and no play. I’ve gotten to participate in some firm softball games, buddy outings, and even an audit training where the auditors spent a few days on Lake Oconee all courtesy of PKM. I had a fun time on the lake hanging out with everyone, working on my golf swing, and playing in a kickball game (I mean…who doesn’t like a good game of kickball). I must say, my impression of accountants has really changed. I don’t know what other firms are like but I can say this firm enjoys having a good time- it was a great first impression!

There is an adjustment process like any other job when trying to figure things out and getting to know everyone, but I would recommend just be yourself and have fun! Enjoying this experience is what it’s all about and everyone at PKM is there to give you advice or a helping hand. People always say to just ask questions, but it’s true, it doesn’t hurt and no one will bite you… no one I met anyways. I’ve barely scratched the surface but my overall experience has been very rewarding and I’m sad it’s coming to an end.

Stephen Alsobrook- Systems Intern

As my internship begins to wind down, it’s crazy to think about how much I have learned and accomplished so far, and how much I still have ahead of me. The first week was a great way to start getting to know some of the other PKM employees in a fairly relaxed setting since we just got to sit and try to take in as much as possible without the stress of needing to actually get anything done. They also treated us to lunch every day, which is always nice! I was able to remember a lot of what I learned in the training, but for anything that I forgot it was still ok, because there was always someone ready to help me out. My internship is with the Systems group (the IT auditors), which travels a lot, and so I haven’t spent much time in the office since that first week of training. They try to finish up most of the work at each client by Thursday so that Friday can be spent in the office each week, but their busy season starts in the summer and so sometimes that isn’t possible. I have gotten to work on several different types of clients, and while it seemed a little overwhelming at first since I didn’t know what I was doing, everyone is so helpful whenever I have questions, that I have been able to handle most of it. I have gotten to sit in on several meetings with the clients so that I can see how it’s supposed to go, what types of questions to ask, and what we’re looking for. This has been a great learning experience, and has helped me get a better understanding of the big picture for the audits. Going out to the client sites for work isn’t all work though, there’s some fun too. The team that goes out to the client will all go out for lunch together, and with all of us stuck in a small conference room all day some joking around is obviously bound to happen too. Through all of the work, I’ve also been playing on the PKM softball team, which has been a lot of fun! Everyone is very encouraging and helped me feel like I belonged there even though I was really just meeting most of the people for the first time. Our team has struggled a little with some tough losses, but earlier this week we had a big win in extra innings which was really exciting! I’m looking forward to our next game and hoping we can continue that success. Speaking of things I’m looking forward to, in just over a week I’ll be flying out to San Antonio to work on a job for a couple days. It’s going to be just me and one other person out there, so it’s pretty exciting to think that I’ve learned enough in such a short time that they trust me to go out and get that things completed since I’ll have to do a lot of it by myself in order for us to finish on time. It’s been a great experience so far and no doubt will continue to be as I finish up the last few weeks before going back to school in August!

Alison Derringer- Tax Staff

PKM is involved in many club sports that provide employees with the opportunity to play sports outside of work with fellow PKM coworkers. I have been able to play softball and flag football with my coworkers and this has been a great experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to get to know others that I might not have the chance to work directly with from other departments and form friendships that might not have otherwise had a starting point. By getting involved it has helped me form an instant connection with many great people at PKM.

I was nervous at our first few games but everyone was positive and encouraging on and off the field which made me feel relaxed and confident. I get the sense that the team wants to see me (and each player on the team) be successful and I know that I always have the whole team cheering me on. Even though I have never played flag football or softball, I was given the full opportunity to participate and enjoy the time on the field just as much as the top athletes on the teams. Not only is it a good social time, but it is also a good workout. You are able to stay healthy and fit while having a blast.

Our spring 2009 flag football team didn’t have a strong season, but even with the struggles we still enjoyed ourselves. We will be ready to dominate next season. Our summer 2009 softball team is doing very well. Even though this is our first season in the league, we are tough competition for the other CPA firms who have more experience. We are expecting to finish out the season strong and continue to take the wins.

If you are interning or a new staff at an accounting firm, you should strongly consider getting involved on one of the sports teams - it is the perfect ice breaker and provides for great networking. I’ve enjoyed every game that I’ve played on a PKM sports teams and look forward to many more to come. I would encourage everyone to get out there and play or go cheer on one of the company teams at their next game.