
Off the Ledger
Your days as a college student are almost numbered. The working world is calling. As you get ready to embark on your career, you have to be thinking, “What am I going to do when I graduate?” “Is a job in public accounting right for me?”
Where do you want to go?
You have so many options. Big firm or small? How do you decide? Where can you go to get the real, honest look at a career in public accounting? What is it REALLY like to be an intern? What will my life be like as a staff accountant?
See your future...
At Porter Keadle Moore, LLP (PKM) we’re here to help. We’ve created this blog site just for you! To help you find answers to these and other questions about working in a public accounting firm. Real interns and brand new staff accountants chronicle their experiences with our firm. Read what they have to say. Ask questions, share your opinions and we’ll respond.
My Summer Internship with PKM
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.

















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