Big 4 Audit to Finance Student Internship Advice
I am currently a sophomore at a big state school. I have an internship with PwC for the summer of 2024 in audit. I was only a freshman when I received the internship offer and accepted. Because this internship is during my sophomore year summer, I want to try to get an internship at a financial firm for my junior year summer (double major in accounting and finance). I have a strong background in legislative affairs and I've interned at the top offices in congress...(speaker, majority leader and majority whip). I realize how much I hate audit and would rather do something in financial/regulatory affairs or financial markets.
Is this a good strategy, or should I just stick with public accounting/pwc and do another internship the following summer, so I leave school with a full time job (hopefully)? Or, is it worth taking that risk and seeing if I like something on the finance side more?
Thank you all in advance for any advice or guidance you can give me.
Switching from a Big 4 audit internship to a finance role is a strategic move that many have successfully navigated. Based on insights from Wall Street Oasis, here's a breakdown of your situation and some advice:
Leverage Your Audit Internship: Your upcoming internship at PwC is a valuable experience, even if audit isn't your end goal. It provides a solid foundation in understanding business processes and financial statements, which are crucial in finance. Use this opportunity to build skills and network within PwC, as Big 4 firms often have internal mobility options that could lead to finance-related roles.
Highlight Your Legislative Affairs Experience: Your background in legislative affairs and internships in top congressional offices are unique and can set you apart. These experiences demonstrate your understanding of regulatory environments and policy-making processes, which are highly relevant in financial/regulatory affairs roles. Emphasize these experiences in your applications and interviews for finance internships.
Network Aggressively: Networking is key in the finance industry. Utilize your school's alumni network, LinkedIn, and any professional connections you have. Reach out to professionals working in your areas of interest for informational interviews. Attend finance-related events and workshops to expand your network. Your goal is to learn from others' experiences and get your foot in the door for junior year internships.
Pursue Finance-Related Extracurriculars: Join finance or investment clubs at your university. Participating in case competitions, investment simulations, or finance workshops can not only boost your resume but also deepen your understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.
Consider the Long-Term Impact: While securing a full-time offer post-graduation is important, it's equally crucial to pursue a career path that aligns with your interests and strengths. If your passion lies in finance, the long-term benefits of switching paths could outweigh the short-term security of staying in public accounting.
Educate Yourself: Start learning about financial markets, regulatory affairs, and investment strategies on your own. Online courses, finance books, and following financial news can help you build a solid knowledge base, making you a more attractive candidate for finance internships.
In conclusion, if your interest genuinely lies in finance, it's worth exploring internships in that field for your junior year summer. The skills and experiences you gain from your audit internship at PwC, combined with your unique background in legislative affairs, can make you a compelling candidate for finance roles. Remember, it's about finding the right fit for your career aspirations and leveraging your experiences to pave the way.
Sources: Exiting Big Four (Audit) after 5 years and entering FP&A - Ask me anything, Accounting vs Finance: Part 1 – Career Paths, Accounting vs Finance: Part 1 – Career Paths, Best way for an accounting major to break into finance?, Two Offers, both bad, help me decide
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