Rhiona on her Summer Internship and GAP
Rhiona shares her insights on a defining Summer Internship at KPMG and her experiences at GAP.
- August 20, 2024
- 4 Min. reading time
- Sponsored by: KPMG
“My Internship at KPMG was a transformative experience. It deepened my technical skills, offered valuable insights into cross-cultural work environments, and helped me build a global network. The entire journey, including the Global Advantage Program (GAP) in Prague, provided clarity about my career path and made a lasting impact on both my professional and personal growth."
Question 1: Rhiona, you just completed your Summer Internship with KPMG in the Audit Corporate team. Can you elaborate on the role you took on during your Summer Internship?
Hi there! Yes, of course. I was part of an Audit Corporate team of approximately ten people, where I assisted with and learned how to conduct reconciliations and document diverse internal operations of the companies we audited.
This experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of specific audit tasks related to financial statements. Beyond the technical skills it gave me, my Internship at KPMG offered a valuable glimpse into the corporate world, providing a solid foundation for my future career choices.
Question 2: What sparked your interest, Rhiona? Tell us more about the passion that drove you to seize this Summer Internship opportunity.
After graduating from university, I was torn between pursuing a Master’s degree or starting my journey to become a Certified Public Accountant. Then I discovered KPMG’s Summer Internships and realized this opportunity, along with KPMG’s reputation for offering numerous opportunities, could help me determine my future direction. These factors motivated me to apply. The chance to gain valuable insights and explore a potential career path without fully committing to an audit career was appealing. Additionally, KPMG’s status as one of the Big Four, its central location in Zurich, and the opportunity to work alongside fellow interns made the experience even more attractive.
Another reason I applied was the Internship’s combination with the GAP, which allowed me to participate in a globally organized KPMG event for a couple of days.
Question 3: Speaking of the Global Advantage Program (GAP), you traveled to Prague for four days. What was that experience like?
The GAP in Prague was an incredible experience, combining professional development with cultural exploration. It was a lot of fun and offered a unique opportunity to meet fellow interns from around the world, as well as connect with KPMG managers and partners with diverse nationalities and mentalities.
Aside from the insightful training , KPMG organized cultural activities that allowed us to explore Prague and bond with fellow interns on a personal level. Networking was a significant highlight, as it was fascinating to see the cultural differences during the workshops.
For example, interns from the US typically spoke up whenever they had an answer, while European students tended to raise their hands. Observing these cultural nuances was truly interesting and added to the richness of the experience.
Question 4: How did participating in the Global Advantage Program (GAP) in Prague enhance your learning experience and professional development during your Summer Internship?
Participating in the GAP in Prague significantly enriched both my professional and personal development. Professionally, I gained a broader understanding of cross-cultural work environments, which is essential for navigating global business settings, and I also gained international experience. On a personal level, I expanded my international network and deepened my insight into KPMG’s core values and work ethic. Networking with peers and professionals from different backgrounds was incredibly valuable, and informal settings like shared meals and morning coffee catch-ups encouraged meaningful connections. Overall, the program served as a driving force in refining my career goals and enhancing my networking skills.
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Question 5: What was the most memorable moment you experienced during your time at KPMG?
My favorite moment, or rather day, was the third day of the GAP, which was a Monday. We had engaging training sessions in the morning and early afternoon with various KPMG managers and partners[A1] , focusing on communication skills and the different types of KPMG clients. In the afternoon, we visited the local Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where we learned the proper technique for tapping beer! It was a fun day filled with unique insights. Later, some of us gathered to celebrate and make the most of our time there, spending an enjoyable evening together.
Speaking of the whole Internship, the positive atmosphere and camaraderie made it truly memorable. I had the opportunity to connect with many driven individuals who shared valuable advice from their extensive experience in the corporate world. The friendly coffee chats and casual banter in the office each week were key highlights that made the Internship unforgettable.
Question 6: What obstacles did you encounter during your Summer Internship that pushed you to grow and adapt?
Consistency and dedication are vital for a successful Internship, but being open-minded and proactive in networking is equally important. Engaging with colleagues to expand your knowledge and benefiting from their experiences provide valuable insights. I highly recommend this Internship to students who are enthusiastic about connecting with others and ready to tackle diverse tasks daily.
Seizing opportunities, such as the experience in Prague, can offer valuable clarity about your future career path, while also allowing you to expand your professional network and gain international experience.