07 Aug How to Get the Most Out of Your Internship: Lessons from Tax, Audit, and the Full Experience
At Blackman & Sloop, internships are more than just a bullet point on a résumé — they’re immersive experiences that give future accounting professionals the opportunity to explore different service lines, connect with mentors, and make real contributions to the firm. This summer, we had the pleasure of working with two outstanding interns, Yaritza Ventura and Meg Helgesen, who rotated through Tax, Audit, and CAAS (Client Accounting & Advisory Services), gaining hands-on experience and building confidence with every project.
We also checked in with a few team members and mentors — Megan Simard, Adrienne Collins, and Conor Weeks — to learn what makes an intern truly stand out and how students can make the most of their internships.
A Look Inside the Internship: Real Work, Real Impact
Both Yaritza and Meg tackled real-world accounting tasks across departments, including preparing mock tax returns, diving into audits, and presenting on industry-specific issues.
Yaritza’s Experience:
- Tax Work: “We worked on mock return forms — 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 1040 — and my project, Blueprints & Balance Sheets, focused on long-term contracts and revenue recognition methods in the construction industry.”
- Audit Work: “I helped with sample selection for multiple clients, assisted on employee benefit plan audits, and imported financial statements into client binders. My audit project involved researching an AI tool to implement into our processes.”
- Takeaway: “The exposure to different tax forms and full audit cycles helped me truly understand the workflow. I was surprised by how much client work I was able to do!”
Meg’s Experience:
- CAAS Project: “I researched niche markets for potential clients — I focused on dance and the performing arts, combining my personal interests with the task at hand.”
- Tax Project: “I chose to explore tax nuances in the auto dealership industry, specifically handling large inventories.”
- Audit Work: “I’ve worked on everything from fixed assets to EBP audits. I haven’t even taken audit in school yet, so this hands-on exposure has been incredibly valuable.”
- Favorite Moments: “Our intern project and firm outings — like trivia night and the bowling competition — really brought the fun and community side of Blackman & Sloop to life.”
Words of Wisdom from the Interns
Advice from Yaritza:
“Come in with an open mind and a growth mindset — there’s so much to learn at Blackman & Sloop!”
Advice from Meg:
“Be confident! Imposter syndrome is real, but you earned your spot here. Ask questions, be curious, and don’t be afraid to ‘bother’ people — everyone wants to help.”
What Our Mentors Had to Say
What Makes an Intern Stand Out?
So what makes an intern stand out? According to Audit Manager Megan Simard, it’s those who ask strong, thoughtful questions and are eager to jump in on engagements. Adrienne Collins, also an Audit Manager, added that the most memorable interns are those who connect the dots between their individual tasks and the client’s broader needs. For Tax Manager Conor Weeks, it’s all about curiosity. Interns who aren’t afraid to ask “why” leave a lasting impression.
Setting Yourself Up for Success:
- Get comfortable with your supervisors.
- Keep notes about what you’re learning and who you’re working with.
- Give yourself grace — it’s okay not to know everything right away.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for specific feedback or schedule time to debrief after engagements.
- Ask follow-up questions when corrections are made — it’s a great way to deepen your understanding.
The Value of a Rotational Internship
All three managers agreed: B&S’s rotational internship model is key to helping students explore the many paths available in public accounting. Whether interns end up in tax, audit, advisory, or something completely different, they leave with stronger technical skills, clearer direction, and the confidence that comes with contributing real work to a real team.
“Even if the internship doesn’t lead to a job offer,” Conor said, “interns walk away with experience that builds confidence, creates mentorship opportunities, and gives perspective on what they do, and don’t, enjoy in the field.”
Final Thoughts
Internships at Blackman & Sloop aren’t just about tasks and deliverables, they’re about building relationships, exploring your interests, and discovering what kind of accounting career you want to create. Yaritza and Meg brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and authenticity to everything they did this summer, and we’re proud to have been a part of their journey.
If you’re thinking about interning at B&S, take it from our team: ask questions, stay open, and enjoy the experience. There’s a lot to learn — and a lot of fun to be had along the way.