How to Get a Freshman Accounting Internship

As a freshman, your focus should be on gaining any good office experience in finance, accounting, or related fields. Don't worry about finding the "perfect" internship or landing a position at a prestigious firm.

The Reality Check

If you cannot land an internship as a freshman, it will not ruin your career. Many successful accounting professionals did not have internships during their freshman year. What matters most is building your professional foundation, even if it's through part-time office work, volunteer positions, or administrative support roles.

The Strategic Advantage

The real upside of gaining any office experience (whether it's in finance, accounting, or another business field) is that you will have concrete experiences and stories to talk about during Big 4 recruiting and interviews.

When you're interviewing for sophomore or junior year internships at Big 4 firms, being able to discuss:

• Real workplace experiences and challenges you've faced
• How you've demonstrated professionalism and reliability
• What you've learned about business operations
• Your growth and development over time

...will set you apart from candidates who have no work experience to draw upon.

Consider Non-Profit Work

Working for a non-profit organization can be an excellent option for freshmen, whether the role is in accounting or not. Non-profit positions offer several advantages:

• Resume value - Non-profit experience demonstrates community engagement and social responsibility, which looks great to employers
• Meaningful impact - You'll have a summer where you can actually make a positive difference in your community
• Transferable skills - Even if not accounting-specific, you'll gain valuable professional skills (communication, organization, project management) that apply to any career
• Unique stories - Non-profit work provides compelling examples for future interviews about leadership, problem-solving, and commitment to values
• Networking opportunities - Non-profits often have boards and supporters from the business community, expanding your professional network

Many non-profits actively seek summer interns and volunteers, making them more accessible than traditional corporate internships. Look for local non-profits in your area, or consider organizations related to causes you care about.

Consider Search Funds

Search funds are small investment vehicles where entrepreneurs raise capital to acquire businesses. These very small teams (often just 1-3 people) may be open to hiring freshmen, even unpaid, because they lack formal HR processes and need help with research, financial analysis, and administrative tasks.

• High learning value - You'll gain exposure to real deal-making, financial analysis, and business operations
• Direct access - Work directly with the searcher and see high-level business decisions
• Flexible structure - Small teams are often willing to take a chance on motivated students
• Find opportunities - Search LinkedIn for "search fund" or reach out to your university's entrepreneurship center

Many search funds don't post job openings - they hire through direct outreach. Don't be afraid to reach out with a brief email explaining your interest and willingness to learn.

Key Takeaways

• Any office experience is valuable - finance, accounting, administration, business-related, or non-profit work
• Not landing an internship won't hurt you - focus on what you can control
• Think long-term - experiences now become interview stories later
• Build your narrative - every experience teaches you something you can discuss
• Non-profit work is valuable - it looks great on resumes and lets you make a positive community impact

Diversity Internships at Big 4 Firms

Many larger accounting firms offer diversity-focused internship programs designed for underrepresented students, including programs for first-generation college students, students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities. These programs often provide:

• Early exposure to the accounting profession
• Mentorship opportunities with firm professionals
• Networking events and workshops
• Potential pathways to future internships
• Support systems and resources for career development

These diversity programs can be excellent entry points for freshmen who meet the specific eligibility criteria. Check each firm's website for their current diversity initiatives and application requirements.

Tips for Freshmen:

• Focus on getting any work experience - it doesn't have to be accounting-specific
• Consider non-profit work - great for your resume and allows you to make a positive community impact
• Apply early - many programs have early fall deadlines
• Research diversity programs if you qualify - these can be great opportunities
• Maintain a strong GPA (3.0+) while gaining experience
• Join accounting student organizations for networking
• Attend career fairs and firm information sessions
• Don't be discouraged if you don't get an internship - any work experience helps