Sophomore Accounting Internships Guide
Sophomore Internship Recruiting Strategy
As a sophomore, you should now focus on securing an internship with a midsize accounting firm if possible. This is the ideal time to gain substantive experience that will strengthen your resume and prepare you for Big 4 recruiting in your junior year.
Strategic Benefits
An internship at a midsize firm during your sophomore year provides several strategic advantages:
- Demonstrates commitment - Shows you're serious about a career in accounting
- Provides talking points - Real client work and projects to discuss in Big 4 interviews
- Builds technical skills - You'll learn accounting software, audit procedures, or tax preparation
- Expands your network - Connections that can help with future opportunities
- Sets you apart - Many students don't have internships at this stage
If You Can't Land a Midsize Firm Internship
If you're unable to secure an internship with a midsize firm, don't worry. Continue building your experience through:
- Part-time accounting or finance-related work
- Volunteer work with nonprofits (many need accounting help)
- Bookkeeping or tax preparation roles
- Any business-related internship
The key is to demonstrate continuous professional development and show that you're actively building your skills and experience.
Important: Don't Waste Time on Junior-Only Positions
Do not apply to internships that explicitly state they only recruit juniors. You will not get the position even if you have a perfect resume. Firms are strict about their class-year requirements. Instead, focus your time and energy on opportunities that are specifically designed for sophomores or open to sophomores. This will maximize your chances of success.
Key Takeaways
- Aim for midsize firms - This is your best opportunity for substantial accounting experience
- Apply broadly - Don't limit yourself to just one or two firms
- Start early - Many firms recruit in the fall for summer internships
- Maintain strong academics - A good GPA (3.2+) is important for internships
- Leverage your network - Use professors, career services, and student organizations
- Avoid junior-only positions - Only apply to internships that are open to sophomores
Resources
Essential platforms and resources to help you find and apply for internship opportunities.
Handshake
Resource: Job Search Platform
Handshake is a leading career platform for college students and recent graduates. Many companies post internship opportunities specifically for students on Handshake. Check your university's Handshake portal regularly for new postings.
Visit Handshake →Resource: Professional Networking & Job Search
LinkedIn is essential for networking with professionals, researching companies, and finding internship opportunities. Build your profile, connect with alumni and recruiters, and use LinkedIn's job search features to discover openings at accounting firms.
Visit LinkedIn Jobs →Your University Career Services
Resource: On-Campus Career Support
Your university's career services office offers resume reviews, interview preparation, career counseling, and access to exclusive job postings. They often host career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. Schedule an appointment early in your search.
Contact your university's career services office directly for access and resources.
r/accounting
Resource: Reddit Community
The r/accounting subreddit is a valuable online community where accounting students and professionals share advice, experiences, and insights about internships, careers, and the accounting profession. Browse discussions, ask questions, and learn from others who have navigated the internship process.
Visit r/accounting →Discovery Internships
Diversity Internships at Larger 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 sophomores who meet the specific eligibility criteria. Check each firm's website for their current diversity initiatives and application requirements.
Deloitte Discovery
Location: Boston and other major cities
Diversity Preferred
Diversity-focused program for sophomore students to explore careers at Deloitte through early exposure and mentorship.
Visit Careers Page →PwC Start
Location: Boston, Hartford, and other major cities
Diversity Preferred
Diversity program designed for sophomore students to explore professional services careers at PwC.
Visit Careers Page →EY Launch
Location: Boston and other major cities
Diversity Preferred
Diversity-focused program for sophomore students interested in accounting careers at EY.
Visit Careers Page →KPMG Embark
Location: Boston and other major cities
Diversity Preferred
Diversity program designed for sophomore students to learn about KPMG and the accounting profession.
Visit Careers Page →Sophomore Internship Opportunities
Companies offering internship opportunities specifically for sophomore students, organized by region.
Data Source: The companies listed below were identified through LinkedIn data analysis of past students who worked at these firms during their sophomore summer. This research helps identify companies with a track record of hiring second-year students.
Methodology: These companies are identified as having potential to recruit sophomores. They are identified through (1) precedent of a student on LinkedIn having an internship during sophomore year, or (2) a recruiter told Ledger Launch that they recruit sophomores.
Greater Boston Area
Withum
Location: Braintree, Boston, Woburn
Regional accounting firm offering internship opportunities in audit, tax, and consulting services.
Visit Careers Page →Wolf and Company
Location: Boston
Boston-based accounting firm providing internship experiences in various accounting services.
Visit Careers Page →Forvis Mazars
Location: Boston
Mid-tier accounting firm offering internship opportunities in audit, tax, and advisory services.
Visit Careers Page →Walter and Amp
Location: Greater Boston Area
Regional accounting firm providing internship opportunities for sophomore students.
Visit Careers Page →Kahn Litwin Renza
Location: Boston, Waltham
Regional accounting firm offering internships in various accounting services across multiple office locations.
Visit Careers Page →John Hancock
Location: Boston
Financial services company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business functions.
Visit Careers Page →Connecticut
First County Bank
Location: Stamford
Finance
Banking institution offering internship opportunities in finance and banking services.
Visit Careers Page →Gage Wealth Advisors
Location: Connecticut
Wealth management firm providing internship experiences in financial advisory services.
Visit Careers Page →Piper Sandler
Location: Greenwich
Investment bank and financial services firm offering internship opportunities.
Visit Careers Page →RTX
Location: Connecticut
Aerospace and defense company offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business functions.
Visit Careers Page →Amphenol
Location: Connecticut
Technology company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business and engineering functions.
Visit Careers Page →Chelsea Groton Bank
Location: Connecticut
Banking institution offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in finance and banking services.
Visit Careers Page →New York
FactSet
Location: New York
Financial data and software company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students.
Visit Careers Page →Pioneer New York
Location: Albany
Accounting firm offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in Albany, New York.
Visit Careers Page →Grant Thornton
Location: New York
Mid-tier accounting firm offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in audit, tax, and advisory services.
Visit Careers Page →PKF O'Connor Davies
Location: New York
Regional accounting firm offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in various accounting services.
Visit Careers Page →Forvis
Location: New York
Mid-tier accounting firm offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in audit, tax, and advisory services.
Visit Careers Page →Virginia
Capital One Early Internship Program
Location: McLean, VA
Early Program
Financial services company offering early internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business functions including finance, accounting, and technology.
Visit Careers Page →Remote
Vector Wealth Strategies
Location: Remote
Wealth management firm offering remote internship opportunities for sophomore students in financial advisory services.
Visit Careers Page →Tips for Sophomores:
- Complete introductory accounting courses
- Develop proficiency in Excel and accounting software
- Build relationships with professors for recommendations
- Start preparing for CPA exam requirements
- Research diversity programs if you qualify - many firms offer these programs
- Apply early - internship deadlines are often in the fall
- Focus on midsize firms for the best opportunities