Sophomores
Sophomore Internship Recruiting Strategy
As a sophomore, you should now focus on securing an internship with a midsize accounting firm if possible during your sophomore summer. It is also important to start looking for junior year internships as recruiting can start up to two years before the jobs get released. 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.
⚠️ VITAL: Apply for Junior Year Summer Internships During Your Sophomore Year
It is vital that you apply for internships for your junior year summer during your sophomore year to get ahead of the race. Oftentimes, recruiting for your sophomore year summer will take place at the same time you're trying to get a job for your junior year. Don't wait until junior year to start applying for junior summer internships. Start the process during your sophomore year to maximize your opportunities and stay competitive.
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 →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
Deloitte Discovery
Location: Boston and other major cities
Discovery program for sophomore students to explore careers at Deloitte through early exposure and mentorship.
PwC Start
Location: Boston, Hartford, and other major cities
Discovery program designed for sophomore students to explore professional services careers at PwC.
EY Launch
Location: Boston and other major cities
Discovery program for sophomore students interested in accounting careers at EY.
KPMG Embark
Location: Boston and other major cities
Discovery program designed for sophomore students to learn about KPMG and the accounting profession. This program is specifically for community college students.
Withum
Location: Braintree, Boston, Woburn
Regional accounting firm offering internship opportunities in audit, tax, and consulting services.
Wolf and Company
Location: Boston
Boston-based accounting firm providing internship experiences in various accounting services.
Forvis Mazars
Location: Boston
Mid-tier accounting firm offering internship opportunities in audit, tax, and advisory services. Forvis Mazars has winter internships for sophomores.
Walter and Amp
Location: Greater Boston Area
Regional accounting firm providing internship opportunities for sophomore students.
Kahn Litwin Renza
Location: Boston, Waltham
Regional accounting firm offering internships in various accounting services across multiple office locations.
John Hancock
Location: Boston
Financial services company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business functions.
Connecticut
First County Bank
Location: Stamford
Finance
Banking institution offering internship opportunities in finance and banking services.
Gage Wealth Advisors
Location: Connecticut
Wealth management firm providing internship experiences in financial advisory services.
Piper Sandler
Location: Greenwich
Investment bank and financial services firm offering internship opportunities.
RTX
Location: Connecticut
Aerospace and defense company offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business functions.
Amphenol
Location: Connecticut
Technology company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in various business and engineering functions.
Chelsea Groton Bank
Location: Connecticut
Banking institution offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in finance and banking services.
New York
FactSet
Location: New York
Financial data and software company offering internship opportunities for sophomore students.
Pioneer New York
Location: Albany
Accounting firm offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in Albany, New York.
Grant Thornton
Location: New York
Mid-tier accounting firm offering internship opportunities for sophomore students in audit, tax, and advisory services.
PKF O'Connor Davies
Location: New York
Regional accounting firm offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in various accounting services.
Forvis
Location: New York
Mid-tier accounting firm offering potential internship opportunities for sophomore students in audit, tax, and advisory services.
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.
Remote
Vector Wealth Strategies
Location: Remote
Wealth management firm offering remote internship opportunities for sophomore students in financial advisory services.
National Programs
Moss Adams - Guide Pilot Steer (GPS) Operational Internships
Location: Various locations
Duration: 6 weeks
Application Timeline: Posted in the fall of each year
Moss Adams offers Guide Pilot Steer (GPS) Operational Internships for sophomore students. This 6-week internship program provides hands-on experience in operational accounting functions. Applications are typically posted in the fall of each year for the following summer.
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
Resume Booster Opportunities
Resume booster opportunities are short programs, often less than a week, that firms provide to help students learn about the firm and the accounting profession. These programs often strengthen an application at that firm for the following summer. Look up the programs online, and if they are not accepting applications, ask your recruiter when they will be open.
Programs
Aprio Headstart
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day virtual program
Timing: Spring
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
Aprio's Headstart program is a one-day virtual program in the spring designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about Aprio and the accounting profession. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Aprio in future summers.
Grant Thornton Empower
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day virtual program
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
Grant Thornton Empower is a one-day virtual program designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about Grant Thornton and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Grant Thornton in future summers.
BDO Pathway to Success
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day virtual program
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
BDO Pathway to Success is a one-day virtual program designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about BDO and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at BDO in future summers.
Forvis Mazars Summer Leadership Program
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: Summer leadership program
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
Forvis Mazars Summer Leadership Program is a summer leadership program designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about Forvis Mazars and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Forvis Mazars in future summers.
RSM Pathways
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day virtual event
Eligibility: Sophomores
RSM Pathways is a one-day virtual event designed for sophomores to learn about RSM and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at RSM in future summers.
KPMG Ace the Case
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: Case competition program
KPMG Ace the Case is a case competition program designed to help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills while learning about KPMG. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at KPMG in future summers.
Tour de Withum
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day in-person event
Date: July 1, 2026
Location: Various locations
Tour de Withum is a one-day in-person event held in various locations on July 1, 2026, designed to help students learn about Withum and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Withum in future summers.
CohnReznick ACE (Accounting Career Exploration)
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day in-person program
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
CohnReznick ACE (Accounting Career Exploration) is a one-day in-person program designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about CohnReznick and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at CohnReznick in future summers.
Eisner Amper Virtual Series
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: 3-day webinar
Timing: Fall and Spring
Eligibility: All years
Eisner Amper Virtual Series is a 3-day webinar program offered in the fall and spring, open to students of all years. This program provides opportunities to learn about Eisner Amper and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Eisner Amper in future summers.
Citrin Cooperman Future Leaders Program
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day experience
Eligibility: Freshmen and Sophomores
Citrin Cooperman Future Leaders Program is a one-day experience designed for freshmen and sophomores to learn about Citrin Cooperman and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Citrin Cooperman in future summers.
Andersen Accelerate
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day event
Eligibility: Sophomores and Juniors
Andersen Accelerate is a one-day event designed for sophomores and juniors to learn about Andersen and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at Andersen in future summers.
PKF O'Connor Davies Leaders of Tomorrow
Program Type: Resume Booster
Duration: One day in-person program
Eligibility: Sophomores and Juniors
PKF O'Connor Davies Leaders of Tomorrow is a one-day in-person program designed for sophomores and juniors to learn about PKF O'Connor Davies and explore career opportunities in accounting. Participation in this program can strengthen your application for internships at PKF O'Connor Davies in future summers.