An internship in accounting provides you with practical experience, enhances your understanding of theoretical concepts, and improves your employability by offering real-world insights and networking opportunities in the field.

The majority (but not all!) of Richmond accounting students do an accounting internship before graduating, most often during the summer between junior and senior year.

In particular, public accounting firms (e.g., Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Baker Tilly, YHB, Myers & Stauffer) offer several summer internship opportunities in offices located across the country. These internships are each focused on a certain topic area/specialty (e.g., audit/assurance, tax, advisory – mergers & acquisitions, advisory – risk management).

Frequently Asked Questions:

*WHEN* is the time to start applying for an internship?

If you are looking for an internship during the summer after your junior year (this is the most popular choice), then you would ideally start applying and interviewing for that internship during your sophomore year.

YES, you read that right. If you are looking to do an internship during Summer 2026, then you would start interviewing for that position during Fall 2024/Spring 2025. The interview process starts over a year before the actual summer internship.

If you “miss” that window, there is still time!! You can still find fantastic opportunities (it just might be a little more limited).

How do I find and apply for accounting internships?

You have a great resource here at UR with Career Services! Use them to secure an amazing internship. In particular:

  • Get familiar with Handshake, the main portal for jobs, internships, and externships at numerous organizations that want to hire Spiders. Using Handshake greatly increases your chances of landing one of these opportunities, versus applying to organization websites alone.
  • To stay-up-to-date with accounting internship/job postings and events on campus, make sure you sign up for the Accounting Opportunities newsletter (emailed about once a week). Use Handshake to join the “accounting career community” so you receive this information.
  • Attend one of the accounting-focused career events, including Meet the Firms and AccountingFest. You’ll learn more about careers in accounting and have the chance to network with companies offering internship opportunities.

What is it like to “work” in accounting?

For this question, there are LOTS of great resources available. Try some of these websites to get a better idea about careers for accounting students: