STEP Reflection- Matthew Jacobs KPMG Internship

My STEP signature project was an audit internship with KPMG.  I worked virtually for the company for 4 weeks of the summer.  During the virtual internship, I participated in approximately 20 hours of engagement activities and 60 hours of virtual training.

Initially, my KPMG offer was for an eight week audit internship with their New York Office.  In order to adhere to the new restriction set forth by the COVID-19 outbreak, the company transformed the program to a fully virtual four week program.  I quickly learned that in order to be successful in the business world, you must be able to adapt.  I had to transition to working online, rather than in person.  It was now my responsibility to keep myself engaged and up to date on all my tasks.  It is easy to get side tracked and lose focus in a virtual environment.  Since this was my first time working remotely, it was a learning experience for me. This was not the internship I was waiting months for.  All prior assumption about the experience would have to be altered to account for the drastic changes that were ahead.  I could not let my disappointment dampen the event.

During the project, I was given a virtual guide listing all the tasks necessary to complete the internship.  An iPad was provided to complete the required activities.  I installed specific apps and materials necessary to ensure the data given to me was secure and kept confidential.  Once the iPad was set up, I was required to complete the tasks by the end of the four weeks.  The lack of structure and guidance left me to my own devises.  I was held accountable for my own success. To ensure I had ample time to fulfill all the requirements, I planned out what I would do each day to keep on track.  Being organized helped ease the transition to a virtual internship experience. Upon completion, I was proud of my ability to successfully adapt to the changes set forth.  I realized the true importance of the ability to adapt.  In order to survive and succeed, one must be able to adapt.  This holds true on a much larger scale as well.  The Corona Virus Pandemic has created the need for adaptation on a global scale.  The world as we know it has changed forever.

During the internship, we had approximately 20 hours of engagement activities.  These activities included networking sessions with national firm leaders, one-on-one connections with employees in the local office, and individualized mentoring guidance from KPMG professionals.  This virtual internship prevented the interns from having face to face interactions with co-workers.  However, these networking activities allowed me the opportunity to ask current employees questions and learn about their experiences in the accounting field.  These virtual interfaces made me feel like I was part of the organization.  Although there was no face to face interaction, I still feel like I made lasting connections with several of the employees at the firm.

Each week, I had a leadership series video to watch where I’d listen to executives discuss the virus and what the company was doing to adapt to these circumstances.  All KPMG employees are currently required to work from home.  Additionally, the employees will not return to the New York office or the client site until January of 2021.  The executives stressed the importance of be able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.  Being essential, KPMG employees must continue to work and fulfill their duties to their clients.  It is a commitment I respect and am eager to embrace.

Furthermore, I had a one-on-one meeting with a weekly mentor.  We had four mentors corresponding to each week’s main topic.  For example, one week we had a mentor for “impact” week where we learned what KPMG does to impact the community and help those in need.  KPMG does a lot of volunteer work, including working to educate children.  These mentors would answer all of our questions and share what they were doing during their quarantine.  Hearing about what current employees were doing helped me learn what I must do now and in the future to ensure my success.  Staying motivated during difficult times is hard.  However, finding ways to adapt to a virtual environment is critical to your success as well as the company’s as a whole.

Upon completion of my internship, I was given a full time offer to work for KPMG’s New York City office.  I signed the offer and am planning to work for the firm subsequent to my completion of a Master’s program.  Although the virtual internship limited what I was able to do, I learned valuable insights I will use when I start to work full time.  These insights include the importance of adaptation in an ever changing environment, the value of asking questions and expanding your knowledge, and the significance of relationship.  As I enter the workforce, I need to utilize the knowledge gained over these four weeks to become a valued employee.  KPMG is very successful due to their “family” mentality. The best work is accomplished when you work with those around you.  By asking questions, keeping on top of my tasks, and embracing whatever is thrown my way, I will show the firm I am dedicated to the success of the company.  I have grown significantly over these months.  I have seem a glimpse of what the future holds for me as an auditor with KPMG.  I am grateful for the opportunity the Step Program has given me.

One thought on “STEP Reflection- Matthew Jacobs KPMG Internship

  1. Hi Matt,

    Thrilled to hear you had a great experience with KPMG, even if it ended up looking significantly different than you expected. Also, a huge congratulations on your job offer – that is great news!!

    We wish you the best as you complete your Masters and begin your career in NYC.

    Take care,

    Caleb – STEP Team Member

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