Hello,
My name is Allie, and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Minnesota where I will be receiving degrees in strategic communications and English. In my final semester of college, I have been given the opportunity to complete a 16-week internship with Christianson CPAs and Consultants as a Digital Marketing Intern.
Now you may be wondering…why I would choose to do a marketing internship in a space that is predominately accounting professionals. In a world shaped by technology, it is more important than ever before that businesses invest in strong marketing initiatives that allow them to cut through the noise and stand apart from competitors. As an accounting firm looking to grow and take on more projects, Christianson understands the need to effectively display its expertise within several industries and its commitment to employees and clients. This is where the role of marketing becomes critical.
As an intern, I wore several hats over the 16 weeks. Some days were spent helping the recruiter create collateral for scholarships and career exploration days which were then shared with students, teachers, counselors, and other interested parties. Other days I worked on refreshing the website, to ensure that each employee’s role at the firm was clearly articulated to website visitors. Furthermore, I got to strengthen my writing skills through writing blog articles and fulfilling email marketing initiatives. As my internship sadly comes to a close, I want to take the time to point out why my experience at Christianson is worth sharing with students/future interns.
Explore Christianson’s Role in a Unique Variety of Industries
Christianson professionals do much more than file tax returns. Throughout my internship, I have had the pleasure of gaining a deeper understanding of the firm’s several service lines. From being a pioneer in the renewable fuels industry, to helping clients across the nation expand their businesses through proposals and grants, it is evident that Christianson works hard to meet the needs of each client.
For young professionals either seeking out an internship opportunity or an entry-level position following college graduation, Christianson allows you to take the time to find the projects that complement your strengths as a professional.
Allie S.
Christianson Provides Flexibility
A valid concern that many students face when applying for internships during the school year is the amount of time required per week that an intern must work. I know I was worried that I would not have the time to balance both the internship and schoolwork. However, I found when I started at Christianson, that the firm’s internship program provides flexibility for students. I was able to work remotely and averaged no more than 20 hours a week. This meant that I could stay on my college campus and easily work around my class schedule. I never felt overwhelmed or like I was providing unsatisfactory work to my boss. This is not to say that an intern should stray away from a fully in-person internship at Christianson… if you have the time and flexibility, 100% do it! If you do however choose remote work, know that Christianson does an amazing job of making their remote employees feel valued and seen even from behind a computer camera.
Key Takeaways for Future Students
- Learn as much as you can with the time that you have as an intern. This means asking to take on projects that are new to you and not being afraid to ask questions. The more you learn in the internship, the more you can take with you into future career moves!
- Use this time to find your strengths…and weaknesses. As I mentioned before, an internship at Christianson provides you with the opportunity to try lots of new projects. This will help you identify areas where you feel you excel and other areas of the industry that you either may not enjoy or do not gravitate towards. Understanding this about yourself can only help you move forward.
- Connect with your boss and other key leaders. What better way to grow as a professional than to take advice and life lessons from the individuals around you who have years of experience in your ideal field? I know for me; I enjoyed hearing about the path that my boss took to get to her current role at Christianson and the ways that she continues to grow as a professional and stay on top of industry trends. These individuals are there as a resource as you navigate the beginning stages of your career. Utilize their knowledge!
