The Pressure of Following the Crowd
As a student at Emory University, a school well known for its highly ranked business program, searching for an internship can be stressful. Naturally, I looked at the firms that everyone at my university was applying to. It seemed like the easiest path. My classmates knew those firms, recruiters regularly visited campus and there was already a clear process that had been laid out since freshman year.
When everyone around you is applying to the same firms, it is easy to believe those are your only options or that there are only a handful of “right” choices. I found myself thinking that same way at first. But once I expanded my search beyond campus recruiting and what was considered the “norm,” I realized there was an entire world of opportunities that I had never considered. Ultimately, accepting an internship with Weinstein Spira was the best decision I made.
Networking Beyond Campus Recruiting
Looking beyond the well-known firms that recruited at Emory was not as simple as attending career fairs or submitting applications through the usual channels. I had to network differently. Instead of only reaching out to alumni or people in the area, I connected with professionals I knew in the accounting field, asked for advice, learned about their experiences and explored opportunities that might be a good fit.
I spoke with professionals at firms of different sizes, from middle-market private firms to larger firms, and learned about the different types of accounting work they did. I also connected with people working in different states, which exposed me to opportunities and career paths I never would have considered if I had focused solely on recruiting around my college.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
There were challenges that came with accepting an out-of-state internship. It meant spending the summer away from many of my closest friends and missing out on some of the memories they were making together. It also meant leaving behind the college life I had built for myself and stepping into something completely different.
On top of that, I had to move three different times throughout the summer, which was not always easy. While those sacrifices were difficult, they helped me become more independent and adaptable, and the experience made it all worthwhile.
Finding the Right Fit
The most rewarding part of expanding my search was realizing just how many opportunities were available. Instead of feeling limited to the firms everyone else was applying to, I was able to be much more selective. Rather than choosing a company because of its name, I found a firm whose culture, values and work environment truly aligned with what I was looking for. Throughout my internship at Weinstein Spira, I’ve experienced firsthand the firm’s commitment to mentorship, collaboration and professional growth. That has made all the difference in my internship experience.
More Than Just an Internship
I have absolutely loved my internship with Weinstein Spira! Every day has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, work on meaningful projects and build relationships with incredible people who have been supportive and eager to help me grow.
One of the biggest advantages of interning with a middle-market firm like Weinstein Spira has been the hands-on experience and direct access to professionals at every level of the organization. Rather than observing from the sidelines, I’ve been trusted to take on meaningful responsibilities and gain experiences that have accelerated both my technical and professional development.
At the same time, I’ve expanded my professional network and formed genuine connections with coworkers and mentors. Those relationships have been just as valuable as the accounting skills I’ve developed and I know they will continue to shape my career long after this internship ends.
My Advice to Students Expanding Their Internship Search
If you’re nervous about looking beyond the companies that recruit at your school or beyond the big, well-known names, that’s completely normal. It may require extra networking, more research and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, but don’t let that stop you from exploring opportunities that may be an even better fit.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else. Just because a firm is the most popular option among your peers doesn’t mean it’s the best place for you. Expanding your search gives you more choices, allows you to be more intentional about where you work and increases your chances of finding a company that truly fits your goals, values and working style.
Sometimes the best opportunity isn’t the one everyone else is chasing. It may not be in the same state as your college, and it may not even be in a place that feels comfortable at first. Sometimes, the best opportunity is the one you discover when you’re willing to look a little farther away.
