Internships offer a dynamic avenue for expanding your network and forging valuable connections. At RBG, interns collaborate directly with industry professionals, fostering relationships that can shape their future careers.
Beyond networking, internships serve as a direct pathway to permanent positions. RBG actively cultivates talent, often recruiting interns for full-time roles, with a clear trajectory for advancement up to Partner level. Dedication and effort during an internship with RBG can significantly increase your likelihood of receiving a job offer, setting the stage for a successful career journey.
This year, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting a fantastic cohort of interns. As we spotlight their experiences, we’ve asked each of them three key questions:
- What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
- What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
- Based on your experience, what’s your biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “While interning at RBG, I have become more familiar with the audit process and how an audit team completes its work.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “My favorite part of interning at RBG has been the fact that I don’t feel as though I am just an intern. RBG has made me feel like I am part of the staff, even if I am a very inexperienced part of the team.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “My advice to future interns is to be bold and ask questions because there will always be something you need help understanding, or there may be a more efficient way to perform the work you’re doing.”
— Eric Daniels
Senior, University of Memphis
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “I have learned about the audit process for both banks and private companies. I did not realize how much teamwork was involved with accounting until I worked with the audit team. I have also learned how to fill out 1040’s and 1041’s. There is something new in almost every tax return I prepare, so it is interesting to see it and take in all that knowledge.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “I have enjoyed everyone I have worked with. Everyone here wants others to learn and they want to help out anyway they can. Working here pushes me to want to learn and improve.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “I would definitely recommend coming into your internship wanting to learn. I had heard before about how everyone in accounting is always learning, but I really see it now. Don’t let that thought overwhelm you, but be excited for it.”
— James Strickland
Senior, University of Memphis
— Christian Russell
Senior, Arkansas State University
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “I have learned more about Partnership Tax and the many differences between it and an individual return.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “I have enjoyed that there isn’t an overarching sense of seniority and that new hires can fit right in professionally and socially.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “Come into your internship willing to ask a lot of questions and get involved in the RBG culture!”
— Ian Sharp
Master’s Student, University of Memphis
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “Auditing is very different from the classroom. In the classroom, you’re only rewarded when you get something right. However, in the real world, much of what you do is learned by asking questions and through trial & error.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “The collaborative aspect! Because I’m introverted, reaching out to clients, meeting new people, and getting to try new things is easily what I value the most out of my internship.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “RBG is filled with nice people, so if you do run into something you don’t understand, just ask! As long as you are willing to learn, they will teach you.”
— Lucas Hayden
Master’s Student, Christian Brothers University
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “I’ve gained valuable experience in setting up operations for the CAAS department through collaboration with IT. This allowed me the autonomy to implement robust data security measures like KeePass, safeguarding our clients’ sensitive information. My skills now include payroll management, e-filing of 1099s, business tax e-filing, and annual report creation. Additionally, I’ve honed my ability to conduct loan reviews and prepare tax workpapers, along with filing 1040s and 1041s. I’ve also acquired proficiency in various software applications such as Engagement, Return Manager, Client Write-Up, Document, and Yearli.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “The opportunity to experience all 3 departments (CAAS, Audit, Tax). My internship with RBG gave me the opportunity to improve my cognitive ability in the profession before deciding where my career would start as a full-time employee. Each department has diversified my intellectual portfolio. In addition to this, I appreciated the level of understanding everyone had when it came to me balancing grad school and working hours.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “Make connections your first day on the job. Interacting with all colleagues (not just in your department) could open a door of opportunities for learning and mentorship. I also recommend that you not be afraid to ask questions and keep a notebook at all times to write down the responses. This notebook will be extremely helpful down the line when you need refreshers.”
— Martina Jones
Master’s Student , Rhodes College
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “I have learned how to use tax forms before even having any of the classes. I’ve also learned how to work in an environment like RBG.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “The exciting events, the kindness of the community, and the understanding of those working around you.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “When you come work at RBG, make sure you go to the events and just talk to everybody, they are all very kind.”
Q: What have you learned so far during your time at RBG?
A: “During my time at RBG I have learned how to prepare tax returns for individuals and trusts. I have also learned how to improve my professional communication and time management skills throughout this internship.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about interning at RBG?
A: “My favorite part of interning at RBG has been the people, everyone is so willing to help and answer any questions I may have. It feels like everyone tries their best to make others feel comfortable asking questions and receiving help.”
Q: Based on your experience, what’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a future intern?
A: “My biggest piece of advice for a future intern would be to not be too hard on yourself at first. Taxes are complicated, and I often felt down about myself or my work especially in the beginning. The point of an internship is to learn and grow, so as long as you are willing to ask questions and learn from mistakes, then you will do great!”