My Deloitte internship experience

Pierre Low Zhan Hao

Course/University: Business (Accountancy), National University of Singapore

Period of internship: 11 May to 16 July 2015

Internship function: Audit 

My Deloitte internship

“I was intrigued by the family culture at Deloitte after speaking to some of my seniors who had gone through the Deloitte summer internship programme. As Deloitte is the largest professional services network in the world, I felt that an internship at Deloitte was a great platform for me to gain deeper insights into the accounting and audit industry. Deloitte is also known for its focus on diversity as well as career development programmes which I believe provide numerous learning opportunities for the interns.

I was interning at the Financial Services Industry (FSI) audit department, during which I was assigned to a couple of major engagements and had the opportunity to put my accounting knowledge into practice and perform actual audit procedures for the clients. My job scope included the handling of real accounts and tasks which are normally assigned to full-time audit associates. I feel that it was an enriching experience to be part of Deloitte’s summer internship programme as I got to learn a lot of technical knowledge and gain valuable hands-on audit experience through my engagements. I also had the chance to participate in numerous firm events to bond and forge friendships with my colleagues and fellow interns.”

What I like about my internship experience

“I like how interns are treated just like full-time associates and get assigned actual and meaningful tasks which are crucial and beneficial to the audit engagements. It feels great to be a part of the actual audit engagement team! The most memorable part of my internship was when my engagement team completed our audit engagement for a major client. Even though I only joined the team for the final seven weeks, I still felt a strong sense of achievement after the signing-off of my first audit engagement. The best part of the internship was the Audit Off-Peak Party where everyone in the audit department put their work aside and came together for a night of fun and celebrations. The time spent working on a project with other interns from various departments for the Mentor Appreciation Day Innovation Challenge, as well as other corporate events, form some of the most memorable parts of my internship!”

Challenges that I met during my internship

“Being in the FSI department, I handled specialised accounts which demanded skill sets which had not been taught in the general audit curriculum in school. Hence, this was challenging at times when I was faced with a new account which I had not seen before. However, the seniors and mentors were always ready and willing to give their advice and guidance to help me overcome these challenges.”

What I learnt from my internship

“I gained deeper insights into the audit industry and it has helped me significantly with my career planning. I developed a better understanding of the career path of an auditor through the internship, helping me to make an informed career decision. My biggest takeaway would be the new long-term relationships and connections which I had forged with my colleagues and fellow interns at Deloitte.”

My advice for internship

#1: Always take initiative in everything that you do.

#2: Make a log of everything which you have learnt at the end of each day of internship.

#3: Talk to new people and make connections, be it managers, seniors or fellow interns.

Lim Qiyu Calvin

Course/University: Double Degree in Business and Accountancy, Nanyang Technological University

Period of internship: 13 May - 31 July 2015

Internship function: Financial Advisory

My Deloitte internship

“I chose Deloitte for my internship as Deloitte is one of the Big 4 firms and I have heard many good reviews from my friends who have previously interned at Deloitte. I was interning in the Corporate Financial Advisory department and was fortunate to be exposed to both the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and the Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) side of transactions. I learned to advise companies on M&A transactions as well as give independent opinions as an IFA when the need arose such as in an Interested Party Transaction (IPT), which entails transactions between the company and any member of Board of Directors, key executives or major stakeholders. At Deloitte, real responsibilities are handed to interns from Day 1 and this is something that I am thankful for as I got to add real value to my team and to experience as much as possible. To sum up my Deloitte internship experience in 3 words, I would describe it as “Learn, Fun, Contribute.” You will definitely learn a lot, but also have fun at Deloitte!”

What I like about my internship experience

“I think that the best part of my internship is the culture in Deloitte - people work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy themselves during the process, and they play hard as well. Some of my more memorable moments happened outside of the office. There were firm-wide events such as the Inter-Departmental Games (IDG) where the interns were encouraged to join as well. I remembered trying my best to finish my work on time, along with our colleagues, getting down to Amoy Hawker Centre for a quick dinner, before rushing down by taxi to Turf City for our IDG Futsal team training sessions. I also joined a few IDG basketball training sessions. Within the Corporate Finance team, there were also many activities organised such as “chill-out” sessions at bars and KTV sessions, where we got the chance to know our colleagues better in an informal setting. Furthermore, the inclusive nature of the firm, where there is little hierarchy, not just towards the interns, but as a whole firm in general, is something that I look out for when deciding on a firm to build my career.”

Challenges that I met during my internship

“The more challenging parts would be the steep learning curve and the long hours in the Corporate Finance department due to the time sensitive client needs. However, I was fortunate to have helpful and friendly colleagues and mentors who would take the time and effort to guide me. There were also training sessions conducted by our colleagues for us interns to learn about the technicalities involved in the industry.”

What I learned from my internship

“I have learnt both the tangibles, such as the technical aspects involved, like the process that goes into a transaction, as well as the intangibles such as the strong work ethic and the high standards required of our work. The biggest takeaway for me would be the friendships and relationships forged through the internship. It is definitely important and beneficial to have confidants and peers that are in the same industry to give you advice and to offer you encouragement in one’s career, especially so in the competitive field of corporate finance.”

My advice for internship

#1: Be pro-active - Look for work so that you will have the chance to learn as well as to contribute.

#2: Interact - Make friends and contacts at work; you never know when an opportunity might present itself from it.

#3: Be yourself - Internships are a chance for employers to know you but also for you to understand your prospective employer and to decide if the both are a good fit for each other; be yourself so that you will be able to make an informed decision at the end of the day.

Felicia Tan Su Xian

Course/University: Business Management (Finance and Marketing), Singapore Management University

Period of summer internship: 11 May – 24 July

Internship function: Enterprise Risk Services

My Deloitte internship

“It was a dream-come-true when I got the opportunity to intern at Deloitte as I have always longed to work for an organisation that truly cares for the society and actively promotes equal opportunities to all. I was very impressed by Deloitte’s commitment to diversity around the globe and its active integration of Diversity & Inclusion policies into its workplace environment. I learnt about it when I took part in SMU-Barclays Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Business Challenge and used Deloitte as our case in point. Since then, I have ranked Deloitte as one of my dream employers and it was an eye-opening experience to intern at Deloitte and be a part of an inclusive workplace culture.

My Deloitte internship experience was truly amazing. I had the rare opportunity to try out two internship positions; one of which involves actively learning from the Internal Audit (IA) department; and the other from the Strategic Risk (Life Science and Innovation Service) department. Under the IA department, I was tasked to draft out specific components of IA reports. This was done after much in-depth analysis with the paperwork that my manager and I procured from the client’s office. Under the Strategic Risk department, my team and I were assigned the responsibility of conducting analysis on primary and secondary data. Also, I was in charge of presenting our consolidated information in a clear and concise manner to our upper management. In this department, I also got to sit in many important meetings and had first-hand experience on how meetings are conducted amongst top level management.

On top of the precious learning opportunities that Deloitte had provided me with, another takeaway was my group of intern friends. We worked hard together and enjoyed each other’s company, especially during company events! Indeed, Deloitte employees work hard and play hard.”

What I like about my internship experience

“There were a plethora of factors that contributed to my enjoyable internship experience with Deloitte. Under the leadership and guidance of my amazing mentors, I got exposed to many opportunities and learnt from the best. On a more personal level, my mentors really cared for me. They ensured that I got some time to rest after tough periods at work. My mentors played an important role during my internship stint at Deloitte. Also, I enjoyed working in an environment that provides you with almost everything. Deloitte’s office has a cafe, a rest & relaxation corner and even foosball table at the staff lounge for you to unwind during break time.

One of the most memorable parts of my internship was the Residential, which is a series of Enterprise Risk Services training programmes. My colleagues and I spent close to 5 weeks preparing for a dance item, in which we really bonded over the training sessions, preparation for the event and late night suppers together.”

Challenges that I met during my internship

“It was tough juggling between the two roles I was appointed with. I had to multi-task and often, working past the stipulated time to go home. However, I was really glad to be given this opportunity as it gave me the chance to develop myself through the various challenges presented to me.”

What I learned from my internship

“I realised that one should never be afraid to ask. It is only when you ask, then you will learn more and improve yourself there and then. The double exposure from working in both the Internal Audit and Strategic Risk department at Deloitte has given me one of the biggest takeaways and has taught me various important lessons. For Internal Audit, I got to understand how important it is to conduct internal audit to minimise the risk that a company faces. Also, I had the opportunity to practice the art of being detailed and meticulous with the clients’ documents. For Strategic Risk, I learned how to conduct a holistic analysis for the client (conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis). With all these takeaways from Deloitte, I am more prepared for working life in the near future.”

My advice for internship

#1: Always give your best shot. Don’t hold yourself back because to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

#2: Build relationships with your colleagues. They will make working in a competitive environment so enjoyable.

#3: When in doubt, never be afraid to ask! I found that my managers are more than happy to answer my queries.

Cheong Wen Jing Jeremy

Course/University: Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Infocommunication), Nanyang Technological University

Period of internship: 12 January 2015 – 6 August 2015

Internship function: Tax

My Deloitte internship

“Deloitte has a reputation for placing huge emphasis on the growth and development of their interns and also a supportive work environment. It wasn’t a tough decision choosing Deloitte for my professional internship. I was in the Research & Development and Government Incentives (RDGI) team under the Business Tax Department. We assist companies performing R&D in Singapore to review documentation that substantiates R&D activities by matching the facts to the eligibility requirements of Singapore’s R&D tax incentives program. We then prepare R&D reports articulating the nature and progress of R&D activities undertaken, including how and why these meet the R&D tax eligibility requirements.

My Deloitte internship was a tremendous experience! It would not be made possible without my RDGI team which is cohesive and nurturing and I was comfortable seeking advice from my managers and my partner whenever in doubt. Besides work, I had plenty of fun with the Deloitte Dragon boat team and I got to meet many colleagues from various functions. As Deloitte was the Official Professional Services Partner for the SEA Games 2015, I participated in several events such as the Countdown to SEA Games and the Go 50 Run with the ultra-marathoners. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am thankful to have been part of it.”

What I like about my internship experience

“It’s the people; my managers are friendly and approachable and I benefitted from the mentor system in Deloitte. My mentor went the extra mile to guide me for work and non-work related matters. My RDGI team had outings on several occasions and it was really enjoyable! There were several events that stood out in my 8-months internship - rowing with the Deloitte Dragon boat team definitely topped the list. We achieved a respectable position at the annual Marina Regatta race despite being a relatively young team. I feel that Deloitte places huge emphasis on their interns and one of the ways Deloitte shows their appreciation for their interns is through awarding the Intern of the Week. I had a strong sense of satisfaction and it gave me an impetus to work and play harder during my internship.”

Challenges that I met during my internship

“As I am an Engineering student, the initial learning curve was steep and I had to learn the ropes fast. I had to learn and understand the basic Singapore tax legislations and the Research & Development Tax Incentives, which is part of the Productivity & Innovation Credit Scheme. These concepts are totally foreign to an engineering undergraduate. Nonetheless, the strong mentor system made the process truly enjoyable and enriching.”

What I learned from my internship

“I gained invaluable insight of the inner workings of a professional services firm and my internship gave me a taste of what I want to do in the future in my career. The biggest takeaway is definitely the friendships I have forged during my internship. They had been the bedrock of my internship and it was a huge reward. Also, I am thankful for the opportunities to participate in several Deloitte events and these experiences made my internship worthwhile. Internships are important as they enable you to take your career plan for a test drive. My experience in Deloitte is probably the most enriching and rewarding experience and I will highly recommend undergraduate students to be part of the summer internship programme in Deloitte!”

My advice for internship

#1: Stay humble with a positive attitude

#2: Be receptive to feedback from your mentor

#3: Be a sponge

D.cisions is our quarterly magazine which provides undergraduates with tips, advice and success stories to help them take their first crucial step in making the right choice for themselves, in terms of choosing their employer - one where they will fit in and aligned to their values, interests and priorities.

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