Accounting Internships

An internship is one of the best ways to connect what you're learning in the classroom with the work you'll do after graduation.

Whether you're interested in public accounting, corporate accounting or government service, internships help you gain experience, build your professional network and explore career paths before you graduate.

Every student's internship journey looks a little different. Whether you're exploring opportunities, preparing to apply or already earning credit for an internship, you'll find answers to common questions below.

Why should I complete an internship?

Accounting students are strongly encouraged to complete at least one paid internship before graduation.

Internships help you:

  • Gain professional experience employers value.
  • Apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
  • Build your résumé and professional network.
  • Explore different accounting career paths.
  • Strengthen your confidence and professional skills.
  • Position yourself for full-time opportunities after graduation.

Many students receive internship or job opportunities through relationships built with employers, alumni and accounting professionals during their time at CMU.

Where do accounting students intern?

Accounting students regularly secure internships with organizations including:

  • EY
  • Plante Moran
  • PwC
  • Deloitte
  • Maner Costerisan
  • Rehmann
  • BDO
  • UHY
  • KPMG
  • Dow
  • Michigan Office of the Auditor General

How do I find internship opportunities?

You don't have to navigate the internship process alone.

Faculty in the Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting and staff in the HUB can help you explore opportunities, connect with employers and prepare for the internship search process.

Students are encouraged to participate in:

  • Meet the Recruiters
  • Meet the Professionals
  • Resume workshops
  • Beta Alpha Psi events
  • Career fairs and employer spotlights
  • The HUB professional development resources

These experiences help students build relationships with employers long before graduation.

How do I receive academic credit?

Students may earn up to three credit hours for an accounting internship. Co-op students may earn one credit hour per semester worked for up to three semesters. Students interested in receiving academic credit should work with the School of Accounting before beginning the internship.

  1. Register for ACC 489 (Accounting Internship/Co-Op) or ACC 689 (Accounting Internship).
  2. Submit your internship information through the registration exception process.
  3. The School of Accounting chairperson will review the request and determine the appropriate credit hours (1-3).
  4. At the conclusion of the internship, submit a brief report to the accounting internship/co-op supervisor.
  5. Ask your employer to complete the internship evaluation form.

What are employer responsibilities?

Internship employers are expected to:

  • Provide a variety of work experiences appropriate to your skills and training.
  • Complete a confidential evaluation of your performance.
  • Offer feedback that supports your professional growth.

Employers are not obligated to hire interns after graduation, and students are not obligated to accept employment offers. Both parties remain free to explore other opportunities.

The School of Accounting welcomes employer feedback and suggestions for improving the internship program.

Internship supervisors can submit evaluations using the form below.

Employer evaluation form