Abstract

Internships provide a unique opportunity to students in various fields of study; students are provided a practical learning experience in their chosen future profession which the traditional classroom does not provide. The School of Accounting at Grand Valley State University recognizes the value of an internship experience for our students. We have invested the time and resources into developing a high quality accounting internship program which is recognized by both the community employers and students alike. The accounting internship program is in a constant state of continuous improvement which led us to conduct a survey, and case study centering on this internship program (i.e. our study). Our study focuses specifically on accounting internships and emphasizes the importance of utilizing these internships as a valuable addition to the traditional classroom experience. It includes the results of surveys answered by several accounting interns and employers within the public accounting industry. In addition, it includes a case study of three differently situated students who participated in the program: a traditional undergraduate student, a traditional graduate student, and a nontraditional graduate student. Each offers a unique view regarding why the internship program was a vital educational learning experience which enhanced past and future course work. Also, the students critique their experience and offer suggestions for program improvements. Lastly, our study includes the benefits received by both an educational institution and employers from sponsoring and developing an internship program.