This summer, we were lucky to have three talented interns join the Smith Leonard team, bringing fresh perspectives and plenty of energy. Kevin Brown, who interned with our Assurance team, joined us after graduating from NC State this past spring; Madison Hudgins gained hands-on experience with our Business Services Group while pursuing her degree at Appalachain State University; and Nathan Kidder joined our tax team for his second internship with SL as part of his studies at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

From learning the ins and outs of client work to building connections with our team, each intern shared a unique perspective on their experience. We asked them to reflect on their time with Smith Leonard and offer advice for future interns stepping into the world of public accounting.

Here’s what they had to say!

What’s one thing you’ve learned during your internship that you didn’t expect?

• Kevin: I learned that there is a lot to learn. I haven’t even scratched the surface of all there is to do as an accountant. A few of my many tasks involve drafting memos, analyzing numbers, and visiting clients to do physical inventory checks. I had no clue how much goes into this profession.
• Madison: One thing I have learned is that there are so many different software one department can use depending on the client. In school you hear about how a firm will have their way of doing things including the use of software, but you never really get the chance to see it firsthand. Here at Smith Leonard thus far I have been using/learning how to use QuickBooks, CaseWare, Fixed Assets CS, and have shadowed others on so many more. It is very interesting how many different software programs one client might need!  
• Nathan: One thing that I learned at SL that I didn’t expect to learn was how to build my 401K plan. They offer it to all the interns and we could reap those benefits of what we put in during the internship if we came back to work for them after we graduated.   

What drew you to intern with Smith Leonard, and what have you enjoyed most so far? 

• Kevin: Community is what drove me to Smith Leonard. Employees are treated very well and there are multiple activities to participate in with the firm. For example, at the end of June we are running a 5k at Sedgefield, the hosting sight of the Wyndham tournament.
• Madison: I really enjoyed the 2024 Summer Tour. You could instantly tell that Smith Leonard employees enjoyed their work and the company. Everyone brought a great vibe and to me that speaks volumes. 
• Nathan: The thing that drew me to apply for an internship at Smith-Leonard was the countless awards they have won for being one of the Best Places to Work in the Triad. These awards are very important to a company when trying to recruit the best employees and from what I have seen it’s not just a “name-only” award, it’s true.   

What advice would you give to other students considering an accounting internship? 

• Kevin: I know accounting is a polarizing subject for many, so do an internship to see if you would truly like it as your career path. Also, start searching for your internship early. I secured my spot as an intern two years before I ever had to show up to the office. 
• Madison: Do your best to be organized! I typically spend the first few minutes of my day going through emails, checking my calendar and Teams to get an idea of what my day looks like and what I need to get done that day. 
• Nathan: Go for it. Accounting is one of those fields you need to try first to see if it’s something you want to pursue as a career, and an internship is the perfect way to do that. You can get your feet wet and see what you’d be doing on a daily basis as an associate.