Intern insights: Aoife Cosgrave
Intern Insights: Beyond the Job Specification
Aoife Cosgrave joined Deloitte’s Tax & Legal team to turn her passion for business and law into real-world experience while studying at UCD.
Intern Insights: Beyond the Job Specification
Embarking on a summer internship can feel like entering unfamiliar territory. From concerns about team dynamics to questions of preparedness, initial apprehensions are common. However, as several Deloitte interns have shared, the reality often proves to be far more welcoming, supportive, and enriching than anticipated.
First Impressions vs. Reality
Kaci, a Law student entering her final year at Trinity College Dublin and working on the FS team, acknowledged feeling initially intimidated by Deloitte’s reputation. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she remarked. Nina, a final-year BESS student also at Trinity, shared similar sentiments. Assigned to the Real Estate team, she anticipated a daunting environment populated by seasoned professionals. Instead, she encountered a diverse mix of ages and academic backgrounds — including law, engineering, and computer science — which fostered a sense of belonging.
Culture That Connects
Adam, a third-year B.Comm Accounting student at the University of Galway, joined the FDI team with a clear objective: to gain experience at a Big Four firm. He was particularly drawn to Deloitte’s culture, which became evident during orientation. Interns were grouped by department to facilitate early connections, and the buddy-and-coach system provided consistent support throughout the summer. “It’s been true to my expectations,” Adam noted.
Learning on the Go
A common concern among interns was whether they would be expected to begin with advanced technical knowledge. However, as Nina and Kaci discovered, Deloitte embraces a “learn as you go” philosophy. Kaci’s team offered early reassurance through training sessions and ongoing guidance, making the transition smooth and unintimidating.
Support That Stands Out
Interns consistently praised the warmth and approachability of their teams. Tara, a Finance student at University College Cork on the FDI team, described her experience as “genuinely welcoming,” with colleagues making a concerted effort to ensure she maximised her internship experience. Derek, an Accounting and Finance student entering his final year, emphasised how interns are fully integrated into their teams, attending client meetings, joining calls, and contributing meaningfully.
Advice from Those Who Have Been There
Insights from our interns for future candidates:
Nina: “Do not hesitate to seek assistance — everyone is approachable. Engage with others. It will be a long internship if you remain isolated.”
Adam: “Ask numerous questions and connect with interns from other departments. Be proactive. Maintain organisation and track your work.”
Kaci: “Step outside your comfort zone. Demonstrate eagerness to learn. Mistakes are acceptable. it is a supportive environment where success is encouraged.”
Derek: “Be present. Your communication and demeanour are important. Participate actively and ask questions.”
Tara: “Remain calm and enjoy the experience. The weeks pass quickly, and you will depart with lasting memories.”
Summer Internships at Deloitte
A summer Internship at Deloitte kickstarts your journey within our prestigious Future Leaders Academy, as the first step in Deloitte’s award-winning graduate programme.
