Beyond the campus – Student Work Placement Diaries with Kirsten Walsh
My name is Kirsten Walsh, and I am currently in my third year of studying Accounting and Finance at Maynooth University. I am completing a 9-month work placement at Deloitte, where I am working in the Consumer Technology Business (CTB) unit of the Audit department. This opportunity has allowed me to immerse myself in the world of auditing and apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations.
As an intern within the CTB Audit department at Deloitte, I have been welcomed as a valued member of the team. My role involves supporting senior associates and managers with various aspects of their client work, which has allowed me to gain a hands-on experience in auditing.
The team at Deloitte is incredibly supportive and collaborative. From day one, I’ve felt like a valued member of the team, with senior associates and managers always willing to provide guidance and answer questions. The mentorship system, including my assigned buddy and coach, has made the learning process much smoother, and I always feel comfortable reaching out for help when needed. The overall culture is one of teamwork and open communication, which makes it a great environment to learn and grow.
A typical day for me involves a variety of tasks, including attending client meetings to take notes, roll forward working paper’s, updating internal trackers that reflect the projects progress, and carrying out a range of testings. I also spend time assisting senior associates and managers with various aspects of audit preparation, which has allowed me to gain insight into the full audit process. The work is dynamic, and every day presents new challenges, making each day both engaging and rewarding.
During my placement at Deloitte, I have had the opportunity to participate in client stock takes, where I assisted in the physical inventory counts and helped ensure that stock levels were accurately recorded. These hands-on experiences allowed me to better understand the intricacies of auditing processes, especially in verifying financial data against actual inventory. Being involved in stock takes not only improved my attention to detail but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of accuracy and thoroughness in the audit process. The experience has been invaluable in developing my practical skills and learning how business relationships are managed in a professional setting.
I’ve participated in various training sessions and networking events during my placement. Deloitte offers a range of learning opportunities, including technical training on auditing software and systems, as well as "Educate and Elevate" sessions which are held nearly every month and are focused on professional skills development. I’ve also had the chance to attend networking events, which have been great for connecting with colleagues across different departments and learning more about Deloitte’s broader operations.
In addition to my primary responsibilities, I have taken on a role in the co-op brands ambassadors' team, collaborating with the employer brand team to create and share engaging content across Deloitte's platforms. This role has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helping me grow both professionally and personally. It has empowered me to contribute to media content and allowed me to build connections with other people within the company.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of attention to detail and asking questions to ensure clarity in the work I’m doing. I've realized that understanding the "why" behind a task is just as important as completing it, and this mindset will be critical throughout my career.
I've had the chance to attend a few social events, including team-building activities and the Deloitte Winter Connect. These events were a great way to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting and have some fun outside of the office. It's been a great opportunity to build friendships with my peers at Deloitte.
The most unexpected but great part of my experience has been the sense of belonging and camaraderie within my team. I wasn't sure what to expect from a corporate work environment, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. It’s made my internship experience both enjoyable and rewarding.
This placement has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in auditing. The exposure to real-world business challenges and the chance to work with experienced professionals has given me a clearer picture of the career paths available in this field. I’m now more confident in my decision to pursue a career in audit and feel well-prepared to take the next step after college.
My advice to students applying for a placement at Deloitte would be to embrace every opportunity to learn, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Deloitte is a place where curiosity is encouraged, and the more you engage with the work, the more you will learn. It’s also important to network and take advantage of the many resources available to you, from training to social events. The more you contribute and get involved, the more you'll gain from the experience.
My Deloitte placement so far has been an invaluable learning experience that has both challenged and inspired me, providing me with the skills and confidence to pursue my career aspirations in auditing. I am currently enjoying my placement at Deloitte, gaining valuable insight into the world of auditing, and I am excited about the remaining months of my placement. As I continue to learn and grow in my role, I look forward to returning to Maynooth University for my final year with a wealth of experience and knowledge that will further support my academic and professional goals.
Student Work Placements
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