Intern Insights 2026
with Clodagh McDermott
The Internship that Exceeded my Expectations
Clodagh, a student from the University of Limerick, joined Deloitte’s Tax Team to develop technical skills and learn from mentors investing in her growth.
What Drew me In
I was attracted to Deloitte because of its strong reputation and the opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment where I could apply what I had learned throughout my degree. As a Business with Advanced Spanish student majoring in Economics and Finance at the University of Limerick, I was particularly interested in learning more about tax in Ireland and understanding how the work I had studied in university applied to real businesses and the wider economy.
Being halfway through my degree, I felt it was the right time to challenge myself and gain some practical experience. I wanted to move beyond the lecture hall and see what working in a professional services environment was really like.
I was slightly nervous when I started, as I had some preconceived ideas about corporate life. I imagined it could be quite formal, serious or even a little hectic. However, those expectations were quickly exceeded. Everyone I met was extremely welcoming and approachable, which made it much easier to settle in and feel part of the team.
One thing that stood out to me from the beginning was seeing people in management who had started their own careers through internships. Seeing their progression gave me a real insight into the potential career opportunities available and showed me that an internship can be much more than just a summer of work experience.
My Advice for you
My biggest piece of advice would be to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. You get out of an experience what you put into it, so approach your internship with genuine curiosity and a strong eagerness to learn.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Coming into an organisation as an intern means you have a fresh perspective, and sometimes a new mind can provide valuable insight into better or more efficient ways of doing things.
Most importantly, ask questions. Nobody starts their career with all the answers or all the knowledge they need, so there is no reason to be afraid of asking for help or clarification. The people around you have all been at the beginning of their careers at some point, and being willing to learn is a strength.
I have learned that an internship is not just about gaining technical knowledge. It is about developing the way you communicate, building relationships, understanding how to approach different situations and becoming more confident in a professional environment.
I would encourage anyone considering an internship at Deloitte to put themselves forward, be open to learning and make the most of every interaction. The experience can give you much more than work experience – it can pave the way for a successful and rewarding career.
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.
