Amalia Dean
Junior | Intern & Third Year Undergraduate
Accounting & Management I University of Essex
Internship
Job Offer
Start date
ACA Qualified
My Story
What first attracted you to apply for an SRLV internship and what was the application process like?
From the advert, I could see that SRLV’s clients were interesting and it sounded like a job that I’d love, so I applied and got an interview. So many people I know applied for internships elsewhere and didn’t get past the first post, whereas my experience of the application process at SRLV was much more positive.
It was the first internship I’d gone for, so I was nervous before the interview. I felt at ease as soon as I arrived though and the receptionists and the manager who interviewed me were all really lovely.
The interview itself was more of an informal ‘getting to know you’ chat, so it had a relaxed feel. I really enjoyed it and could see what a nice and friendly place SRLV would be to work and knew instantly that I wanted to be here.
Do you have any hints or tips for the interview?
Re-read your CV, think about your experience and what you’re going to say. I had a lot to talk about for mine as I do charity work and used to bake cakes and run a small business.
It’s also important to research SRLV and be able to explain why you’d like to work here. Make sure you understand what the firm stands for and think about how this aligns with your values. For example, I looked at SRLV’s website and LinkedIn posts to learn more about its core values, company history, recent developments and what staff had been up to, so I could talk about this in detail.
Do you need to be an undergraduate to apply for an internship?
Our interns are usually undergraduates, but we have graduate interns as well. Internships are a good way for graduates to gain experience and get their foot in the door if they’ve struggled to get on an ACA training programme.
My favourite memory so far is my 21st birthday – my manager organised last minute tickets for me and a friend to go to Latitude where a client was playing, and we got to go backstage!
Amalia Dean | Junior | Intern & Third Year Undergraduate
My Training
What was your experience of being an intern when you first started?
I had no experience of working in an office before SRLV, so I was nervous about not understanding things and asking too many questions! Everyone was so friendly and helpful though that I felt comfortable asking questions from day one. My team also explained things really well and if I was still struggling to understand, they’d explain things in a different way until I did.
There are so many opportunities for interns here. Whether you’re feel nervous or not, my advice would be to make the most of it, ask questions and get stuck in!
Was there anything that surprised you?
As it was my first office job, I expected everyone would be sitting at their desks, getting on with their work. I didn’t expect it to be so sociable, or to make so many friends.
Are there any useful skills or knowledge you’ve gained through your internship?
Although I’m studying accounting & management, it’s not real-life accounting. The practical experience I’ve gained at SRLV has given me a better understanding. I’ve learnt more in the last year than all my years at college and university, which will really help me for my final year.
I’ve also learnt many new skills, such as business communication, including writing emails to clients and talking on the phone. Organisation and how to prioritise tasks is another skill I’ve developed and am finding really useful in my final year as there is so much to organise!
What sort of clients do you work with?
Interns get to work with a wide range of clients; I’ve worked for dance troupes, musicians and radio presenters, for example. Every client has different needs, so the work’s varied and no two days are the same.
What do you like most about the work at SRLV?
I’ll hear a client go on the radio and think to myself, “I work for them”. It’s nice knowing who the clients are and makes the job so much more interesting.
My life at SRLV now
You’re working as an intern, whilst studying for your final year at university. How did that happen?
After I finished my internship, I was hoping that I’d be asked back as I didn’t want to leave and the thought of going back to my old job. I had just started my final year when one of the partners called me, asking if I’d like to extend my internship and work part-time, one or two days a week, which was ideal for me.
Do you have any highlights from your first year as an intern?
My favourite memory so far is my 21st birthday – my manager organised last minute tickets for me and a friend to go to Latitude where a client was playing, and we got to go backstage!
How does your experience compare with graduates/interns you know at other firms?
I have a friend who works at a Big Four firm and she enjoys it, but there are days when she is working really late and doesn’t leave the office until 8.30pm. Everyone else at her firm is still there working too, so it feels normal. At SRLV, even when we’re busy, there is still a work/life balance; interns and staff leave on time and get to have a social life outside of work.
It can be harder to get noticed at a national firm as well. It’s much easier here; we all get on nicely and interns get to work with the partners, as well as with the rest of the team.
Is there such a thing as a typical day when you’re an intern?
No, every day is different here. I was handling payments to start with but as the year went on, my tasks included bank reconciliations and updating accounting software. I also got experience of tour accounting, which involved posting credit card statements and creating excel schedules for tour budgets.
What’s the social life like?
It’s a social environment here. There are loads of cool activities, such as boules, Oktoberfest, virtual clay pigeon shooting and bingo. We also have roof-top pizzas and breakfast Fridays every two weeks and fruit Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What interests do you have outside work?
I do charity work and like reading thrillers, baking cakes, going to the gym, and meeting up with friends. It’s nice to have a work/life balance where you can have a social life and keep up with your hobbies.
Where would you like to take your career next?
I can’t imagine working anywhere else now, so I hope SRLV will ask me to come back after I’ve graduated!