Curyn Bellfield, Class of 2016, interned for Ernst & Young, LLP. During her time at TCNJ, she was an Accounting major and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi co-ed Business Fraternity, the National Association of Black Accountants, and an Educational Opportunity Fund Peer Mentor. Below you will find some questions Curyn answered for us concerning her internship at EY. She now works as a full-time employee for the company.
Organization Description: Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) is one of the Big Four accounting firms. EY is a global organization that gives its employees the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. EY has been on the “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 18 consecutive years, as well #1 in accounting on the “Universum US Talent” Survey for 9 consecutive years.These are just some of the many list EY has made.
What department or area did you work with most often?
The service line that I worked with the most was tax. Within the tax service line, I helped with provisions for a company going through Q3 prep. I also helped create a PowerPoint that showed an analysis of the Indirect Tax service line’s performance and its happiness with EY.
What was the most positive experience you had at the internship?
The most positive experience I had at my internship was getting the fulltime offer. I had so many positive experiences throughout my internship that I am happy I will be working there. The people were amazing and I was able to create lasting relationships.
What was the greatest learning experience?
The greatest learning experience was realizing that EY is a “teaching organization”. Regardless of whom I talked to, everyone was willing and happy to help make sure I had an educational and real world experience.
Did you learn more about professionalism in the workplace? If so, what part of professionalism stands out?
I learned how to make connections with people that ranged from staff to partner. I also learned about how to work on a team in a working environment.
What is the biggest take away from your experience?
The biggest take away from my experience is that you have to be vocal. Whether it is asking someone for help or asking someone if they need help, it never hurts to be honest and courteous.
What skill(s) do you think you enhanced from this internship?
One of the skills that I enhanced from this internship are my excel skills. I learned new shortcuts and got to use ones I did not realize would be so helpful. Another would be my interpersonal skills. I learned how and when to ask for help. I also improved my interpersonal skills by going to the different networking events that EY had internally and externally. A third skill that I would mention is writing emails. Being able to write an email is very important.