Greetings, Aspiring Financiers and all my friends! As I approach the threshold of my senior year in the finance program, I have secured a coveted internship role as a Tax Assistant at an international tax firm. Over the course of this month-long endeavor, I will provide you with invaluable insights by tackling the top five questions we all have about diving into the professional world. Ready to embark on this enlightening journey with me? Let’s go!

Securing an Internship: How LinkedIn and Networking Opened Doors

The motivation for my internship journey began after completing my third year of studies, during which I felt the urge to explore new avenues. I took this as an opportunity to update my LinkedIn profile, highlighting my involvement in various activities. These ranged from public relations responsibilities for our Finance Student Committee to aiding new students in acclimating to university life through the AU Friends initiative. I also served as a team member in the MSME Induction Camp and engaged in volunteer work, notably as a core team member of the Saturday School Foundation.

This LinkedIn profile was not a spur-of-the-moment decision; it has its roots in my freshman year. During that time, I enrolled in “Seminar in Business 1,” a course that required all students to create a LinkedIn profile. This early investment in my online professional presence has now borne fruit. A senior representative from an international tax firm reached out to me, offering an internship opportunity. After undergoing interview sessions, I secured the internship, underscoring the importance of maintaining an updated online profile and building meaningful connections.

Why The Company Was the Right Fit for Me

The firm where I undertook my internship specializes in tax advisory services, catering to both individuals and corporations with tax obligations in the United States. This includes U.S. citizens, green card holders, and anyone receiving income from U.S. sources. My decision to intern at the company was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the firm operates in an international context, primarily communicating in English. Secondly, the work involves navigating the complexities of tax regulations and U.S. laws, offering a challenging yet enriching experience. Lastly, residing in a rural area, the internship also presented an opportunity for me to experience life in Bangkok.

A Day in the Life of a Tax Assistant Intern

I initially had no background in taxation as my academic focus has been on finance. However, this did not pose a challenge, as the firm provided comprehensive onboarding through a mentorship program and online training modules. These resources equipped me with foundational knowledge in various aspects of taxation. Consequently, I became proficient in understanding key tax concepts and responsibilities, such as filing statuses, taxable income, standard deductions—which vary depending on the filing status—itemized deductions, and the Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR), which is mandatory for accounts totaling over $10,000. Additionally, I gained insights into the various forms that clients are required to complete.

I acquired proficiency in using the company’s proprietary tax filing software, a critical tool in the workflow. Once I had a basic understanding of the software, I was entrusted with real cases! This involved reviewing client documents to ascertain the requisite forms for data entry. Consequently, much of my time was spent scrutinizing documents and working on the computer—a task for which eye drops proved to be invaluable. Whenever I encountered complexities, my colleagues were always willing to provide guidance, enhancing my learning experience.

Moreover, while the tasks of photocopying, waste disposal, shopping, and dishwashing may appear to be menial, they serve a unique function in fostering camaraderie among interns and staff. These shared responsibilities contribute to a more vibrant and cohesive work environment. In this sense, even the seemingly mundane tasks have enriched the overall texture of my internship experience.

In conclusion, the constraints of a one-month internship, as well as the impending return to university for my senior year, have left me with some regret. There were opportunities I missed, such as participating in meetings with international clients or handling email correspondence. Nonetheless, I am confident that this experience has been a valuable step forward in both my professional and personal development.

Workplace Culture: More Than Just a Job

The work environment at the company is remarkably friendly, like a family. I am fortunate to have encountered senior colleagues who also have experience with ABAC studies, facilitating a seamless integration into the team. A significant contributor to the stress-free atmosphere is our exceptionally considerate boss, who prioritizes employee well-being. We work diligently to complete our tasks and subsequently enjoy well-deserved downtime. One cultural aspect of the company that resonates with me is the Friday afternoon feasts, commencing at 3:00 p.m. These gatherings offer a moment of respite after a demanding workweek and feature a rotating menu of international cuisines, such as Japanese and Indian food. This has been a particularly enjoyable aspect of my experience.

Key Takeaways: What I Learned from My Internship

I summarized my internship experience into these three key takeaways:

1) Real-World Experience:

Engaging in a professional environment has furnished me with invaluable hands-on experience, thereby enhancing my understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead post-graduation. This experiential learning has not only augmented my professional portfolio but has also helped me with a heightened sense of self-assurance, better equipping me to navigate the complexities of professional life.

2) Workplace Adaptability:

The transition into a new professional setting presented opportunities to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Fortunately, the multicultural student body at Assumption University (AU) facilitated my seamless integration into the equally diverse team at the firm. During my internship, I faced challenges, such as adhering to office protocols and managing various documents. Although initially daunting, I quickly acquired the skills necessary for efficient work and effective collaboration. Acclimating to the company’s culture was an integral aspect of this learning curve. Despite the brevity of my time at the firm, the experience has been instrumental in my personal and professional development, underscoring the adaptability one can acquire in a relatively short period.

3) Application to professional life:

Perhaps one of the most salient lessons gleaned from this internship is the acquisition of practical knowledge in tax-related matters. Whether it pertains to tax payments or tax filings, the skills I have garnered will serve me well in future endeavors. This knowledge transcends mere theoretical understanding, proving applicable in real-world scenarios as well.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors for their unwavering guidance, assistance, and support throughout my month-long journey. Although brief, this experience has imparted to me invaluable insights and knowledge that surpass what classroom settings can offer. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative potential of internships and encourage everyone to explore them. Platforms like LinkedIn provide low-risk opportunities for both the company and the interns, facilitating a process of exploration. In instances where there is a fit, internships may turn into post-graduation employment.
Looking back on my internship adventure, I see that even if the role was not the perfect fit for my dream job, it was a game-changer for my personal and career growth. So, here is my cheer for you: Go grab those internships! Step out of your comfort zone, share your resume far and wide, and do not forget to update your LinkedIn profile. Trust me, the experience you gain is another building block for your future. Let’s do this, friends!

Patrakamol Pattanayindee
Internship during the summer semester of 2023