Our Opportunities

Kathleen, Chicago

BYOI gave me an appreciation for both tax and audit and let me decide which one I liked more, despite influence from others' opinions. People often advised me one way or the other; I often received the following common messages: 1) Tax is technical; if you like deep dives into one topic, tax is for you. 2) Audit gives you great exposure to a company and its industry; if you want a broad understanding of an industry, audit is for you. Throughout my experience in each, I came to understand why people say that about both but was also able to form my own perspective.

I really appreciated the opportunity to gain exposure to both tax and audit work as well as people in each function because choosing a career is a big decision, and I wanted to make sure I did my research and chose the right path. However, some of the best advice I received at KPMG is that nothing is permanent. I spoke with a partner who left me with the understanding that although you have to pick one, at KPMG, as long as you perform well, you can change your mind. You aren't stuck, and you can take advantage of a wide range of opportunities, and for that I am thankful.

Kathleen, Chicago BYOIP Intern
Federal Tax with Audit Rotation

Dustin, St. Louis

The Build Your Own Internship Program (BYOIP) was the perfect way to get the experience of working in two different service lines during one internship. Like many, I was unsure of exactly which service line I would enjoy working in the most. The BYOIP gave me the opportunity to experience IT Advisory and Audit in just one internship.

Being new to IT Advisory and only having a limited knowledge of the field, my team members, ranging from associates all the way up to managers, were more than willing to spend time with me to answer any questions I had. Additionally, everyone was happy to share their thoughts on the career, the firm and the overall industry. This gave me a tremendous amount of insight into life at KPMG and life in IT Advisory. Likewise, the Audit team that I worked with gave me a look into life as an auditor. They talked extensively about the challenges and opportunities they face on a daily basis. Many of their stories gave me a good reference as I began to determine where I thought I fit best within KPMG.

My main goal going into the BYOIP was to gain an understanding of IT Advisory and the differences between IT Advisory and Audit. Having an accounting background, I tended more towards the traditional audit career path. However, the BYOIP exposed me to a completely different career path that I had not previously considered. Not only did I gain the exposure, but I now have opportunities that I would never had without the BYOIP. The BYOIP is an excellent opportunity for anyone considering multiple service lines. It allows you to develop your core service line while exploring other opportunities within the firm. The great thing about KPMG is that everyone is more than happy to help you find the service line in which you fit best. KPMG truly cares about finding the right fit for you and for the firm.

Dustin, St. Louis BYOIP Intern
IT Advisory with Audit Rotation

Kenneth, New York

The BYOIP was a great personal and professional experience that I will be able to apply to my career going forward. Through the time that I've participated within this program, I had the opportunity to join an Audit engagement for my Developmental Service and Tax for my Core Service Line. Both service lines revolved around the asset management industry. I was able to take theory and concepts that I've learned in the textbook at school and apply them into real life experience. In addition, the networking experience that was granted was also valuable. I was able to build personal relationships with individuals in different service lines that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to. Also, I was able to learn from these individuals and apply different methods and habits that can help me throughout my career within public accounting. One of the key lessons that I've learned is that no matter which service line that I was assigned to, the habits and traits that make a person successful within this company is very much common. I noticed the level of commitment and focus that is necessary on a daily basis, and also the time management and efficiency that is needed to complete a task and maximize the productivity of a work day.

As a result of participating in the BYOIP I was able to better assess the opportunities that are available within KPMG and build many skills that are necessary to become a successful full time associate. As a result, I enjoyed the experience and am proud that I was able to participate in KPMG's BYOIP.

Kenneth, New York BYOIP Intern
Tax with Audit Rotation

Christopher, Baltimore

My BYOIP experience was definitely a unique one. Originally I wanted my Developmental Service Line to be in Advisory; however, after taking and really enjoying my corporate tax class, I decided to make a last minute switch and I was very fortunate that KPMG was able to accommodate my request. I think the BYOIP is very effective for interns for two main reasons: 1) It allows interns to gain experience working in two different lines of service in order to develop a better understanding of each practice; this in turn enables them to make a more informed decision when it comes to picking a permanent service line and 2) It gives interns additional exposure to networking opportunities among the firm's clients, KPMG leadership and peers.

My BYOIP experience has helped me better prepare for my future career as I got to experience first-hand how each service line works and interacts with clients. This real life experience has helped me to reaffirm my decision to begin my career in the Audit Service Line. However, because of the opportunity I had to spend time in the Tax Service Line, I could definitely see myself also working in tax in the distant future. I am very grateful to KPMG for giving me the opportunity to participate in the BYOIP.

Christopher, Baltimore BYOIP Intern
Audit with Federal Tax Rotation

Annica, Philadelphia

As an undergraduate student, there could not have been a better way to explore future options within accounting than being a part of the Build Your Own Internship Program (BYOIP). My Core practice was in Federal Tax and my Developmental service line was in Economic Valuation Services (EVS). Throughout the process I was fortunate enough to have two sets of PMLs, mentors, and buddies, they made my transition in both service lines as smooth as possible and helped me along every aspect of the way. My mentors, assistant coaches as well as my PML were great at always staying in touch and just taking a few minutes out of their day to ask me how things were going. Over the course of 4 months, I have consistently felt such a caring and open culture here at KPMG.

Some day to day activities that I did in my core practice that differed from my developmental, were simple things like using different software and completing different types of assignments. In Federal Tax, my day typically consisted of working on individual returns and preparing partnership returns. Whereas in EVS my daily tasks were comprised of finding real estate and business comparables, writing economic and industry overviews, as well as appraising property. Beneath it all working in a group, communicating with others, and just having a good attitude were fundamental underlying aspects to any of the groups I was a part of.

Throughout my internship the biggest takeaway for me was I learned how to think. I realized I needed to always ask "why?" something was being done and how that affects the big picture. Asking the right type of questions has been a new way of thinking but it has helped me learn so much within the past four months of my internship. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and really understood what KPMG was all about. I couldn't have asked for a better support group as well as better engagement teams throughout my journey.

Annica, Philadelphia BYOIP Intern
Federal Tax with Economic & Valuations Services Rotation