A student in auditing
What were the first few days of your internship like?
I was very nervous on the first day because I didn’t know anyone, had just arrived and was going on a business trip with a partner. But everyone gave me a very nice and warm welcome. Everyone was very friendly from the start and patiently explained everything to me when I didn’t know what to do.
What tasks did you take on in the team?
On the first and second day of my internship, I accompanied Ina Eichhoff (Partner) on a business trip to Bad Lauterbach. I attended the board meeting and the administrative meeting of the IDR (Institute of Auditors). My job was to take the minutes and listen to the discussions. Many resolutions were discussed, votes were taken and many things were debated. Afterwards, I prepared the plenary hall for the upcoming meetings. I also talked to many members of the IDR about their jobs. The other days I spent in the office in Cologne or at a client’s premises. My working day in the office started at 9:00 and ended around 16:00. I always attended the team meetings on Wednesdays. During the second week, I supported the team at a client’s audit. I helped with the final audit and worked on checklists. I also did formal report review in the Cologne office. Everything was explained to me well and in detail. You have to check an audit report for grammar, spelling and sentence structure. You also check the figures.
I liked the fact that I worked with other people and closely with our clients. In my tasks I was able to apply my mathematical skills to the figures being checked, which was fun.
Auditing assistant
Can you recommend an internship at Rödl & Partner to other students?
Absolutely! All my colleagues are very nice and the working atmosphere is friendly. The team members always have lunch break together and were very open-minded. In general, I really enjoyed my work during the internship. Even if you were only in the office, the assignments were fun. I had lots of different tasks and was able to support the team well.
You will remain on the team and continue to work in auditing alongside your schooling, how did this come about?
Through my internship I got to know the tasks and the team, so my team leader asked me afterwards if I could imagine continuing to work here. I was super excited about the offer and accepted. Now I mainly work from home and continue to do formal report reviews. However, most of my contact with the team is through Teams and Outlook. That’s where I get the reports I’m supposed to review but I always have to option to come to the Cologne office.
Can you see yourself working in auditing in the future?
I like the audit profession and can see myself working there in the future. It’s very varied as you do something different every day and audit different clients. I also really enjoy my current mini-job and might see myself as an auditor in the future.
What is your best memory of the internship?
The best memory of my internship is the business trip. I also found the meetings of the IDR very informative.
What is the best thing about the Cologne office?
The view from the 14th floor. You can see the Rhine and the Rheinau harbour. The workstations are also very nice and stylishly furnished.
How would you describe Rödl & Partner in three key facts?
- nice employees
- nice working atmosphere
- interesting jobs
Thank you for the interview!