Tax Intern

Heidi Giles

Education: BS, Accounting, Louisiana State University, 2009

Heidi Giles ’ roommate was an accounting major—she wasn’t. But when her roommate dragged her to an xTREME accounting competition meeting, she agreed to be a part of the team despite her lack of experience. It took a lot of hard work, but Giles’ team was chosen as one of the top teams in the U.S., and PwC invited her and her teammates to New York to learn about the industry and the firm. A few months later, Giles happily accepted her first internship—and switched her major to accounting.

This was your first experience in accounting—did it meet your expectations? It surpassed them. I haven’t taken a tax course yet, but I learned so much that I’ll be more confident when I take the class this fall. I also built such great relationships with my coworkers—I didn’t want to leave!

So what was the first day like? I wasn’t all that nervous, because I’d met all the other interns during training. But it was the first day of my accounting internship, so that was a bit nervewracking. And my coaches took us to a really nice restaurant, and I’m pretty sure I spilled something on myself!

What surprised you most when you first started? The partners just come and say hello to everyone like it’s no big deal that they’re partners and you’re not. There’s no emphasis on the hierarchy, day-to-day. Everyone treats you with respect, regardless of your level.

What did a typical day look like? I’d come in, sit at my desk, and check my email before I started working on projects for the Private Company Services group. My manager gave me assignments so that I could learn, and an associate or senior associate was always there coaching me. I worked with clients’ income statements and balance sheets, including adjustments and journal entries. The associates, senior associates, and managers worked with me the whole time and I sat in on discussions with the client.

What are you most proud of this summer? I’m proud of how I got to know the people here. I didn’t just make business relationships—we all became good friends, and I miss everyone I worked with a lot!

Looking back on the experience, what was the best part of the internship? Accounting is a challenging field—which I love— and I’ve found there’s always a lot to learn and I’m looking forward to my classes this fall. I had thought I was going to work in public relations or marketing when I graduated, but I’m glad I switched my major. I still can’t believe PwC chose me for an internship—but I’m so happy they did!