Special to UM News

From left are Elsa Fletcher, senior auditor, Jessica Coca, intern, and Marina Garcia, audit manager.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (October 8, 2015) – The Office of Audit and Advisory Services’ paid internship program provides University of Miami students majoring in accounting an opportunity to sample a career in the internal audit profession.

The yearlong program provides accounting majors with hands-on fieldwork opportunities and serves as a stepping-stone between college and the business world. Under the guidance and mentorship of the audit manager Marina Garcia, as well as other Audit and Advisory Services staff members, interns are exposed to both internal and external auditing.

During the summer, their work resembles responsibilities of a first-year auditor in a major public accounting firm. During the academic year, the focus shifts to Audit and Advisory Services’ operational and consultative reviews, as well as special projects. This allows the interns the opportunity to further develop audit skills and work with other professionals in a collaborative and team environment. Interns also have an opportunity to network and share ideas at professional development events and in the office’s newly established Interns’ LinkedIn group.

The program is currently in its second year and has just begun recruiting for next year’s interns. Former interns are now employed in public accounting firms and others have progressed to graduate school.

Jessica Coca, a current intern, is pursuing a master of accounting degree at the School of Business Administration. “The internship has been an extremely valuable experience for me,” said Coca. “It has provided me with a solid base for my future in public accounting. I have received exposure that audit interns ordinarily would not receive. It has also allowed me to practice concepts that I have learned in school. It’s a great experience in which you participate in the various audit aspects of the University, with much help and mentorship along the way.”

Coca and Garcia attended the October 2 Accounting Fair, held on UM’s Coral Gables campus, to highlight the benefits of the internship program to interested accounting students.

Audit and Advisory Services’ internship program is one more example of how the U transforms lives through teaching, research, and service.