I was attracted to IFAC because of its global mindset and commitment to public interest. IFAC creates global impact with tangible elements of change through its initiatives, global events, messages, and leadership.
What attracted you to IFAC when you joined?
I was attracted to IFAC because of its global mindset and commitment to public interest. IFAC creates global impact with tangible elements of change through its initiatives, global events, messages, and leadership. At university, I study the intersection of economics, policy, and management on a global level, so working at IFAC seemed like the perfect opportunity to understand how the development and strengthening of key professions like accounting, influence entire economies and societies. I was especially interested in the Member Engagement and Experience internship position because it provided insights and hands-on experience in understanding international dynamics through managing relations and external operations. I was attracted to the opportunity to meet professionals from all over the world to gain more exposure to this growing global profession that is accounting.
What types of projects did you work on?
I worked on a couple of exciting and engaging projects during the internship, both within the scope of my team and within other facets of IFAC. First, I aided in developing IFAC's MENA Cooperation Group - a forum for professional accountancy bodies in the Middle East and North Africa to discuss regional challenges, opportunities, and initiatives affecting the accountancy profession. I also assisted with the Young Leaders Collective, an IFAC initiative which includes the engagement of early career professional accountants to rise as leaders and discuss matters that are impacting the profession globally like AI, sustainability, attracting talent, ethics, and more. Through these projects, I gained hands-on experience and had the opportunity to learn in depth the core of what IFAC does and stands for. Each project and initiative truly works towards the development of the profession, the strengthening of member relations, and towards the interest of the public.
What was your most memorable experience?
One of my most memorable experiences was working with my intern class on our capstone project. We created a final presentation on strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing with a globally dispersed organization. It was inspiring to brainstorm together, learn how to work and think as a group, and plan out a significant project successfully as a team. It further helped me develop skills in communication and team-work as we always allowed honest feedback with our ideas and suggestions. This experience also helped me further connect with them. Throughout the internship, not only was I learning about IFAC from professionals, but I also learned deeply about my fellow interns through their experiences and work. Having peers to lean on, learn about, and of course grab so many lunches and coffees with, is so valuable, and honestly, so much fun.
What’s the most valuable skill you gained from your internship?
The most valuable skill I gained from my internship was agility. Throughout the internship, I had a lot of hands-on work and new experiences which helped me develop a sense of thinking quickly, adapting to new information and tasks, and shifting between concepts and teams. Especially since IFAC is such a diverse and international organization, I was exposed to new ideas every day through meeting new people, delving into unfamiliar topics, and figuring out any challenges that arise. Learning to be perceptive, analytical, and most of all, agile, was something that I developed throughout the program, which I believe also helped me both extract and add the most value to it. This agility and adaptability are invaluable skills that I will carry further in my career and everyday life.
What have you learned about the accounting profession that surprised you?
I learned about the variety in professional backgrounds and experiences. Before coming to IFAC, I thought of accounting as a one-track career, but so many professionals whom I have met both internally and externally during my internship have experience in completely different fields, which are actually crucial to the functioning of an organization or company. Expertise in policy, law, sustainability, international relations, and more, are all extremely relevant to the responsibilities of accountants. I have also learned how much goes in to implementing and maintaining global standards and ethics, and how many smaller decisions go into making a bigger one. Accounting is one of the most important professions, as its development and strength can help shape the functioning and growth of entire economies.
What advice do you have for others going into internships?
My biggest piece of advice for other going into internships would be to accept challenges. There may be times when you come across something completely new which seems difficult to understand at first glance. However, by giving it your best shot and effort, you will find it very rewarding and you will gain a new sense of confidence in yourself and your abilities. You will develop skills and place trust in yourself so that you will be able to tackle future uncertainties and challenges. Hard work, determination, and agility pay off! Additionally, do not hesitate to ask questions. Your team, colleagues, and fellow interns are there to support you and guide you – no question is too big or too small.