My name is Marthe Medalebem Sandjol, and I am currently a senior majoring in Accounting with a minor in Information Systems, set to graduate in December 2024. During the summer of 2024, I completed an audit internship at Deloitte, USA
My time at Deloitte has been an exceptional journey filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections. The first week focused on onboarding and training, during which I had the opportunity to participate in Deloitte’s Impact Day by joining fellow interns in cleaning up Marvin Gaye Park, in DC. It was inspiring to witness Deloitte’s strong commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
The following week, we attended the East Audit and Assurance Intern Conference at Deloitte University in Texas. During the conference, we engaged in activities such as the Business Chemistry approach, which is designed to strengthen teams and enhance business relationships. I collaborated with a group of interns and professionals to design and construct a fire-themed skateboard, create a matching helmet, and write a card for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Greater Dallas. We also participated in a panel discussion on the art of allyship and had the opportunity to listen to a motivational speaker, who shared valuable insights on learning from failure and maximizing leadership potential.
During the remainder of the summer, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of professionals on client audits. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of 2 auditing practices and allowed me to apply concepts from my upper-level accounting courses at Stevenson. I engaged with key areas such as audit standards and procedures, internal controls and risk assessment, and financial statement analysis. It was valuable to see how theoretical knowledge from my academic studies is integrated into practical professional work, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world auditing practices.
Each week at Deloitte was filled with unique and challenging experiences. My internship extended beyond conducting audits and working on client projects; it also allowed me to leverage my communication skills in various professional settings. I actively engaged in discussions with senior team members, presented my findings, and collaborated with fellow interns. Additionally, I utilized my analytical abilities to solve complex problems, contributing to the team’s success. This combination of technical work and interpersonal interactions provided me with a well-rounded experience that enhanced both my professional skills and my understanding of the industry.
Deloitte is an excellent place to work, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Interns collaborate closely with experienced professionals, receiving real-time feedback and guidance from associates to partners. The firm fosters a collaborative environment where interns are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions, and take on responsibilities that enhance both technical and professional growth. My story aims to inspire Stevenson students, demonstrating that achieving a position at a Big 4 firm is attainable with the right mindset and dedication.
I am grateful for this opportunity to have completed an internship at Deloitte, which provided me with valuable and relevant professional experience prior to my graduation. Throughout this internship, I began to develop the technical expertise required for a career as a Certified Public 3 Accountant (CPA) and gained insight into the basic interpersonal skills needed for success in a professional environment.
I am particularly enthusiastic about having received a full-time offer to join Deloitte as an Audit Associate, with a start date scheduled for Fall 2025. In the meantime, after I graduate in December, I will return to Deloitte for a winter internship, which will allow me to experience the “busy season” and further prepare for my future role. Concurrently, I will be studying and preparing for the CPA exam to obtain my accounting license.
