From Intern to Audit Associate at Grant Thornton

Success presents itself in many ways. For Kenneth De Ausen, senior accounting major, business analytics and management information systems minor, his latest achievement was a full-time job offer from Grant Thornton. Most recently an Audit Methodology and Standards Group Intern at the firm, Kenneth will begin the next phase of his career journey in August 2023. He proudly acknowledges that networking at UIC Career Fairs and volunteering with the U.S. Marine Corps opened many doors for him over the years. Kenneth shared what it took to go from intern to Audit Associate 2 at one of the world’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms and gives advice to other students looking to chart a similar path.

From discovering the Audit internship at Grant Thornton to receiving an full-time offer letter, tell us about your job search process.

During my sophomore year, I attended career fairs and events around campus. This helped me build my network. Fast forward to my junior year, I attended the UIC Career Fair in hopes of acquiring an internship. I scheduled a few interviews with various companies, including Grant Thornton. I was really interested in what Grant Thornton had to offer. After multiple rounds of interviews, I received an Audit internship offer for the winter of 2020. Once the internship ended, I was invited to continue working full-time in the national office as an Audit Methodology Standards Group Intern. From there, I continued working full-time while performing my studies at UIC. I completed multiple internships and earned a promotion, resulting in a full-time offer as an Audit Associate 2.

What parts of the internships were easy for you to grasp and hit the ground running? What challenged you the most?

During my tour of service in the Marine Corp, I utilized Excel and it was helpful in the long run. I performed tests and data analytics throughout the internships, therefore, my background experience certainly helped me hit the ground running. The most challenging part of my responsibilities was organizing meetings, presenting to higher-level professionals including partners, directors, and managers, and administering meetings if my manager wasn’t available.

I was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. when I was eleven years old. I wasn’t fluent in English and have always been anxious when presenting to larger groups. I didn’t have great confidence in my presenting abilities growing up, but the experience with administration and presenting throughout my internship greatly improved my skills and confidence.

Any advice for your peers who are trying to turn their internships into full-time job offers? How important was mentorship during your job search and throughout your internship?

My advice to my peers is to be curious and always ask questions. At the start of the internship, it’s really hectic and very stressful, especially during the busy season; but try to absorb all the knowledge that can help you earn a potential full-time offer. Firms realize that most incoming interns don’t have much prior experience, but they look for curiosity and how much you are willing to learn.

Grant Thornton provided mentors and partner coaches during the internship. I met with them to pick their brains on the right path to take at Grant Thornton. They provided great insight about their experiences. It was assuring to have mentors if I needed anything.

Where will you take your career and/or academic studies within the next 3-5 years?

After graduation, I plan to obtain my CPA by 2023. When I start working full-time for Grant Thornton, my main focus is to hit the ground running and move into a Senior Associate position. Eventually, I plan to achieve the level of Partnership at the firm.

“Start networking early and meet as many professionals as possible. UIC provides an abundance of opportunities to meet with firms in the city to jump start your career,” Kenneth reiterated. If you are looking for ways to advance your career journey, the Business Career Center is an excellent place to start. Visit the BCC website to access career resources, register for upcoming events, browse FAQs and more.