On the Path to Success: Nikesh Shah

Name: Nikesh Shah

Class of 2015

Major: Accounting

Internship Position

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Audit Internship

Why did you choose your current position?

I am very ambitious and I think about the future more than I should. I often think about life after college, where I will stay, which car I will drive, and most importantly what I will be doing in my career. For a while now, I have been reflecting on which area in accounting I should pursue and after talking with some fellow accountants I chose the field of audit. No matter what you do in life, you should really make sure you are passionate about it. I wanted to gain some experience to discern if this field is right for me so, I prepared and applied for the audit internship with Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Can you describe your role?

My responsibility as an auditor consists of verifying financial records to ensure they are reliable and accurate. As an intern at Deloitte, I took on many projects that included testing controls mandated by the SEC, analyzing different areas of the business to identify a client’s risk, and managing client relations which are key in any field of business.  It was difficult at first since I have no previous audit experience and I have never taken an audit class; however, the willingness to learn can teach you more than you think it can!

How did you obtain your current position?

I started to get my foot into the door around April 2013 thanks to UICcareers. Before I was even considered as a candidate for an internship, I had volunteered for Deloitte’s IMPACT Day and participated in their 2013 Chicago Leadership Program. It wasn’t until October that I had my interviews and received my offer for a 2014 Winter Audit Internship. After 7 months of commitment, here I am as an audit intern.

What advice do you have for students currently searching for internships or full-time positions?

My advice to other students would be to show that you are passionate about your field of interest and the company as well. Be strategic about the internships and companies you apply for and don’t just randomly apply to any internships.

The reason I earned my internship was due to the preparation I had for my interviews. Talk to as many people you know who can prepare you. For the accounting majors out there trying to land an internship with the Big Four, the key is to talk to individuals who work there and learn about their experiences. Remember that behavioral interviews are nothing but a simple conversation with a stranger. All they want to see is how you can hold a conversation!

Most importantly, talk to people who can help you out. You can ask your friends, professors, and definitely the staff at the Business Career Center. Try to take their advice and turn it into an opportunity for your success!