<p>Anyone have any suggestions on what internships to look for and what ECs I should be involved in as a Business Economics (aka Economics+Accounting) major? My only work experience was a seasonal job a year ago and I'm thinking that this will reflect poorly upon me, especially as a Bus Econ major. </p>
<p>I have a pretty nice GPA going so far but...that's it. I really don't have any connections or even any idea about what internships and ECs I should be looking for... I'm kind of lost in this aspect. I'm barely taking Accounting 1 this semester so I'm not even sure if I would be qualified to become an intern at an Accounting firm or something.</p>
<p>Any ideas on how to get started, where to look? Anyone know about any good opportunities in the Downtown Los Angeles area for a kid like me...? Thanks, in advance. ^^</p>
<p>Volunteer at your local library or anywhere in your community that provides tax filing services for the elderly or needy.</p>
<p>^That’s good advice.</p>
<p>You could also try calling local CPAs… Focus on small firms, ideally with just one or two employees. Call around your home town and the towns immediately surrounding you. You want to meet with a senior member of the accounting firm under the pretense of career advice–seeing exactly what an accountant does, that sort of thing. Offer to take the person out to lunch. Don’t say “I’ll pay,” but make that the implication. Expect to be told no several times, but if you make 10 or 20 calls, you’ll probably get at least one “yes.”</p>
<p>Do the meeting, and don’t ask for a darn thing. Don’t say “I’m looking for an accounting internship” or anything similar. Make a good impression. Show genuine interest in the field. Do try to work into the conversation, “I’m busy with school right now, but hopefully I’ll be able to find a job at Starbucks or something over the summer.”</p>
<p>You want to seem motivated, academically focused, and not acting like you want anything from them. However, you do want them to know you’ll have some free time in the coming months. This is a game… It’s almost like dating. You can’t seem too needy, or they will subconsciously wonder why you need to be needy. Are you a crappy worker? Logically you’re just young, but that’s still the impression they might get.</p>
<p>The whole point of this is to be a living resume. They may not have anything for an intern to do right then, but you want them to think of you when they do. I can’t remember the exact stat, but I believe more than 50% of jobs never get published. They’re filled through personal connections.</p>
<p>^^ nice game plan. I wouldn’t doubt that 50% stat either. Even if employers do publish an opening, they may already have someone in mind in-house.</p>