<p>I am a soon-to-be senior who will be applying to various accounting firms this fall. I was originally going to find menial work, but I have recently got it in my head that volunteering as a bookkeeper would give me a better opportunity to snag an internship next fall. What do you guys think? Would it be worth forgoing summer pay to get more experience? Have any of you guys done this before? Do you know of any national programs that hire volunteers? Thanks.</p>
<p>Idk, I doubt there would be very many businesses wanting to hand over their bookkeeping to student volunteers. </p>
<p>The closest thing I can think of is VITA and that is happening right now (not in the summer). </p>
<p>Definitely, look for internships/paid opportunities before you look for unpaid work. Try to intern in an accounting/finance department or work at a bank. Either of those would probably be more impressive in interviews AND you’d be paid; although they are not necessarily going to pay much. </p>
<p>Never say you’re willing to work for free, unless a job ad specifically states that is what they are looking for, otherwise it reflects poorly upon you.</p>
<p>Enjoy your summer, get drunk, get laid, do something with your time but DON’T SPEND IT DOING ACCOUNTING WORK. You have the next 40 years for that.</p>