Key Takeaways
- Real work, real impact: Wiss interns work on actual client engagements across tax, assurance, advisory, operations, and wealth management—not filing or coffee runs
- Structured pathway to CPA: Partnership programs with universities like Fairleigh Dickinson provide tuition reimbursement and credit toward master’s degrees while working
- Mentorship culture: Interns receive dedicated mentors across organizational levels who actively invest in professional development and career growth
- Bottom Line: Starting your accounting career at Wiss means hands-on experience with diverse clients, clear advancement paths, and a culture that treats interns as future leaders, not temporary help
“It feels like more than just a job to me, it feels like more than a career to me. I don’t have that feeling of I’m excited to go home. I have the feeling that I’m excited to come to work.”
That’s Chirag Sharma, Manager of Trade Operations and Investment Management at Wiss, describing what separates Wiss from other accounting firms. That enthusiasm starts with how we approach intern development.
Why Internships Matter for Building CPA Careers
Your first professional experience shapes your entire career trajectory. Choose wrong and you’ll spend years correcting course. Choose right and you accelerate toward opportunities that match your ambitions.
Most accounting internships follow predictable patterns. Firms hire interns for busy season support, assign menial tasks, provide minimal training, and evaluate whether to extend full-time offers. Interns get exposure but limited skill development.
Wiss approaches internships differently. We hire interns because we’re building future leaders, not filling temporary gaps. You’ll work on real client engagements from day one, receive structured training beyond technical skills, and develop relationships with professionals who genuinely care about your growth.
What Makes Wiss Internships Different
Hands-on client work defines the Wiss internship experience. “There is the common misconception that it is very tedious and repetitive work, but my experience has shown me how far from the truth that is,” explains Sophia Covello, Wiss Assurance Intern from Montclair State University. “Each engagement required me to learn different aspects of how clients operate, and no two audits were the same.”
Justin Becker, a student at Ramapo College, echoed this sentiment: “What stood out most to me was how welcoming and inclusive the environment at Wiss is. It was inspiring to network with professionals and gain a real sense of the firm’s culture. Learning from them really showed me how much the firm values growth and support.”
Alex Ashwal from Ramapo College gained exposure across taxation processes: “Wiss has provided excellent opportunities to uncover all aspects of the taxation process. I learned tax software, which greatly improved my computer skills. I have also developed substantial business writing techniques while working with many of the staff and partners here.”
Notice what interns mention first—not the prestige or resume value, but the genuine support and skill development they experienced.
Intern Program Structure
Wiss offers internship opportunities across five core practice areas: tax services, assurance and audit, advisory services, wealth management and family office, and operations. Each program provides distinct experiences while sharing common development principles.
Tax interns work on individual and business returns, learn professional tax software, assist with research projects, and participate in client meetings. You’ll understand how tax strategy affects business decisions, not just how to complete forms.
Assurance interns participate in audit engagements, learn to evaluate internal controls, work with financial statements across industries, and develop analytical skills that transfer beyond audit work.
Advisory interns support client projects across transaction advisory, business valuation, and consulting. You’ll see how businesses make strategic decisions and understand the financial analysis that informs those choices.
Wealth Management and Family Office interns gain exposure to investment management, estate planning, and high-net-worth client services. You’ll learn how comprehensive wealth strategies integrate tax planning, investment oversight, and multi-generational financial goals.
Operations interns work in areas like recruiting, people operations, and technology implementation. These roles provide exposure to how professional services firms actually function—valuable context regardless of your eventual career path.
University Partnership Programs
Wiss partners with universities to create structured pathways from undergraduate education through CPA licensure. Our collaboration with Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Silberman College of Business exemplifies this approach.
The FDU partnership allows students in the 4+1 Master’s in Accounting program to earn their MSA degree while gaining professional experience. Students receive compensation for their work, along with generous tuition reimbursement, which reduces the financial burden of graduate education.
The program structure is as follows: Students spend the summer before their master’s program working full-time at Wiss alongside experienced professionals. In the fall, they shift to part-time work while completing academic credits. They return to full-time work in spring, earning 12 credits toward their MSA through work experience. This meets the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure while providing practical skills that make candidates more competitive on the CPA exam.
Beyond FDU, Wiss actively recruits at schools including Rutgers University, Ramapo College, William Paterson University, and Montclair State University. We participate in career fairs, networking events, and firm presentations throughout the academic year.
Mentorship and Career Development
Paul MacLean from William Paterson University offered advice for prospective interns: “Have an open mind, be open to criticism, and embrace working with different people throughout the firm. It is vital to always be yourself, be confident, and be ready to learn, even when the material can seem very difficult.”
That openness matters because Wiss invests heavily in mentor relationships. Interns receive guidance from professionals across organizational levels—not just one assigned mentor, but multiple relationships that develop organically based on projects and interests.
Meryl Dorais, Manager of Assurance Services, describes the culture: “Wiss cares deeply about us as individuals. I’ve received immense support from mentors on all levels of the organization. They have taken an active interest in watching me grow and helping me succeed.”
This mentorship extends beyond technical accounting skills. Interns develop business writing capabilities, client communication skills, time management under pressure, and professional presence. The goal isn’t just preparing you for staff accountant roles—it’s developing capabilities that serve entire careers.
Work-Life Integration
Jeny Eapen from Rutgers University described balancing internship demands with academic commitments: “I think one of the most demanding parts of the internship didn’t necessarily have to do with the internship itself, but more so with balancing three days of work, taking 18 credits at college, being very active in extracurricular activities, and driving at least two hours both ways to actually get here.”
Wiss understands these pressures. We offer flexible scheduling that accommodates academic requirements. Interns work meaningful hours without the unsustainable expectations that burn out young professionals before careers truly begin.
During busy seasons, Wiss implements “Wellness Wednesdays” that cover topics such as nutrition and workouts, aromatherapy, and relaxation techniques. “Self-Care Week” during tax season provides massages, chiropractic adjustments, and IV therapy. These aren’t token gestures—they reflect a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
Culture of Belonging
Wiss’ commitment to diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging shapes intern experiences from recruitment forward. We build a culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and included regardless of background or identity.
This matters for interns who are simultaneously developing professional identities and navigating new work environments. You don’t need to hide aspects of yourself to fit in. Embrace your individuality and explore multiple avenues for growth.
Our People Operations team—led by Marc Peterson—ensures intern programs deliver on cultural commitments, not just technical training.
What Interns Should Expect
Challenging work that develops capabilities. Real client exposure that builds confidence. Mentorship from professionals invested in your success. Structured feedback that accelerates learning. Clear pathways from internship to full-time employment to CPA preparation to career advancement.
You’ll also encounter complexity that pushes beyond comfort zones. Client work brings ambiguity that textbooks don’t prepare you for. Deadlines create pressure that academics rarely replicate. Professional expectations demand maturity that takes time to develop.
That’s intentional. We’re not protecting interns from reality—we’re preparing you for successful careers by providing supported exposure to real professional challenges.
How to Position Yourself for Wiss Internships
Start building relationships early. Attend career fairs and networking events where Wiss recruiters participate. Connect with current interns and employees through LinkedIn. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in our culture and client work.
Develop skills before applying. Master Excel beyond basic formulas. Understand financial statement fundamentals. Practice clear business writing. These capabilities distinguish candidates who are ready to contribute from those who need extensive training before adding value.
Demonstrate curiosity about how businesses actually work. Read financial news. Follow industry trends. Understand current issues facing clients in sectors that interest you. Interns who connect technical accounting knowledge to business realities advance faster.
From Intern to Career Professional
Wiss interns who receive full-time offers join an organization committed to long-term development. Defined career paths show progression from staff accountant through senior, manager, and partner levels. Training continues through formal education, on-the-job learning, and support for CPA exam preparation.
The network you build as an intern expands throughout your career. Colleagues become collaborators, mentors become advocates, and client relationships become professional assets. Starting at Wiss means joining a community that invests in your success beyond your first job.
Ready to explore whether Wiss internships align with your career goals? Visit our recruiting events page to connect with our team. View current opportunities at wiss.com/careers. Talk to current interns about their experiences. Make informed decisions about where you’ll start building your professional future.
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