In my opinion, Brown Smith Wallace offers an incredibly robust internship program by exposing you to a number of different projects across varying client backgrounds; this allows you to experience and help problem solve issues that these companies and individuals face. During my internship I was still in school completing a rather heavy academic schedule, but Brown Smith Wallace worked to accommodate my academic needs while still offering an experience that would be beneficial for the both of us. One of the firm's greatest strengths is the family culture. They work incredibly hard to make everybody feel welcome and like a member of the family through various social activities and events, both in and out of the firm. This is something that really stood out to me as I was never looked down upon or treated as less than for being an intern. With that being said, you don't get bottom of the barrel work. In my experience, I was on projects from Individuals to Trusts, Gift Tax Returns to Partnerships and S-Corps and even some Financial Statement Compilations. I believe this is what I enjoyed the most. The access to drastically different and oftentimes unique clients and engagements that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to work on at numerous other firms. Brown Smith Wallace is an exceptional firm that embodies great respect and understanding for their employees, clients and society in today's rapidly changing social environment.
What I wish was different
Advice
Always communicate! Communication is the biggest piece of advice I could give to somebody in this industry. It is better to ask too many questions than not enough. Brown Smith Wallace has an amazing open door policy (I really do mean that) among all levels of the firm; this is something that is pretty unique, so take advantage of it! Everybody here wants to help you and see you succeed, not see you fail.
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Tax Intern
January - May 2020 • Creve Coeur, MO
What I liked
In my personal situation, I was a student-athlete with a tight schedule. Management was very flexible with me and my schedule as there was no minimum hour requirement like most other accounting internships. The culture at Brown Smith Wallace is very unique. Everyone utilizes an open door policy, so anytime you have questions, all you have to do is ask! As a new intern, it was nice knowing that someone would always be willing to help if I were to ever get confused. The internship was very inclusive in terms of what type of work was assigned to me. I was assigned different types of returns, so I was able to gain a variety of knowledge throughout the internship. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I 100% recommend to pursue this opportunity if you are given the chance!
What I wish was different
Ask you can tell by the dates of the internship, it was during the uprising of COVID-19. The biggest challenge was being 2 months into an internship and then working the remaining 3 months from an at home setting. The firm did a tremendous job at handling protocols and communicating with the employees. There is not much I would have wished to be different during my internship.
Advice
COMMUNICATE AND ASK QUESTIONS. In this internship, it is very important to communicate as there are deadlines to meet. Throughout the internship you may be confused, and that is when you ask a colleague for help. The open door policy made it easy to approach someone with a question.
