Withum interns volunteer for National Intern Day

In recognition of National Intern Day, interns from Top 100 Firm Withum volunteered at local organizations and nonprofits across the United States. 

Over the week of July 24, 120 interns from 18 offices volunteered 225 hours. Four offices gave their time to local Boys and Girls Club chapters to organize activities for children and discuss the high school/college transition, as well as career opportunities. 

According to Bill Bradshaw, who leads Withum's Employer of Choice Initiatives, the day was about introducing students not only to public accounting but to the firm's culture of community service.

"It's a really humbling experience to give back your time because nonprofits cannot operate without volunteers," said Bradshaw. "Nonprofits historically are large in scope and small in personnel, so they rely heavily on volunteerism throughout the year. What I hope interns will walk away from that with is a sense of community."

Osman Alcantara, an accounting senior at Montclair University in New Jersey, has been a tax intern with Withum since the beginning of the year, and while he originally planned to apply to the Big Four after graduation, he is now considering staying at the firm after getting his CPA license. According to him, Withum was interested in students who wanted to give back to their communities and advocate for higher education, which is exactly why he wanted to participate in National Intern Day.

"I was able to see that the value of the company is to give back to those that are in need, and we were all very excited to help with the kitchen because it's something very different than what we usually do," said Alcantara. "We packed over 100 breakfasts and also wrote sticky notes for the children, which was the most exciting part of the day."

It's not the first time Withum has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs, as members of its Empower training program already organized fundraisers and donated their time to the nonprofit last year. The training program, which is meant to smooth the transition from college to the workplace for entry-level employees, encourages members to support a charity every year, which allowed Withum to pursue its relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs.

Post-pandemic

Seven offices also collaborated with Hearts of Hope, a healing arts organization that provides resources for families caring for a critically ill child. Bradshaw said that the pandemic previously prevented interns from volunteering on-site but this year, Withum interns gathered in person to create artwork and support those going through grief and other traumatic experiences. 

"This event brought us interns from various departments together and I was able to talk to people that I don't usually see at the office, which I think is really going to help me be comfortable networking the next time I go to a conference," said Alcantara. "And when I am going to look for other internships or full-time positions, I will definitely ask about what they're doing for their communities and what opportunities they provide."

Other interns volunteered at local food pantries to prepare meals, joined in community clean-up days, and bagged groceries for seniors. According to Bradshaw, the aftermath of COVID-19 and remote-only opportunities created a greater sense of camaraderie among this year's interns, which he deems very important for a day that promotes team-building, communication, leadership skills, and compassion.

He said that National Intern Day was part of the industry's efforts in bringing more people into the profession and that Withum will continue exposing students to these kinds of opportunities to raise awareness about accounting careers, dismantle misconceptions, and encourage young accountants to serve the neighborhoods they live in. 

"The legacy that we built is only as good as it gives back to the next generation so that they pass the torch," said Bradshaw. "I've been in professional services a long time, and there's no greater way to get to where you want to be than to have someone advocating for you, which is why being a mentor and allowing the students to own their own career is so important. Raise your hand and let your aspirations be known because none of us will ever know what you want to do in your career unless you tell us."