Navigating the KPMG Law Internship: A Comprehensive Guide
KPMG internships present valuable opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking to explore career paths within the professional services industry. These programs offer real-world experience and skill development, allowing students to delve into the nuances of professional and financial services. KPMG's commitment to fostering talent is reflected in its various internship programs, designed to provide hands-on experience and comprehensive training.
Why Choose a KPMG Internship?
KPMG stands out as a preferred choice for interns, evidenced by a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor, with 91% of interns recommending the experience. Reviews often highlight a welcoming environment, supportive colleagues, and a positive company culture. These early career programs are designed to help students explore various career options within the professional and financial services industry while gaining real-world experience and skills.
KPMG's Commitment to Professional Development
KPMG emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and development, offering various programs and resources to help interns and employees grow professionally. The firm's dedication to career development has earned it multiple awards, including recognition in Training magazine’s Top 10 Hall of Fame.
The Lakehouse Experience
Many interns have the opportunity to spend time at KPMG's Lakehouse, located in Lake Nona, Florida. This facility serves as a cultural hub for the firm, where employees can engage in professional development, networking, and collaborative problem-solving. The Lakehouse is designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
Internship Opportunities at KPMG
KPMG offers a variety of internship programs tailored to different interests and academic backgrounds. These programs include opportunities in audit, tax, and advisory services, as well as specialized programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Read also: Launching Your Career at KPMG
Audit Internships
Audit interns at KPMG gain essential auditing skills, including preparing audit documentation, reviewing clients’ financial statements, and assessing various risks. These internships provide a solid foundation in core auditing principles and practices.
Tax Internships
Tax interns at KPMG develop foundational knowledge in taxation and learn how KPMG tax professionals tailor their approaches to individual clients. Interns create tax paperwork, analyze client data, and assist in advising clients on state, local, and federal tax regulations. This experience provides valuable insights into the complexities of tax law and compliance.
Advisory Internships
The Economic Valuation Services (EVS) department within KPMG’s Advisory team offers internships with a focus on areas such as real estate, economic services, business modeling, tangible assets, and business valuation. Interns explore how KPMG advisory professionals use technology to deliver results to clients, gaining exposure to innovative solutions and strategic problem-solving.
Embark Scholars Program
KPMG’s Embark Scholars program is specifically designed for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and ethnic minority groups. This program provides rotations through different career paths within the company and the professional services industry, along with professional development skills such as networking. The program aims to equip students with the tools and knowledge to become future leaders at KPMG.
Global Advantage Program
Accepted interns may have the opportunity to participate in KPMG’s Global Advantage Program, which offers a four-week international rotation during the internship. This experience provides a global perspective and enhances understanding of international business practices.
Read also: Requirements for KPMG Internship
Graduate-Level Internships
Graduate students pursuing law degrees (J.D.s or LLMs) in taxation may be eligible for graduate-level internship programs at KPMG, with opportunities to focus on state and local tax or international tax. These internships provide advanced training and practical experience in specialized areas of tax law.
Skill-Building and Leadership Development Programs
KPMG offers several programs designed to enhance students' skills and leadership abilities:
Case Competitions
Accounting students can participate in case competitions, where they work together to solve business case studies. These competitions help students develop analytical and presentation skills, as well as leadership qualities.
Branding U Program
KPMG’s Branding U program is a one- to two-day event that teaches college students how to build a personal and professional brand. This program emphasizes the importance of self-presentation and professional networking.
Frank K. Ross Leadership Institute
The Frank K. Ross Leadership Institute is a day-long program that provides students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds with career development and networking opportunities. The institute aims to support and empower diverse talent within the professional services industry.
Read also: Internship Requirements at KPMG
Rise Leadership Conference
The Rise Leadership Conference is a multi-day program for first- and second-year students who identify as first-generation college students, veterans, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+, or from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. The conference focuses on leadership development and creating a supportive community for these students.
Application Process for KPMG Internships
To apply for a KPMG internship, students must submit their applications online, including a resume and an unofficial transcript. KPMG provides guidance on resume preparation, recommending a one-page format, consistent formatting, and the avoidance of buzzwords.
Application Timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, making it crucial to apply early. KPMG encourages candidates to apply expeditiously to one role for which they are qualified and of the greatest interest. Candidates are limited to a maximum of two active applications.
Interview Process
Potential interns typically undergo two rounds of virtual interviews, each lasting approximately an hour. KPMG offers sample questions to help candidates prepare for these interviews. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is recommended for answering behavioral interview questions concisely and effectively.
Interview Difficulty and Experience
Reviews on Glassdoor rate KPMG interviews as slightly more challenging than average, with a 2.7 out of 5 difficulty rating. However, 77% of respondents report having a positive interview experience, reflecting KPMG's commitment to creating a supportive and informative interview process.
Tips for Landing a KPMG Internship
Research KPMG Thoroughly
It’s essential to research KPMG thoroughly before applying to ensure a good fit between your values and the company’s. Demonstrating knowledge of the company and its values during the application and interview process can significantly enhance your candidacy.
Build Relevant Skills
Regardless of your career interest or college major, developing the right skills is crucial for landing a job. For those interested in accounting, tax, audit, or consulting, specialized coursework, participation in relevant clubs or organizations, and enrollment in virtual job simulations can be beneficial.
Networking
Networking is pivotal in the professional and financial services industry. Expanding your professional network can help you learn about opportunities sooner, get your name out there, and improve your chances of landing an internship.
Focus on Location Preference
KPMG recommends applying to the location where you want to build your life and career long-term. Giving serious thought to your location preference is important for aligning your career goals with the firm's opportunities.
What KPMG Looks For in Candidates
KPMG seeks top talent who are excited by challenges and inspired to drive change. The firm values candidates who possess both technical and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, integrity, and enthusiasm. Your actions, both online and offline, impact your candidate profile and your chances of being hired.
Essential Skills
Entering the professional world requires not only knowledge but also the ability to act professionally. Mastering soft skills, such as communication, working with others, integrity, and enthusiasm, is crucial for success.
Academic Requirements
KPMG typically requires candidates to be currently pursuing college coursework or to have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher within the past 12 months.
KPMG's Culture and Values
KPMG’s values define its identity and guide its professionals to act ethically and boldly, drawing strength from their differences to better serve clients and communities. The firm is committed to education and lifelong learning, empowering its people to take control of their careers and professional development.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
KPMG is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. The firm considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable laws.
Compensation and Benefits
KPMG offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that promotes physical, mental, and financial well-being. Perks include comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) plans, flexible spending accounts, and mortgage assistance programs. The firm also provides personal time off and firmwide breaks throughout the year.
KPMG's Business Tax Services Internship
KPMG is often seeking interns for its Business Tax Services practice, offering a collaborative and future-forward culture that empowers success. Interns work with KPMG’s extensive network of specialists and have access to Ignition Centers, where deep industry knowledge merges with cutting-edge technologies to create innovative tax solutions.
Role and Responsibilities
Business Tax Services interns join a diverse team helping high-profile clients understand, analyze, and respond to complex business opportunities and challenges. They develop their careers through multifaceted engagements, formal training, and informal mentoring.
KPMG's Global Internship Program (GIP)
KPMG’s award-winning Global Internship Program (GIP) provides top college students with the opportunity to work abroad and experience what it takes to be a global professional. This program offers a global support network to guide interns every step of the way.
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