The Global Internship: Sightseeing in England

Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of blog posts from VSCPA student member Shannon Case (below), a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Look for more posts in the coming weeks detailing Shannon's experience as an intern in KPMG's London office.

By Shannon Case
KPMG

This past weekend was busy with plenty of sight-seeing in and around London.  On Saturday I decided to take a day trip to Bath and Stonehenge. I woke up early and headed to Bath. After a 2 hour bus trip, I was surrounded by the beautiful city of Bath. The bus ride did not seem as long because I was busy snapping pictures of the English countryside. The city of Bath is so beautiful because all of the buildings are made of bath stone, which is pretty similar to limestone. In Bath I explored the Roman baths which were pretty amazing. After seeing the Roman baths, I walked around the city and had lunch. I explored the city a little more after lunch, took some great pictures, and then met back up with our tour group.

On the way back to London my tour stopped at Stonehenge. Stonehenge is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it was amazing to see. It was difficult to comprehend how these huge stones were moved back in ancient times. They explained to us that it was believed that it took approximately six hundred men to move a single large stone. After taking photos, we headed back to London. Once I arrived back in London I had dinner and went home and began to prepare for my next day of sightseeing.

On Sunday I headed to Kensington Palace. On the way to the palace I came across a car show being held in Kensington Gardens. The show showcased 100 years of Aston Martins. It was really neat seeing a car for each year. They also had a special James Bond section! After seeing all of the cars, I explored Kensington Palace. I particularly enjoyed the Fashion Rules exhibit which had dresses on display from Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, and the Queen.

After seeing Kensington I boarded a train and headed toward Windsor Castle. As soon as I stepped off the train I could see the castle. I initially explored the outside of the castle and the state rooms. It was quite impressive! After leaving Windsor, I went home to rest my aching feet...I did a lot of walking this weekend!

Young Professionals Corner: Acing the Interview

Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of guest posts from young VSCPA members dealing with topics of interest to young professionals. If you'd like to write or have a topic you'd like a future blogger to cover, please email VSCPA Academic & Career Development Coordinator Tracey Zink.

By Alice Yeh
KPMG

With the plethora of interview workshops and seminars, it’s difficult to pinpoint the key

factors in a successful interview with a 300 word limit. Everyone is fully aware of the general expectations of an interview- conservative and professional appearance, knowledge of the company and position, and a solid handshake. However, I have condensed my multitude of advice into one mindset: professional comfortability.

There are three steps in achieving this mindset. The first is appropriate preparation. It is possible to over prepare. Research is necessary but avoid memorizing a script. Your interviewer is not seeking an actor but a proficient accountant. The second is the golden silence. Don’t be afraid of taking time to think. It shows that you aren’t simply reciting what you prepared the night before that will be recycled for that next interview scheduled that afternoon. The third, last and most important is to smile. Contrary to common belief, accountants are not caged in a cubicle all day. So flaunt your personable and eager smile.

Once you have achieved professional comfortability, you will be able to stop constantly flustering about what to say next and instead focus on learning more about the company and position. A good interview is a conversation and a conversation is two sided. Interview your interviewer and get the most from your interview while leaving an impression of authenticity.

Alice Yeh is an accounting graduate student at the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce. She is an associate at KPMG.

The Global Internship: Living and Working in London

Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of blog posts from VSCPA student member Shannon Case (below), a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Look for more posts in the coming weeks detailing Shannon's experience as an intern in KPMG's London office.

By Shannon Case
KPMG

I absolutely loved living and working in London. My flat was located in Canary Wharf which was a really convenient location for walking to work and also exploring London. Canary Wharf is located on the Jubilee line which provides great access to Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and other tourist attractions. My flat was located within walking distance to our office. Every day I took a foot bridge over the Thames which was quite nice. Canary Wharf is on a peninsula so it’s surrounded by water and our balcony provides nice views all the way around Canary Wharf.

This was my first time working and living in a major city and I really enjoyed the experience. It was nice to be able to walk to work and have so many shops so close to home. Underneath our building was an underground mall which was connected to the tube. I also really liked the KPMG building which is very new and modern with a lot of open space. The building had a nice large cafeteria on the fifth floor which was also very convenient.