When I started as an intern, I had actually already finished my 4th year and was planning to do an Honours year. But I quickly realised that I was learning more about real world accounting on the job than I would be studying. Even as an intern, you’re not doing busy work – you're out on the job, working with clients, learning as you go.

One of my clients is New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), which works to build markets for New Zealand exports overseas. NZTE is a complicated client because they’ve got offices all over the world and they work in many different sectors – like food and beverage, wood, and biotechnology. They also help promote Kiwi products overseas – events like the Rugby World Cup and America’s Cup, and movies like King Kong and Lord of the Rings.

There's a misconception that public sector auditing can be limiting, but I've found the exact opposite – it's incredibly diverse and interesting.

Page last updated: 25 February 2009