Reflective Essay: FBI Internship

This journey began with a single e-mail from the accounting department within a week from the first day of the semester in the fall of 2016. I opened that e-mail, and began my exploration of the program. However, I did not proceed with my application immediately. I kept it in the back of my mind, and waited for the career fair hosted by BAP. I decided that I would interact with the different firms and apply to all the ones that interested me. I eventually applied to many of the common firms introduced to us through classroom presentations or BAP meet-and-greets. However, I did remember the FBI internship and debated on whether or not I should apply. I knew that it would be a great opportunity, but I also thought I should invest more time

Before this internship, I was aware of the tax or audit route that professors and accounting recruiters would often ask. I felt that I did not have a large exposure of tax-based accounting, but I did find the federal taxation course interesting. However, I did not believe the tax route would be for me. At that point, I assumed that I would pursue a career in audit. However, that changed when I got this internship and was exposed to forensic accounting. That is when I knew that this is the career route I should pursue. I enjoy the challenge of going through all the data and looking for different relationships or inconsistencies. I find the challenge of putting it all together exhilarating. I found that same excitement while working on a case study in the fraud course offered at UNLV. It is also nice to know that what I do could impact society by upholding the

My experience has taught me something different. If someone were to ask me this type of question today, I would tell them that they must first find what they are the most passionate about, and what type of place they would like to work for. For me, that is forensic accounting with law enforcement. I would also tell them that I applied for this internship, got the job, and showed up on my first day before interacting with any of the employees. This is because I went through the whole process before they were present at career fairs hosted by BAP (I believe the first time I seen them at the career fair was Fall of 2017. By then, I was already an intern). Therefore, I find that these meet-an-greets are more about the student learning the differences between public and corporate accounting. I do not think that there is a way to get to know these professionals in a working environment until I am actually employed with them. Once in the office, people will generally make an effort to be friendly. There is no need to worry if you interacted with a firm significantly less than others. In the end, I am positive that your coworkers will be friendly, and that a positive relationship will