Hello, my name is Ethan Ginnety. I’m from Dublin and currently pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance at Dublin City University. As I approach my penultimate year, I sought the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in the field and undertake an internship at PKF Brenson Lawlor. I started my 12-week internship in June, working in the Audit and Advisory department.
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PKF Brenson Lawlor is a well-established, mid-tier Irish firm that has been around for more than five decades and has an impressive number of clients from different industries, so I thought it'll be a good opportunity to get one-on-one mentoring from senior level professionals, while also getting a feel for what corporate life is like.
From the beginning, I was involved in a range of client engagements, both in the office and on-site. This gave me real world exposure to audit procedures and advisory work across different sectors.
Working closely with partners and senior staff, I was entrusted with meaningful tasks and encouraged to share my insights when collaborating on various aspects of the audit process. Additionally, attending several social events over the summer allowed me to build valuable friendships with others pursuing similar career paths.
One of the best parts of the internship was the level of independence I was given. I was not just observing, I was trusted to take ownership of tasks and contribute to real client work. Being involved in direct client contact so early in my career was a standout experience. It pushed me to be more detail-oriented and professional in how I approached each engagement. That level of trust and exposure is something I really valued, allowing the learning experience to be more impactful.
As I look ahead to my final year, I feel well-prepared and motivated thanks to the experience I gained during my internship. This foundation gives me confidence as I continue my studies and prepare for the next steps in my career.
