Students are expected to think about their careers earlier than ever before. The days of waiting until senior year to start networking or applying for internships are behind us. Now, the students who stand out are the ones who approach their future with the same level of preparation and intentionality that they bring to the classroom.
“At The Bonadio Group, we’ve seen firsthand how early career planning pays off,” shared our University Recruiting Manager here at TBG, Rachel Pasternak. “Many of our interns go on to accept full-time offers, not just because they’ve completed an internship, but because they’ve taken the initiative to engage with the profession early, build relationships, and understand what it takes to succeed in a real-world setting.”
Internships Aren’t Just a Box to Check—They’re a Strategic Advantage
Internships are often viewed as resume boosters, but the truth is, they’re so much more than that. A high-quality internship gives students exposure to the real pace and expectations of the industry. It helps them understand the difference between public and private accounting, explore different service lines, and get a taste of firm culture, all before making long-term career decisions.
For firms, internships are equally valuable. “They give us the chance to get to know potential future colleagues, identify emerging leaders, and invest in talent early on. That’s why spots in programs like ours are increasingly limited and competitive,” added Rachel.
Why Timing Matters
Starting early doesn’t mean you need to have your five-year plan fully mapped out by the time you finish your first semester. It means being curious, asking questions, and getting involved. Students who begin exploring opportunities in their first or second year—by attending career fairs, speaking with recruiters, or participating in early engagement programs—are often better positioned to secure internships by their junior year and full-time roles post-graduation.
Waiting until the last minute can mean missing out. At TBG, for example, we begin recruiting interns nearly a year in advance. Our internship application process is highly competitive, and by the time some students start looking, the opportunities may already be gone.
Internship or Not, Your Career Can Still Start at TBG
While internships are a great way to get to know a firm, they’re not the only path to starting your career. The reality is, internship spots are limited—and many talented students won’t have the chance to experience TBG before graduation. That doesn’t mean your journey with us has to end there.
In fact, many of our team members joined TBG as full-time hires without first completing an internship here. They brought the skills, drive, and curiosity they developed through academics, other work experiences, and involvement on campus, and they’ve gone on to build successful, rewarding careers with us.
So, if an internship opportunity doesn’t align this time around, keep us in mind when you’re ready for your first full-time role. Just like in most professional industries, your ability to contribute, grow, and thrive matters far more than whether you’ve “test-driven” the company beforehand.
Yes, It’s a Lot (But It’s Worth It!)
We know college is demanding. Between academics, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs, adding career planning to your plate can feel overwhelming. But taking small, proactive steps now can open doors that lead to meaningful opportunities later. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by connecting with your career center or attending employer events on campus. Reach out to recruiters. Ask your professors or advisors for guidance. And when you’re ready, explore internship programs like ours that offer real-world learning, mentorship, and the chance to build something bigger.
At TBG, we believe in investing in future leaders, and that starts with encouraging students to invest in themselves.
Ready to take the next step? Check out our current openings to find your next opportunity. Whether you’re a new college graduate or an experienced professional, we’d love to connect with you and support you in finding the right career path!
