February 11, 2022
In turn with Peyton Berry
It’s fair to think many of us don’t look forward to tax season. Two years ago, then-junior management student Peyton Berry of Salisbury, North Carolina, saw tax season as an opportunity.
“I am a tax season intern, so I collect documents for clients and transfer them into our online database,” said Berry, who also is an ECU Honors College student.
Berry has been interning the past two “seasons” at Aaron Sparrow, CPA, a position she found via Handshake thanks to her relationship with the College of Business’ Cunanan Center for Professional Success.
We recently touched base with Berry to learn more about her internship and College of Business experiences.
What were your responsibilities during your internship?
I input client data into the company’s software called UltraTax. I also print and prepare the returns, and when completed, I make sure all documents are signed before going to the client. I also manage the office, take care of secretarial duties, and collect payments.
How did you apply what you learned in BUSI 1200, BUSI 2200, BUSI 3200 or BUSI 4200 to your internship? I applied the interview and resume-building skills that I learned. I built a resume that highlighted my achievements and skills, which allowed for a great conversation during my interview. Plus, I knew exactly how to dress and carry myself during the interview!
What was the most challenging thing you experienced during your internship, and how did what you learned in the COB help you overcome it?
The most difficult thing in the internship is double and triple-checking my work for accuracy. Taxes are a big deal, and I do not want to mess up someone else’s taxes.
In my accounting classes, most of the questions I missed were due to going too fast, not because I didn’t know the material. So I try to keep that in mind, slow down, and check over my work.
How have you applied what you learned in your classwork to this position? I have used my negotiation skills to earn a pay increase. I also applied the basic necessities of accounting to match the appropriate documents for tax forms.
Also, the basic skills of the workplace allow me to get the most out of this internship and build relationships with my fellow employees.
What has this internship taught you about responsibility?
This internship has been a big responsibility as I have personal information to keep secure. Also, balancing a 9-5 job two days a week and being a full-time student has forced me to be responsible, do work ahead of time, and plan my day.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success resources?
I would tell them to take advantage of all opportunities the Cunanan Center provides; finding a professor to do research with, meeting the employers in the foyer, going to job fairs, and applying for internships as often as possible. If anything, it will help you find what you do and don’t like!