Culture Corner: New minds, new perspectives (Andrew Greco)

Each month, we usually interviews a Richter partner to gain insight into how our leadership finds balance and focus in a demanding job, and what non-technical skills contribute to career success. However! For the summer, we’re switching it up a bit. For the next few months, we will be chatting with our summer interns, to learn more about their experience at Richter, and what working life is like at the very start of their young careers.

This month features Andrew Greco, an intern on our Audit team.

You’ve been at Richter for almost a month now, tell us about your experience working here; what have you worked on so far?

Andrew Greco (AG): I’ve really enjoyed meeting everyone and getting insight into how an accounting firm functions internally. So far I have been eased into things through a weeklong training program and by doing some work on various audits and reviews. I’m scheduled on a bunch of client files starting in a couple of weeks so I’m looking forward to that.

What’s been your favorite thing about working at the firm to date?

AG: My favorite thing has been meeting the great team here and developing friendships with my fellow interns and co-workers. We had a great event on Cinco De Mayo/end of tax season which included a foosball tournament in the office and a social at a local bar afterward. It was a ton of fun and was great to speak with everyone outside of the work environment.

What do you hope to get out of the rest of the summer? (any soft skills you want to work on or technical skills you would like to develop?)

AG: I’d like to gain a greater understanding of the work that is required of a staff accountant. Most people have a general idea of the job but I’d like know specifically what’s awaiting me when I graduate and stark working full-time.

I also hope to make some new friends at the firm and develop relationships that last beyond my summer here.

What advice would you give to younger students looking to land an internship at a firm like Richter?

AG: Attend every networking event inside or outside of school to meet people from the firms you are interested in, and follow-up with them. However, don’t restrict yourself only to networking events. It’s also a good idea to set up phone or coffee chats by reaching out to anyone working at the firms that interest you. The more people that know and like you, the better your chances are of getting an interview.

What advice would you give to younger students about networking, specifically?

The most important thing about networking is to have an open-mind and be humble. Far too many people simply go through the motions and dread it because they view networking as empty conversations necessary to get their name on a list. The process is much less painful if you understand that there is much to learn from people who have more experience than you and that the connections made can last longer than the recruiting period itself.

About Richter : Founded in Montreal in 1926, Richter is a licensed public accounting firm that provides assurance, tax and wealth management services, as well as financial advisory services in the areas of organizational restructuring and insolvency, business valuation, corporate finance, litigation support, and forensic accounting. Our commitment to excellence, our in-depth understanding of financial issues and our practical problem-solving methods have positioned us as one of the most important independent accounting, organizational advisory and consulting firms in the country. Richter has offices in both Toronto and Montreal. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.