My internship focussed on giving me hands-on experience. There was almost always something to do, whether it was engagement-related work, interesting seminars and speakers, or enrichment activities with other interns or PDPers. My managers/supervisors were very hands-on in guidance, but encouraged me to work autonomously as much as possible and provided feedback on my work. I ultimately got to participate in interviews, meetings, write-ups, and analyses on a regular basis. GAO emphasized work-life balance and encouraged me to connect with other interns, school alumni, or engagement team members and helped with networking. GAO also let me have a really flexible schedule, which I appreciated.
What I wish was different
Some of the orientation activities can be very time-consuming (for good reason), and I wished they'd spaced some of the events out more. My internship itself was remote but it would have been nice to 1) have a more streamlined process for in-person access to GAO and 2) have actually gone in to work at the physical building.
Advice
Don't be daunted by feedback! Sometimes it can be disheartening to get a piece of written work back that's all marked up, but this isn't directed at you specifically - it's just part of the process and a good opportunity to learn.
4
${count} people found this helpful
Junior Analyst Intern
May - August 2022 • Denver, CO
What I liked
I enjoyed the mentorship of the senior analysts above me. I learned a tremendous amount about the role GAO plays in government and how GAO helps the average taxpayer. As an intern, I was able to work on projects that had a large impact. I was not treated like an intern who grabs coffee; my input on engagements was necessary for the success of the team.
What I wish was different
I wish the job had been fully in-person.
Advice
Go in with an open mind and embrace the work you're given. I was placed on projects I had no background knowledge in, but became a subject matter expert by the end of the experience.
3
${count} people found this helpful
Financial Audit Trainee
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved getting to experience all of the history in DC, while developing my professional skills. It was also very interesting to learn more about government accounting and what changes when an entity's motivations are different. I connect well with the type of people that work in public service, so a government agency was a good fit for me! They also do a great job of helping the interns have cultural experiences--we toured the Library of Congress, Capitol, Pentagon, and International Spy Museum; watched Nationals baseball; and had plenty of happy hours outside the office! Commuting was a breeze & everyone walks as fast as me!
What I wish was different
Housing can be a little tricky, and it can be difficult to know what is legitimate or in safe parts of the city. (The DC Listserv is a great resource.) I ended up doing a majority of my time in the GWU dorms and the rest in an all-girls charter home. I would probably try to stay in one place for my entire internship. I would also maybe consider living further out and bringing a car, so I could go to the tourist attractions that are further out.
Advice
Throw a Hail Mary and apply for the things that interest you, as out of reach as they may seem. BYU is a brand that everyone knows, and you're more prepared than you think you are. Employers love an intern who can ask insightful questions and then be self-motivated to work hard and on their own.
14
${count} people found this helpful
Financial Audit Intern
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Fun tours of government buildings
Interesting Training
Challenging daily workload
What I wish was different
Intern mentor could have been better
I wish there was more time to work on separate audits of other agencies.
Advice
Choose a start date in May so that you can attend the congressional hearings
