Accounting students share their experiences from the KPMG Global Internship Program

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Sept. 30, 2024

Two accounting students from the University of Missouri's Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business recently had the opportunity to participate in the KPMG Global Internship Program.

Ryan Klostermann and Katie Mitchell were among just 25 interns selected from a pool of 650 applicants nationwide. Klostermann gained valuable experience in Aberdeen, Scotland, while Mitchell completed her four-week internship in Malaysia. KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories across the globe, offering audit, tax and advisory services.

Learn more about their summer internships:

Ryan Klostermann
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Major: Accounting
Graduation date: May 2025

What was your role and what kind of projects did you work on?

I was an audit intern in the Aberdeen, Scotland, office where I assisted with the audit of a private oil company. Since Aberdeen is located next to the North Sea, oil and gas have been the prominent industry for the past 50 years.

What skills did you develop or improve during your internship?

I enhanced my audit skills and acquired knowledge of how international audit standards are applied. I continued to grow my leadership skills and develop my global business mindset.

What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Not only did I learn a lot about accounting during my experience, but I grew a lot professionally during my time in Aberdeen. Going into the experience, I told myself there are four keys to being successful in this internship, especially as I go abroad: Being open, being organized, being disciplined and having grit.

I was open to new experiences, new people, new clients and new accounting standards. I was organized by ensuring I understood what was required of me and developed a plan to complete my work and meet deadlines. I was disciplined in making a report outlining my weekly accomplishments and requesting feedback from my colleagues to learn areas in which I could be a valuable contributor to my team. I used grit when I meticulously reviewed my work to ensure it was accurate and complete before submitting it.​ All four of these tips allowed me to get the most out of my internship. My rotation in the U.K. further cemented the importance of these tips in the work I do, and I will continue to use them during my last year here at Mizzou and in my professional career.

Katie Mitchell
Hometown: Clinton,Missouri
Major: Accounting with a graduate certificate in Accounting Data Analytics
Graduation date: May 2025

What was your role and what kind of projects did you work on?

I interned in KPMG Malaysia's Financial Services Audit department. In this role, I worked with an engagement team that served as auditors for a real estate investment trust in Kuala Lumpur. During the engagement, I collaborated with my team to perform substantive testing to support the audit opinion.

How did the experience influence your career goals or academic interests?

This experience significantly influenced my career goals by deepening my passion for working in an international environment and collaborating with global teams. Being immersed in a different culture and witnessing firsthand how business practices vary globally has inspired me to pursue opportunities that will allow me to engage with diverse perspectives on a regular basis. This internship has solidified my desire to complete a longer-term global rotation in public accounting in the future. I am excited by the prospect of building a career that integrates international exposure with public accounting, and I am eager to take on roles that will continue to challenge and expand my understanding of the global business landscape.

What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Through this experience, I learned the immense value of curiosity and how it can impact personal and professional growth. In Malaysia, I was always surrounded by people with varying interests and backgrounds. By asking intentional questions and genuinely engaging with my colleagues, I developed a deeper understanding of different cultures. This experience reinforced my belief that curiosity is a key asset in any professional setting, as it fosters continuous learning and helps build meaningful connections. I learned how to embrace change and developed confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully, even in unfamiliar environments. Overall, I discovered a passion for continuous growth, both professionally and personally.

Read more from the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business

MU Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business

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