Internship Program Spotlight: Laura Landry

Laura Landry is an undergraduate student at the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration. She is an intern at a CPA firm in Lafayette, LA. We interviewed her to find out more about her experience and how an internship has benefitted her professional development.

Laura Landry

Classification: Senior
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Maurice, LA
Internship: Darnall, Sikes & Frederick

Why did you choose to attend UL Lafayette?
I chose to attend UL Lafayette because my parents and sisters have all attended UL Lafayette and had great experiences. I knew it would be a great fit for me because it was close to home, and I have always loved the campus and friendly community. UL Lafayette is also known for their strong business program, so I knew I would be challenged while receiving a great education. 

Why did you choose to major in Accounting?
I chose to major in Accounting because math has always been my favorite subject in school, and I am a very detail-oriented person. I also love that there are a variety of things that you can do with an accounting degree.

Why did you decide to participate in the Moody Business Internship Program?
I chose to participate in the internship program because I wanted to see the different aspects of accounting while gaining experience. I’m so happy that I chose to participate because my internship has solidified my desire to one day work as an accountant.

How did you first hear about your internship?
I learned about the internship through a connection who works at Darnall, Sikes & Frederick. I was also able to meet some other employees at the Department of Accounting Banquet.

What is your favorite thing about your internship?
My favorite part of my internship is all of the people I work with because they are always willing to help me and challenge me to learn more. Without helpful coworkers, I would not be as motivated to learn and complete more difficult tasks and assignments.

What are your responsibilities at your internship?
I complete a variety of tasks at my internship. I help prepare tax returns and financial reports, perform bank reconciliations, and work with data organization. When I do not have a specific project to complete, I help scan client files into an online database in an effort to have a paperless filing system. Throughout my internship, I have been able to perform tasks for both the tax and auditing department.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned during your internship?
Through my internship, I am able to see firsthand the daily operations of a CPA firm. I have learned a great deal of professionalism and adaptability.

How do you think participating in the Moody Business Internship Program has benefitted your professional development?
My internship has allowed me to better understand the things I have learned in class and helped me apply my knowledge to complete tasks at work. Through my internship, I am able to utilize a variety of skills while discovering which tasks I find most enjoyable. This has helped me identify which branch of accounting I would like to pursue as a career after graduation.

What advice would you give to someone considering participating in the Moody Business Internship Program in the future?
You should definitely do it! An internship gives you valuable work experience and helps you discover different paths you can take with your degree. I have loved being able to make so many connections while learning new things daily.

Students and employers can learn more about participating in the Moody Business Internship Program at business.louisiana.edu/internship or email internship@louisiana.edu.