Landing an internship at RSM, a leading audit, tax, and consulting firm, is a fantastic way to kickstart your career. The interview process can seem daunting, but fear not! Reddit is a treasure trove of information and experiences shared by past and present RSM interns. This article compiles insights gleaned from Reddit to help you navigate the RSM internship interview process with confidence. Let's dive in and equip you with the knowledge to shine!

Understanding RSM and Its Culture

Before even thinking about interview questions, it's crucial to understand what RSM stands for and what kind of culture they cultivate. RSM emphasizes its commitment to the middle market and its core values, including respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and stewardship. You'll often see these values echoed in discussions about RSM on Reddit, with users highlighting the firm's focus on collaboration and professional development. The firm's size allows for a diverse range of experiences and exposure to different industries, which is a significant draw for many interns. When Redditors discuss RSM's culture, they frequently mention the supportive environment and the accessibility of senior staff, who are often willing to mentor and guide interns. Make sure your understanding of these values shines through in your interview. It's not enough to simply state that you are a team player; provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in your past experiences. This demonstrates that you not only understand RSM's values but also embody them. Furthermore, researching RSM's recent initiatives and achievements can demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm. Have they recently expanded into a new market or launched a new service line? Showing that you're aware of RSM's current activities will impress the interviewers and set you apart from other candidates. Delving into RSM's history and understanding its trajectory can also provide valuable context for your interview. Knowing where the firm has come from can help you appreciate its current position and future aspirations. Finally, don't underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to current or former RSM employees on LinkedIn or through your university's alumni network. Talking to people who have firsthand experience with the firm can provide invaluable insights into the culture, work environment, and expectations. These conversations can also help you tailor your resume and cover letter to better align with RSM's needs and values.

Common Interview Questions and How to Prepare

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the questions! Based on numerous Reddit threads, here are some common interview questions you can expect during your RSM internship interview, along with tips on how to nail them.

• Tell me about yourself: This is your elevator pitch. Don't just recite your resume; highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and interests, and how they align with RSM's values and the specific internship you're applying for. Practice structuring your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concise and impactful anecdotes. For example, instead of saying "I'm a hard worker," describe a challenging situation you faced, the tasks you undertook to overcome it, the actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. Be sure to mention your academic background, any relevant extracurricular activities, and your career aspirations. Tailor your response to the specific role and demonstrate your understanding of RSM's industry focus. Show your passion for the field and your eagerness to learn and contribute to the firm's success. Remember to keep it concise and engaging, aiming for a response that lasts no more than two to three minutes.
• Why RSM?: This is the question to demonstrate your research. Don't just say "because it's a good company." Mention specific aspects of RSM that appeal to you, such as their commitment to the middle market, their focus on innovation, their culture of mentorship, or specific projects or initiatives they're involved in. Refer to your research on RSM's recent news, achievements, and community involvement. Highlight how your values and goals align with RSM's mission and vision. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how RSM's culture and values resonate with you. For instance, if you admire their commitment to corporate social responsibility, mention a specific initiative they've undertaken and explain why it appeals to you. Show that you've genuinely considered why RSM is the right fit for you and that you're not just applying to any internship program.
• Why this specific service line (Audit, Tax, Consulting)?: This requires understanding the nuances of each service line and articulating your interest in it. Redditors often suggest researching the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of interns in each area. If you're interested in audit, discuss your analytical skills and attention to detail. If you're drawn to tax, highlight your interest in regulations and problem-solving. If consulting is your passion, emphasize your communication skills and ability to work in teams. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or case studies that have piqued your interest in the chosen service line. Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry and how you believe your skills and interests align with the needs of the team. Articulate your career goals and how this internship would help you achieve them within the specific service line.
• Tell me about a time you failed: This behavioral question aims to assess your self-awareness and ability to learn from mistakes. Choose a real failure, but focus on what you learned from it and how you grew as a result. Redditors advise against choosing a failure that reflects poorly on your core skills or values. Frame the situation by describing the context, your role, and the specific actions you took that led to the failure. Then, clearly articulate what you learned from the experience and how you've applied those lessons in subsequent situations. Emphasize your resilience and your ability to bounce back from setbacks. Show that you're not afraid to take risks but that you also understand the importance of learning from your mistakes.
• Tell me about a time you worked in a team: This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills. Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you worked effectively in a team, highlighting your contributions and how you helped the team achieve its goals. Emphasize your communication skills, your ability to listen to and respect diverse perspectives, and your willingness to compromise and collaborate. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you faced as a team and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to motivate and support your teammates, and your willingness to take on different roles and responsibilities as needed.
• Technical Questions: Depending on the service line, you might encounter technical questions related to accounting principles, tax laws, or consulting methodologies. Brush up on your coursework and be prepared to answer basic questions related to your area of interest. Redditors suggest reviewing common accounting ratios, tax forms, and consulting frameworks. Don't be afraid to admit if you don't know the answer, but demonstrate your willingness to learn and your ability to think critically. If you're unsure of an answer, try to explain your thought process and how you would approach the problem. Show that you have a solid foundation in the relevant technical concepts and that you're eager to expand your knowledge.

Ace the Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are critical, as they reveal your character and how you handle real-world situations. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is your best friend here. Let’s break down how to use it effectively, because this is something the Reddit community always emphasizes.

• Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation. Where were you? Who was involved? What was the overall scenario? The goal is to paint a clear picture for the interviewer without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Focus on the key elements that are relevant to the question being asked.
• Task: What was your specific role or responsibility in that situation? What were you trying to achieve? What were the goals you were working towards? Be clear about your individual contribution to the overall task.
• Action: What specific actions did you take to address the situation or complete the task? Describe the steps you took, the decisions you made, and the skills you utilized. Be specific and avoid vague or general statements. Focus on your own actions and avoid taking credit for the work of others.
• Result: What was the outcome of your actions? What was the impact of your contribution? What did you learn from the experience? Quantify the results whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your actions. Be honest about the results, even if they weren't entirely positive. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how you've applied those lessons in subsequent situations.

Example:

• Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client.
• Situation: I was working as a customer service representative at a retail store during the holiday season. We were extremely busy, and customers were often stressed and impatient.
• Task: My task was to assist customers with their purchases, resolve their complaints, and ensure they had a positive shopping experience.
• Action: One day, a customer came to the counter extremely upset because she couldn't find a specific item she wanted. She was yelling and being rude to me. I remained calm and listened to her concerns. I then apologized for the inconvenience and offered to help her find the item. I checked our inventory system and discovered that the item was out of stock. I then offered her a similar item at a discounted price, and she accepted. I also offered her a coupon for her next purchase.
• Result: The customer was very happy with the resolution. She thanked me for my help and apologized for her behavior. I was able to turn a negative situation into a positive one, and the customer left the store feeling satisfied. I also learned the importance of staying calm and empathetic when dealing with difficult customers.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Don't forget that the interview is a two-way street! Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and engagement. Redditors often recommend asking questions that show you've done your research and are genuinely curious about the internship and the firm. Here are a few good examples:

• What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the team right now?
• Can you describe a typical day for an intern in this role?
• What are the opportunities for professional development and mentorship at RSM?
• How does RSM support its employees' work-life balance?
• What are the firm's goals for the future, and how can interns contribute to achieving those goals?

Avoid asking questions that can easily be found on the RSM website or that focus solely on compensation and benefits. Instead, focus on questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm and your desire to learn and grow as a professional. Asking insightful questions can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Reddit Wisdom: Extra Tips and Tricks

Here are some golden nuggets of advice gleaned directly from Reddit users who have been through the RSM internship interview process:

• Dress professionally: Even if the interview is virtual, dress as you would for an in-person interview. This shows respect for the interviewer and demonstrates your professionalism.
• Practice your answers: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
• Be yourself: Authenticity is key. Let your personality shine through and be genuine in your responses.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. This shows your appreciation for their time and reinforces your interest in the internship.
• Stay positive: Even if you don't get the internship, don't be discouraged. Use the experience as a learning opportunity and continue to pursue your career goals.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an RSM internship interview requires a combination of research, self-reflection, and practice. By understanding RSM's culture, anticipating common interview questions, and leveraging the wisdom of the Reddit community, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to be yourself, be enthusiastic, and demonstrate your passion for the field. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor! You got this, guys!