https://www.radioflyer.com/pages/careers

Radio Flyer

Accounting Intern

June - August 2024 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Radio Flyer takes their internship program seriously and it is well developed. You will be treated as part of the team and included in every activity. It will feel like a real full-time job. Senior management knew my name week one. The small company size was great, you feel well connected to the other departments and everyone knows each other. Employees are extremely passionate about the brand and culture. The entire intern class got to know each other very well. You get meaningful work that actually makes an impact on your department and the company. Everyone is so kind and welcoming-- I never once felt uncomfortable to ask a question.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been more emphasis on technical training in my department. Although I learned processes and gained a valuable office experience, it didn't advance my general accounting or finance knowledge as expected. The focus was primarily on completing tasks, which allowed me to make an impact, but it didn't provide the big-picture industry learning as I was looking for. I wish the location was closer to downtown Chicago, it is very far west. The CTA trains do not go that way, but there is a CTA bus stop right outside the office and gated parking lot. It was very hard to find housing accommodations for only 12 weeks. Our search lasted most of my school year after receiving my offer, and while the relocation assistance is generous and comparable to other programs, it only covered a very small portion of our living expense.

Advice

Live with other interns if you are relocating to the area! Many do. It will be a fun summer. Consider the cost of living (gas, food, rent) and the income tax rates if you are not from Illinois/Chicagoland. Remember the relocation assistance is taxed like your paycheck. It is doable but was an eye-opener. Take summer hours if you are allowed! You can work an extra hour Monday-Thursday to get off early on Fridays. Start (and therefore end) dates are flexible. Interns will be staggered so you could be a part of the first group of interns to start or the last group to end.
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