From Equal to Equitable: Developing an Inclusive Winter Internship Program

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how one university developed a winter internship program to help its diverse accounting student body gain greater access to the public accounting profession. We discuss our maturing understanding of the barriers preventing our students from securing internships, and detail the curricular and structural support changes put into place to overcome these obstacles so other institutions can replicate this initiative. Specifically, we highlight the evolution of the program from one focused on equality to one designed to provide equitable opportunities for all students, including those from underrepresented populations. Further, we provide evidence of our program’s success and reflect on its limitations. Finally, we offer supplemental materials for educators to leverage in consideration of their own internship program offerings.