Are you a college student preparing for a job in the accounting industry? You may have questions about timing, how to prepare for a career fair, or how to decide which firm is right for you. We talked with Blue & Co., LLC’s Campus Recruiting Lead, Amy Lambdin, to help you navigate your career search as an accounting student at any level. She gave us insider insight that is a must read for college students pursuing accounting.

Q: When should an accounting student be thinking about internships? What about full-time employment? 

Honestly, earlier than most students think.

I always say, start paying attention as early as your freshman year. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but getting that early exposure through career fairs, events, conversations can be a game changer.

At Blue & Co., we offer a Jumpstart Summer Leadership Program for freshmen and sophomores who are just getting started and want to learn more about the accounting profession. It’s a fun, two-day experience where students explore career paths, build both soft and technical skills, and get a real feel for the industry. It’s also an amazing way for us to give back and help students build skills they’ll carry with them throughout their careers, and life.

By sophomore year, it’s time to get more intentional. Build your resume, get involved, and start exploring internships. At Blue & Co., we hire a lot of sophomore and junior interns, so it’s never too early to jump in and start gaining that experience.

Then junior year is go-time. That’s when many students secure internships that often lead directly to full-time opportunities.

And when it comes to full-time? That shouldn’t be an afterthought. Students should start thinking about their long-term career path as soon as they declare their major. Internships aren’t just experiences; they’re steppingstones that help guide you toward where you want to go.

At the end of the day, the students who start early and take advantage of opportunities are the ones who feel the most confident stepping into that full-time role.

How important is it to visit career fairs? How should someone prepare? 

Career fairs are a big deal.

I always tell students, just show up. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but getting in front of employers early and starting those conversations can open so many doors down the road.

Even if you’re not actively looking yet, it’s a great way to explore, ask questions, and start building your confidence. The students who stand out aren’t always the most experienced, they’re the ones who are engaged, curious, and willing to put themselves out there.

As far as preparation, keep it simple:

• Do a little homework on a few companies you’re interested in

• Bring a polished resume

• Have a quick intro ready (nothing fancy—just who you are and what you’re interested in)

• And show up looking professional and confident

Most importantly, don’t overthink it. Employers aren’t expecting perfection. We’re just excited to meet you, hear your story, and see what you’re interested in.

Q: What can students do to prepare to apply for internships? 

Start early and keep it simple. Make sure your resume is polished and tells your story. Your classes, involvement, and any experience matters, even if it’s from school or part-time work.

Get involved, raise your hand, and start building experiences you can talk about. Do a little homework on companies you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to network, that really helps you stand out.

Before you interview, practice. Talk through your answers with friends or a mentor, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.

And one big thing: be mindful of your social media. It’s out there, and employers may look, so make sure it reflects you in a positive and professional way.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be prepared and be yourself.

Q: What is your best advice for students who want to take full advantage of their college career resources? 

Use them early and don’t be afraid to use them often. So many students wait until junior or senior year, and by then they’ve missed out on some great opportunities.

Go to the career fairs, attend events, connect with employers, and ask questions—even if you’re not sure what you want yet. That’s what these resources are there for. The students who stand out are the ones who show up, stay curious, and take initiative.

Also, build relationships. Your professors, advisors, and mentors can be incredible resources and often your biggest advocates. You never know where one conversation might lead.

At the end of the day, college is full of opportunities, it’s up to you to take advantage of them. Show up, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. That’s where the magic really happens. 

Q: What is the biggest mistake you see when talking to students about their career search? 

Honestly? Not being prepared and not taking it seriously enough.

I see a lot of students show up and just kind of wing it. And while I love the confidence, this is one of those moments where preparation really matters. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but doing a little homework, knowing who you’re talking to, and having a few things ready to say goes a long way.

The students who stand out are the ones who show up prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and actually look interested.

At the end of the day, this is your future—so show up ready, take it seriously, and give it your best.

Q: What students stand out to you when visiting campuses or doing interviews? 

The students who stand out are the ones who are genuine, prepared, and engaged.

They’ve done a little homework, they ask thoughtful questions, and they show real interest in the conversation. They don’t have to be perfect, they just come in confident, curious, and ready to learn.

And the ones who really stand out? They follow up. A quick thank-you that evening or the next day goes a long way and leaves a lasting impression.

At the end of the day, it’s the students who show up, are themselves, and make an effort to connect that truly stand out.

Q: How can students start to decide what type of firm they want to work in (Big Four, Mid-Size, Small, Etc.)? 

The best way to figure this out is to explore, network, and ask questions. Do your research, look at companies online, and connect with people who work there. Learn what the firm stands for and where it’s going.

Talk to as many firms as you can and really pay attention to your experience. When you walk away from a conversation or a booth, how did it feel? How did that person make you feel? That can tell you a lot about a firm’s culture.

Big Four, mid-size, smaller firms—they’re all amazing opportunities and can lead to incredible careers. There’s no one “right” path.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to culture. You want to wake up and feel good about what you do and the company you work for. Where do you feel comfortable? Where do you feel supported? What excites you?

Find that—and that’s where you’re going to thrive. 

Q: What advice would you give to students who aren’t sure which area of accounting they want to pursue?

This is a great question, and honestly, we see this all the time. It’s very common for students to not know which area they want to go into, because you don’t know what you don’t know. And that’s okay. You’re not expected to have it all figured out right away.

The most helpful thing you can do is get exposure to different areas, and that starts with internships. Do as many as you can and start early. Try tax during busy season so you can really see what that world looks like. Try audit in the summer or even during busy season to get a feel for that side. If you’re curious about industry, look for internships within companies as well. The more experiences you have, the more clarity you’ll gain.

Also, pay attention to what energizes you. Do you like digging into details? Talking with clients? Working on a variety of projects? Those little things can help guide you in the right direction.

At the end of the day, your first role doesn’t lock you in forever, it’s just the start of your career. Stay curious, keep learning, and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way. 

Are You an Accounting Student Interested in Blue & Co.? 

Reach out to Amy Lambdin at alambdin@blueandco.com to learn more about opportunities at Blue & Co.