Internship Story: Sarah Johnson at BerryDunn

Sarah Johnson, an Accounting major from Clifton, ME, learned about the BerryDunn internship program from her professors and professional development events on campus. Her spring 2025 internship was such a success, Sarah will join the firm as a spring 2026 tax intern and, after graduation, become a full-time employee!

Why did you choose to intern here?

I chose BerryDunn because of its strong emphasis on growth and development. As a student entering the professional workforce, I wanted to experience as much as possible early on. BerryDunn fit my growth-oriented values, and I knew it would be a great internship environment.

What were your internship tasks?

I prepared tax returns for S-Corporations, Partnerships, and Individuals. This process involved analyzing client documentation, preparing workpapers, and creating the final tax forms for filing.

What did you like most about your internship?

I appreciated the opportunity to learn from my mistakes. BerryDunn has a strong system of review comments, where feedback is provided to help you correct your work. While it was initially challenging, revisiting and fixing my errors helped me grow significantly and deepen my understanding of the work.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

The biggest challenge was learning to navigate unfamiliar systems. I had never used any tax software before. It took time to adjust, but by the end of the internship, I felt much more confident using them.

What things did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

So much! While the classroom offers a controlled, supportive environment, an internship feels much more real. It can be scary to reach out, ask for help, and do other things that seem easy in the classroom. However, these are key competencies for success in the workforce, and it is so much easier to learn those prior to entering your first real job. While my technical knowledge grew, the communication skills I gained were even more valuable.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This experience gave me greater confidence in my career path and solidified my desire to pursue the CPA certification. It significantly enhanced both my technical knowledge and my professional skills.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Do it! An internship offers invaluable experience, both in technical skills and in real-world workplace dynamics. You’ll gain insights and confidence that simply can’t be taught in a classroom.

Why did you decide to study business at the Maine Business School?

I started at the University of Maine unsure of what I wanted to pursue, but I chose business because I knew it would be relevant no matter the path I took. Over time, I developed a genuine love for the Maine Business School and found myself naturally drawn to accounting. It’s been my home for the past three years, and I’ve grown so much thanks to its vibrant, supportive community.