RSM Richter Chamberland Summer Interns

Michael D'Ornellas : Waking up excited to go to work

After two fun-filled weeks of amazing training with all the interns, I was off to spend a week at a client! Not only was I thinking of which tie to wear, how formally to speak, and how friendly the client would be, but I was both nervous and eager about making a good first impression. While we were all given tips on how to prepare for our first day, when the moment finally came, I had no idea what to expect. The one thing I can say for sure is that the experience blew any expectations that I might have had right out the window!

My team was wonderful, the client was pleasant, and I was in high spirits during the entire mandate. Any questions I had were quickly and thoroughly answered by my colleagues, and the client was more than approachable. I honestly don’t know whether it was easier to talk with my team or the client! On the second morning, when I woke up excited to go into work, I knew that that the rest of the week was going to be great.

Merlène Gladys Akamba: My first client assignment!

During our training, the firm gave us as much information as possible regarding external work. It was a great confidence-builder, and on the day preceding my first assignment, instead of being stressed, I was actually excited about the idea of having this experience so early. My integration with my colleagues on the assignment is going really well. They are friendly and open-minded and I already feel like I have been working with them forever. They are always available to answer my questions, whatever they may be, and they even encourage me to ask more. They make sure to explain me why I need to do each task, and then they show me how to proceed. I really appreciate this approach because I understand what I do, and I get the opportunity to appreciate my work.

At the client’s site, the staff is also great, always available to provide us with what we need  ̶  which made me feel quickly comfortable in their office.

I learned a lot during my first two days, working on various tasks, and I know that my next five days at the client’s site will be unbelievable and will provide with even more depth of knowledge.

And finally, Community Day is coming, and YES, I can’t wait to paint for the first time… It’s going to be a great day!