Internship Spotlight: Alexander Gonzales, University of Phoenix

Alexander Gonzales '24 (BSBA Accounting) was an Internal Audit Intern at University of Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ.

What was the process of getting this internship, job, or summer experience?

Getting my internship at UOPX was a very quick and easy process. I was searching on LinkedIn for internships when I saw the internal audit internship posting from UOPX. I applied and the next day I got a call from HR to set up interviews. I had three 30-minute interviews with members of the IA team scheduled for the next day. About a week later, I got the call that I received an offer. 

What was a typical day like?

A typical day consisted of testing SOX controls relation to the many internal processes at the University. I also worked on conducting an audit related to sourcing. Overall, it was very hands on, as I was actually working on internal audit projects relevant to the University. 

What was your favorite part of the experience?

All of the great advice I received from my coworkers within IA. They were an open book for any questions I had. I learned a lot about what an IA career looks like. 

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

I worked on a sourcing audit where I helped to examine the processes related to supplier onboarding, due diligence, risk assessments, and contracts. I got to analyze UOPX contracts and risk assessments with outside suppliers. 

What did you find most challenging?

The most challenging part was building relationships virtually, as this was a remote internship. However, I feel that I made the most of it and I built great connections with my peers. 

What did you learn?

I learned all about SOX, since the bulk of my time was spent on SOX testing. It is one thing to read about SOX, but it is a whole other thing to actually see the internal controls in action within a large organization. Also, I learned a great deal about what internal audit is and what the general audit process looks like. 

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future students to be successful?

I would advise students to start looking for internships in the fall as they fill up quick. Also, don’t get down on yourself when you aren’t given an offer - just keep applying. It can be especially hard to get an internship as an underclassman like I did, but if you have great persistence you can get it done. 

How did Eller Prepare you for this experience?

I had not taken any courses relating specifically to audit at Eller prior to this internship. However the general skills Eller taught me about resumes, interviewing, and networking really helped me find this internship.  

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with? Please share what they did to help you feel included. This could include general inclusion as an intern, concerted efforts around diversity/equity/inclusion, or something specific in response to COVID-19.:

The remote work environment was huge support as it relates to COVID. Some of my coworkers got the virus over the summer, but thanks to the remote environment, they did not spread it to everyone they worked with. In addition, DEI was a big focus at UOPX as they arrived to make everyone feel welcome. 

Even though the role was remote, the team still met for lunch every once in a while to strengthen connections. I loved getting to spend time with everyone in person during those lunches.