Internship Spotlight: Alfredo Cuestas, Keegan Linscott & Associates

Alfredo Cuestas '23 BSBA (Accounting) was an Audit Accounting Intern at Keegan Linscott & Associates in Tucson, Arizona.

What was a typical day like?

My typical day at the internship tended to vary as working with our clients was on a day to day basis. For example one you clock into the office, I can expect to complete any remaining assignments that carried over from the previous day. Once that was completed, I would communicate with my superiors and mentor to see which client I would need to work on today. Tasks and assignments then could stretch from finalizing engagement letters, footnoting financial statements to even working with a client get specific documents needed for their fiscal audit. A typical day at my KLA Internship had variety and required adaptability which I appreciated. 

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of this experience was being able to step outside of my comfort zone and experience an accounting lifestyle away from a classroom setting. I loved being able to see audit and accounting through different lenses because it allowed me to understand the bigger picture of what this career could look like, but also knowing how each small task builds into the bigger picture as well. 

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

Some advice that I have for other students who strive to be successful would have to be to understand your strengths and weaknesses, and to also grow to become your own biggest advocate. 

By that I mean, once your grasp who you are and what you need, you can start exploring options that can be fulfilling but also challenging for the career and lifestyle you seek. 

How did Eller Prepare you for this experience?

Eller prepared me for this experience at KLA, by molding and crafting my point of view to understanding what I bring to the table in any situation, but especially in a professional environment. With Accounting, there tends to a stigma of what skills we need or "should" have, however, here at Eller they made me expand my skills that can vary from communication skills, interpersonal skills, adaptability and all the way to self awareness. The time spent at Eller was irreplaceable and it helped prepare me to go into my KLA Internship knowing what I bring as an upcoming professional.  

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with? 

I completely felt supported by KLA throughout my entire internship. From the first day of orientation to my last week and wrapping up assignments, every employee there made an effort not only to make sure I was grasping the new content, but to also talk with me about how it helps in the grander scheme of the Audit profession. Also, in terms of their response of COVID-19, they were all very kind and understanding for when I felt the need to isolate and work from home. KLA not only strived for my to craft quality work, but also advocated for me to feel included with other employees at the same time.