From Intern to Tax Associate: My Journey with KPMG

Alison Rae, a fourth-year tax associate at KPMG Ireland, reflects on her journey from starting as a KPMG intern to her time on their Graduate Programme to becoming a full-time tax associate.

My name is Alison Rae and I am a fourth-year tax associate at KPMG Ireland . When I first started studying Commerce at UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business , I wasn’t entirely sure where my degree would take me. Like many students, I was keen to find a career that was both challenging and rewarding, but I knew that figuring it out would require hands-on experience. This curiosity led me to apply for the KPMG Internship Programme - a decision that became a defining moment in my career.

Today, I’m a fourth-year tax associate at KPMG Ireland, reflecting on the incredible career journey that brought me here. I want to share how my internship shaped my path, how I transitioned into KPMG’s Graduate Programme, and offer advice to students considering their own internship opportunities.

My journey with KPMG started with a nine-month internship in the Tax department. From day one, I was given the chance to dive into real work. I worked on tax compliance and advisory services, learning to apply the knowledge I had gained in college to real-world situations.

I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves when I was first handed a task, but I quickly realised how supportive the environment was. I was surrounded by knowledgeable professionals who were always willing to answer questions and explain concepts in detail.? Every new joiner in KPMG is assigned a Performance Manager and a Buddy to help them with their integration into the business. This was helpful knowing we had someone there to answer any questions we had and was an extra layer of support should we have needed anything at all. The team’s guidance helped me develop the confidence to take on more complex tasks.

What stood out most was the trust placed in interns. KPMG gave me the opportunity to work on tasks that mattered, which not only developed my technical skills but also showed me the impact tax professionals have on businesses.?

After such a positive experience, I was thrilled to join KPMG’s Graduate Programme as a tax associate. The transition from intern to full-time associate was smooth and supportive. I already knew the team, the culture, and the work processes, which allowed me to hit the ground running.

Now, as a tax associate, I get to work with an incredible range of clients—from small startups to large multinational corporations. The diversity of clients means no two days are ever the same, and there are always new challenges to tackle.

My typical day as a tax associate begins with checking emails and planning my tasks. Some days involve client meetings to discuss tax positions or provide tailored advice, while other days are spent preparing and reviewing tax returns. I also love the problem-solving aspect of the job - whether it’s tackling a complex tax issue or brainstorming strategies to help clients navigate changing regulations.

What I find particularly rewarding is seeing the impact of our work firsthand. Whether it’s helping a new company establish an Irish platform or supporting a multinational with strategic tax planning, every task contributes to the bigger picture.

As a graduate, I have access to regular training sessions and workshops by the award-winning KPMG Business School that focus on both personal and professional development. This ensures I’m always building my skills and staying up-to-date with industry changes.

KPMG places a strong emphasis on work-life balance and creating a vibrant sense of community. From CSR days, where we give back to local causes, to exciting departmental events like boat parties, Bingo Loco, quiz nights, and Ladies Day, there’s always something to look forward to outside of work. These events provide a chance to not only unwind but also offer valuable opportunities to build connections—whether it’s strengthening relationships within my own team or networking with interns and colleagues across different departments.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at KPMG. My internship gave me a strong foundation to grow into the programme, which has helped me grow into a confident and capable tax professional.

For students considering internships, I would give the following advice:

• Be proactive: Reach out and make the first move with extra initiatives going on around you. Express your enthusiasm, and apply for programmes that align with your interests.
• Network: Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and join groups or events that can help you expand your network.
• Be open to learning: Internships are all about growth. Embrace feedback and take every opportunity to develop your skills.
• Show initiative: Approach every task—big or small—with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. Going the extra mile will help you stand out.

Being a tax associate at KPMG Ireland has been an incredibly dynamic and fulfilling experience. I’m excited about the future opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to continue growing, learning, and contributing to KPMG’s success.

For anyone considering an internship, I can’t recommend the KPMG Summer Internship Programme enough. It’s more than just an internship—it’s the first step toward a rewarding and exciting career.

If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to connect - I’d be happy to share more!

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