WRITING AN INTERNSHIP REPORT:

A SAMPLE

In line with Wikipedia’s narration, An internship is a period of work experience

offered by an organisation for a limited period of time. It is an opportunity that

employers offer to students interested in gaining work experience in

particular industries. With this piece of work I have put together, learn more

about what internships are and why students like myself benefited from them.

This is a practical work I submitted to my University, University of

Professional Studies – Accra (UPSA), an accredited member of the

Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) in America. I

did this work in 2017, a year before I will be graduating. Learn as much and

have a feel about the 3 months internship experience. When you are done

with yours, let other people also benefit from your experience as I have done.

One day, someone you would never meet in this life, will be glad to read your

piece of work and benefit as much.

UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA (UPSA)

SURNAME: LARBI

OTHER NAMES: AKONNOR OWUSU

ID NUMBER: LEVEL: 400

PROGRAMME OF STUDY: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

SESSION: MORNING SESSION

NAME OF ORGANIZATION: SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

INTERNSHIP PERIOD: 19TH JUNE, 2017 TO 18TH AUGUST, 2017

REPORT SUBMISSION DATE: SIGNATURE:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As my academics and internship experience are success, I express my deepest appreciation to all

those who provided me the opportunity and guidance. First and foremost, I thank the almighty

Lord for giving me Life. I cannot wish for anything more from Him. A special gratitude I give to

the Director of Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson, of Solutions Technologies Limited, who

gave me the chance of doing internship with this esteem company. I say thank you very much

Director. To my boss and supervisor, Mr. Enock Wiafe, your contribution in stimulating

suggestions and encouragement is forever going to guide me in my accounting career path, thank

you sir. I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the important role of the staff of

Solutions Technologies Ghana, especially, Agnes Danso, who in spite of her duties, got time to

listen, guide and keep me on the correct path. To Beatrice and Eugene Addo, my internal audit

work could not have been completed without your time in providing the needed documents. I say

thank you.

Furthermore, distinguished appreciation also goes to the management of University of Professional

Studies most especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey. The Dean,

Dr. Raymond Dziwornu and the Head of Accounting Department (HOD), Dr. Mrs. Helena Ahulu

and all others involved in making internship part of the academic assessment to enable students

gain the aspiring work experience before graduating. Many thanks also goes to The Director,

Public Affairs, Mr JSK Agbenyo and the entire Industrial Relations Office for their unending

assistance. I can never forget to mention my Uncle and guardian, Mr. Solomon Anomah Larbi, if

it hadn’t been him, my education would have ended at the lower level, primary three (3). God bless

you daddy.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is an internship report, undertaken by Mr. Akonnor Owusu Larbi (10020849) at Solutions

Technologies Company Limited – Madina. The intern started his internship from 19th June to 18th August,

2017. In fulfillment of the requirement of the Degree, Professional and Tertiary Diploma programs

pursued at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, it is mandatory for level 300 students to have a

minimum of two (2) months practical industrial experience in their respective fields of training and

organization of their choice. An Industrial attachment is essential requirement for awarding of Bachelor

Degree Certificate in the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

The purposes of the internship is to prepare the student to serve the needs of industry and commerce

more effectively upon graduation. This included providing real life experience and exposure, thus gaining

first-hand exposure of working in the real world, granting the opportunity to learn more about the intern

self-potentials and abilities, getting connected and developing professional network, preventing CV from

going to trash during job application and transition to full-time job position. Internship allows students to

harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice they learnt in the University and enabling them to

transform theory into practical real life situations. The intern’s time with Solutions Technologies Limited

has really illuminated his knowledge and understanding of practical experience of the theories being

taught between the walls of the University lecture halls and in the corporate environment.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................................... 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1Background Of The Report .................................................................................................................. 5

1.2 Terms of Reference ............................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Purpose of Attachment/Expected Output ........................................................................................... 7

1.4.0 Profile of the Organization ................................................................................................................ 8

1.4.1 Background .......................................................................................................................................... 9

1.4.2Mission .................................................................................................................................................. 9

1.4.3Objectives.............................................................................................................................................. 9

2.0 FIELD OF EXPERIENCE............................................................................................................................ 11

2.1 Duties and schedules ........................................................................................................................... 11

2.2 Contributions of Student to the Organization .................................................................................. 14

2.3 Application of Theories to Real Life Situation ................................................................................. 15

3.0 LESSONS LEARNT................................................................................................................................... 17

4.0 CHALLENGES ......................................................................................................................................... 17

5.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 18

6.0RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 19

7.0 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 20

8. 0 APPENDIX 1. ......................................................................................................................................... 21

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of the Report

As part of my four (4) years Bachelor’s Degree studies in Accounting per the requirement of the

University of Professional Studies, Accra, it is mandatory for Level 300 students going to level

400 the next academic year to perform an internship. Students being degree or diploma are to

embark on this internship for minimum of two months to enable them obtain practical industrial

experience in the field of study and also to abreast themselves of the business environment. The

report is written at the end of the internship by the student to the institute which form part in the

awarding of the degree certificate. The intern did a nine (9)-week internship (19th June to 18th

August 2017) at Solutions Technologies Ghana Limited that was established in April 2010 as a

company limited by liability. Currently there are five (5) departments at the company (Finance

Department, Administration Department, Marketing Department, Sales Department and Technical

Department) and each one of them has been projected to comprise of several divisions. The intern

was assigned to the Finance Departments. The main duty was to assist the Accountant with

implementation of the goals of the department, which included various tasks depending on the

daily activities like checking of petty cash, payment vouchers, Bank Lodgment, Reconciliation,

Input of records in tally software and preparing of monthly financial reports. However, the

foremost area the intern specialized was Internal Audit. The intern was the first person ever to be

given this duty ever since the company was established. The intern started the internship by reading

the International Financial and Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Accounting

standards (IAS) in Financial Reporting. The Finance Director, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson,

urged to pay much attention to IAS 11, Construction contracts, since the company get most of its

revenue from Consultation relating to Telecom contracts in Zambia, DR. Congo, Cameroon and

few others to mention.

An internship is an extensive program through which an intern can learn the practical aspects of

what is taught between the four walls of the University lecture halls. The internship help students

to learn, know and understand what actually happen on the field as compared to what they have

studied in the school. This is a report on the purpose of carrying out the internship, the profile of

the chosen organization of the intern, duties and schedules performed in the organization, the

contributions of the intern to the organization, application of theories to real –life situations,

various lessons learnt by the intern, challenges encountered, conclusions drawn and

recommendations made by the intern.

1.2 Terms of Reference

In accordance to the Industrial Relations Office of the University of Professional Studies, Accra

(UPSA), as part of it academic policy for every student, at the end of level 300 (6th semester), the

university place students with various business organizations for a minimum period of two months

to enable them obtain practical industrial experience in their respective field of training and also

to submit a written report after the internship. As stated in the Undergraduate Students Handbook

2014/2016, the internship with it course code BCPC 401 is a three (3) credit hours course. The

internship report entails areas such as purpose of attachment, profile of the organization or

institution, contribution of student to organization, application of theories to real life situation,

challenges faced and lessons learnt from the organization as well as recommendations from

students.

1.3 Purpose of Attachment/Expected Output

By the requirements of the University Of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to the award of

degree and diploma certificates, it is a pre-condition that every student upon moving to the final

year undertake an industrial attachment with a selected organization of their choice. The internship

provides students the opportunity to gather some work experience relevant to their studies and

their professional work field. It helps the student to learn discipline and principles of working

ethics.

The following are the purposes of the internship:

1. An internship provides a real life experience and exposure. It enables the intern to gain

first-hand exposure of working in the real life which is remarkably valuable towards the

intern’s career.

2. It allows the student to harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice been taught in

the university. To provide the students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge in real

work situation thereby closing the gap between academic work and the actual practice.

3. Internship teaches young professionals about specific industries and companies they are

interested in, projects their self-potentials, abilities and shortcoming.

4. Get connected, develop professional network and transition to full-time position.

1.4.0 Profile of the Organization

1.4.1 Background

Solutions Technologies Limited (Solutec) is a licensed business operating under the Companies

Code of the Republic of Ghana offering IT Solutions and Consultancy with registration number

CS423302014. The company’s Head Office is situated at 4 Naa Adjetey Sowah Street, behind

Barclays Bank, Madina – Accra. It has a branch located at 52 Castle Road, Behind HFC Bank,

Adabraka- Accra. The company brands itself; Everything ICT.

Founded in April 2010, Solutions Technologies Limited is proud to be a one stop shop for

telecommunication and networking solutions in Ghana. Solutec provides not only excellent

services, but a complete array of robust telecommunication accessories nationwide with other

complimentary set of ICT Solutions. The company has a significant synergies with many African,

European and US institutions. There are five (5) departments at the company which is made up of

Finance Department, Administration Department, Marketing Department, Sales Department and

Technical Department.

1.4.2Mission

The mission statement of Solutions Technologies Ghana is to be a world class ICT Solution

provider with innovative and responsive services that support customer needs.

1.4.3Objectives

1. To be a leader in connectivity

2. Valuing customers and constantly building key relationships.

1.4.4Product Goods and Services

Solutions Technologies Limited offer the following services;

Consultancy & Tech Support: Solutions Technologies Ghana provides consultancy and

technology support in project management for corporate bodies on contract basis. The company

focuses on advising organizations on how best to use information technology in achieving their

business objectives. In addition to providing advice, Solutec often estimate, manage, implement,

deploy and administer IT Systems on behalf of their client organizations.

Sales: The Adabraka branch is concerned with sales of IT products, including Ubiquity, Mikrotik,

TP –Link, D- Link and Yeaster.

Renewable Energy Solutions: The Company is also into the sales and installation of solar panels

for individuals and corporate bodies.

Security Solutions: This includes services in CCTV Cameras, Access control, Car tracking, Time

& Attendance.

Telecommunication: This has to do with providing service relating to Wireless LAN, VoIP and

Satellite Dish. VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. This is the transmission of voice and

multimedia content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, Enterprise Local Area Networks or Wide

Area Networks.

Solutec Academy; Training & Courses including Hardware and Networking, Cisco, Information

Systems, System Analysis and Design, Certificate and Diploma in Information Technology and

Tally Software Certificate.

Web Solutions: Solutec Ghana is also involved with web design and web hosting. The company

offers industry experts. They create for their clients the best responsive website to date with the

latest trends and technologies.

2.0 FIELD OF EXPERIENCE

During the internship period, the intern was assigned to the Finance Departments at the Head

Office of Solutions Technologies Ghana. The Finance Department is responsible for the corporate

financial accounting function and oversight of the financial accounting processes of the company.

This includes: ensuring financial statements are completed timely and accurately in compliance

with GAAP, and that the company accounting records contain the information necessary to meet

reporting requirement to internal management, for tax compliance and reporting of financial results

to management. The main duty was to assist the Accountant with implementation of the goals of

the department, which included various tasks depending on the daily activities like checking of

petty cash, payment vouchers, Bank Lodgment, Reconciliation, Input of records in tally software

and preparing of monthly financial reports. However, the foremost area the intern specialized was

Internal Audit. The intern was the first person ever to be given this duty since the company was

established. Audit performed were external audits and risk assessment had never been done.

2.1 Duties and schedules

The intern was assigned to the following duties and responsibilities

1. Sales supervisor

2. Fixing of gondola shelving in Modern Trade shops outlets

3. Branding of Retail shops at Makola

4. Event setup for New Product launch

5. Brand activation for Dark and Lovely

6. Negotiation for merchandizing space for Mixa Cream at selected pharmacies

7.

Filing of Petty Cash Request Forms

The intern’s first duty was filing of petty cash request forms. The intern got to understand that

filling is the term used for the arrangement of documents in order to be able to find them easily

and quickly. The task given to the intern was to be done for every day. The intern was also to

ensure that petty cash above GH¢200 had supporting documents attached. Filing system is the

central record-keeping system for Solutions Technologies Ghana. It helps the company to be

organized, systematic, efficient and transparent. It also helps all people who want access to the

information do so more easily. Clip folders are used to hold petty cash request forms tightly so that

they do not fall.

Bank Statements Reconciliation

Another task assigned to the intern was reconciling the company’s bank statements. When the

company receives its bank statement, the company verifies that the amounts on the bank statement

are consistent or compatible with the amounts in the company’s cash account in its general ledger

and that of the general ledger is also consistent with the bank statement. This process of confirming

the amounts is referred to as reconciling of Bank Statement. The intern held this duty anytime it
had to be performed. After the reconciliation, the intern reported to his supervisor, the Accountant,

Mr. Enoch Wiafe.

Handled Accounts Receivables

One other duty the intern was responsible for was the handling of accounts receivables. Improper

managed accounts receivable is one of the most common causes of cash flow shortages. Since the

company has clients from Europe, US and other African Countries, some of the accounts

receivables were in US Dollars. The intern had the duty of confirming payments made by clients

according to account records and payments client claim they have made. This sometimes gets a

little bit challenging.

Planning and Providing Internal Controls on Cash Handling and Warehousing

Before the intern was assigned to perform an internal audit for the company’s branch at Adabraka-

Accra, he was made to plan and provide internal control measures on Cash Handling and

Warehousing. The intern designed a checklist to track and monitor internal controls in the company

and the areas that needs management attention. These internal controls enlightened the intern’s

knowledge on Risk Assessment that many organizations faces.

Planning the Budget for a new branch in Kumasi

Solutions Technologies Ghana has projected opening a new branch in Kumasi. The new branch

will be concerned with sales of IT products. The marketing department had already gone to the

region to do their market research and survey. The intern was assign with the planning of a detailed

budget. A budget is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. This detailed
budget included, salaries, advertising, rent, office expenses, cost of products, shipping charges and

profit projection, for the Kumasi Branch.

Planning and Performing of Internal Audit

The foremost area the intern specialized was Internal Audit. The intern was given the right to

conduct an official financial inspection of the company’s branch at Adabraka. This includes

organizing large amount of files to make sure they were in order before the preparation for internal

audit. Internal Audit is concerned with evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk

management, control and governance processes in an organization. The intern was given a deadline

to submit an audit report to management. The Audit was conducted for two (2) accounting periods,

January to December 2016 and January to June 2017. The audit particularly covered Revenue and

Expenses. The intern was made to generate a report to the Finance Director about the invoices,

sales, payment vouchers, petty cash and bank lodgment audited. The audit was to give a reasonable

assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement, either

caused by error or fraud.

2.2 Contributions of Student to the Organization

Planning and Providing Internal Controls on Cash Handling and Warehousing. The intern designed

a checklist to track and monitor internal controls in the company and the areas that needs

management’s attention. This task will assist management in tackling the hidden risk the company

has possibility of facing in the near future.

Planning and budgeting for a new branch of the company at Kumasi. The budget the intern drew

was applauded by the accountant. It gave a detailed analysis of the cost involved and revenue

projections. This project will resume latest by March 2017.

The intern also wrote a proposal to the accountant which involved a strategic sales generation

procedure. The proposal aimed to forge a strategic sales generation presentation to leverage the

customer base for the company’s distinct services.

Conducting of Internal Auditing and providing report. The intern solely conducted an internal audit

to establish the areas of risk regarding Revenue and Expenses of the company. He established

controls to address these risks and made recommendations where weakness or inefficiencies are

observed.

The interns understanding of responsibilities to a specific job, as well as willingness to get things

done, performing different activities with limited time and take responsibility for his actions were

exceptional.

2.3 Application of Theories to Real Life Situation

The internship provided the opportunity for the intern to understand practically how theories were
applied in the business world. The following are the application of theories to real life situations
at Solutions Technologies:
Communication Theory

Communication is the exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other

medium. It gives an explanation of the basic process individuals go through in order to gain

information and knowledge about other people. The intern had learnt communication skills with
course code BGEC 101 and Business Communication with course code BGEC 103, this gave the

intern exceptional interpersonal communication skills that made him understand how to approach,

talk and respond to different people of different backgrounds at the work place. The intern found

out that being able to apply communication theories to real life scenarios made him a better

communicator.

Cognitive Resource Theory

Cognitive Resource Theory is a topic under BCPC 207 which is Principles of leadership. This

course was taken in level 200 semester 1 by the intern. The theory explains how intelligence and

experience relate to stress. Intelligence is the main factor in low-stress situations, whilst experience

counts for more during high-stress moments. The intern inculcated this theory in the performance

of most duties.

Esprit de Corps

Esprit de corps is the feeling of camaraderie (solidarity) that exist among members of a group or

an organization. The intern had been at the company for the first few weeks but he was already

bound to the staff by a strong esprit de corps. There was unity among the staffs and this stretched

to the intern. The intern also realized that the staff of the company worked together as a team to

achieve the goals of the company, the output of one department served as the input for another

department. A practical example is, the marketing department gets a contract for the company,

administration department have the meeting with the client and agree on the terms and conditions

of the contract and finally the technical department execute the project. Before and after the

completion of the project, the accounts department computes all charges receivables.

Theory of Motivation
Apart from the payment of basic salaries to staff, there were also provisions designed to improve

conditions of workers at Solutions Technologies Limited. One good example is the surprise

celebration of staffs’ birthdays by the Finance Director. This was done to make subordinates feel

like they are in a family and encourage them to achieve a certain goal or level of performance.

3.0 LESSONS LEARNT

During the internship the intern learn the following lessons:

1. The intern now has good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(GAAP)

2. Strong PC Skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Tally Software.

3. Ability to work with different people (team work) in achieving departmental as well as

organizational goal.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

5. Strong organizational and time management skills.

6. Planning and Preparing of Audit.

7. Insight on Governance, Risk Assessment and Compliance

8. Learn the culture of the IT industry.

4.0 CHALLENGES

The major challenge the intern faced was a new Lifestyle. The internship gave a new lifestyle to

the intern. It made the intern woke up very early in the morning with the alarm clock at 5:30 am,

latest by 6 am to get ready for work. The intern sat for nine (9) to ten (10) good hours in a day
typing and preparing either reports or doing an online research about a particular task. Sometimes

the intern could close as late as 8:30 pm. The new life was quite jarring but productive. The hours

and the new living situation clearly made socializing more difficult than before. This challenge

later became normal and part of the intern’s daily life activities as the days moved on.

The intern also encountered financial difficulties including food and transportation. Financial

problems and challenges happen to everyone at some point, and the stress and worry can get to

anyone. However, realizing that there is an important task ahead to complete kept the intern going.

It is not easy to overcome it but with perseverance, determination and dedication, the task ahead

was achieved.

Conducting audit with no audit experience and assistance. To add, the intern was assigned to

conduct an internal audit of a branch of the company at Adabraka individually. This was a major

task for the intern as he had no prior audit experience. For the beginning, the intern found himself

wanting but as time went on, the intern gained practical experience on the job. The audit became

less difficult because the intern had completed a University course in Auditing just before vacation.

The intern therefore applied the theoretical aspect of the auditing learnt at school on the field.

All these challenges has helped the intern to gain valuable work experience and real life exposure.

It also allowed the student to harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice been taught in

the university.

5.0 CONCLUSION

The placement program was exclusively of boundless achievement to the intern. The internship

program aided the intern to have an in-depth knowledge about the practical problem solving in the
corporate world. The intern has been enlightened on the application of theories in real life

situations. Solutions Technologies Limited has offered the intern opportunities to learn and

develop himself in many areas. This internship has prepared the student to be ready to serve the

needs of industry and commerce more effectively upon graduation. This included providing real

life experience and exposure, thus gaining first-hand exposure of working in the real world,

granting the opportunity to learn more about the intern self-potentials and abilities, getting

connected and developing professional network. I gained a lot of experience, especially in the

conducting of internal audit. Before the placement took place, my ideas did not match the

experiences I have gained during my internship. This internship was definitely an introduction to

the actual work field for me. I have learned to work in a business organization and apply my

knowledge into practice. Deepest gratitude I give to the management of Solutions Technologies

Limited, most especially the Finance Director, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson, the accountant, Mr.

Enoch Wiafe and all the staff of the company for the great opportunity given to me for their careful

and exquisite guidance which were extremely valuable for my study both theoretically and

practically. I perceive this opportunity as a big breakthrough in my career development.

6.0RECOMMENDATIONS
To Management and Staff of Solutions Technologies Limited;

Solutions Technologies Limited should try and develop some control measures in relating to both

the Madina and Adabraka inventory room. Especially with Madina, a check sheet should be
provided and be with the secretary. Anytime someone wants to go there for any purpose, the person

has to sign and write the purpose and time he came for the inventory room keys. This will help to

hold persons that went there responsible for any missing stock.

Also, the malfunctioning POS machine at the Adabraka branch should be a major concern to

management. The machine should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Finally, Solutions Technologies should develop a customer support committee. The committee

will see to it that customers are frequently called and visited to observe services that were provided

to them by the company. The company should not wait for customers to call and complain about

faulty issues before they set off. This when done, will boost customer confidentiality in the

company and build a strong and lasting relationship.

To UPSA Industrial Relation

The industrial relation office and the different departments should connect with cooperate bodies

for internship placement to shun the struggles and strains students go through before securing

places for their attachment.

7.0 REFERENCES
University of Professional Studies Students’ Handbook.
Guideline for Internship Report University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA)

8. 0 APPENDIX 1.

INTERNSHIP FRAMEWORK

Objectives

The internship program as a three (3) credit hour course with course code BCPC 410 is to provide

a real life experience and exposure to the student. To enable the intern gain first-hand exposure of

working in the real life which is remarkably valuable towards the intern’s career.

APPENDIX 2

STAFF
I would like to thank all staff that provided assistance during the course of this internship, and
in particular:

1. Finance Director
2. Accountant
1. Secretary
1. Sales officers