The Role of Accounting Firm Internships in Shaping Career Paths: The Perspective of BSA Alumni
in Cebu City
A career is one of the most significant aspects of an individual’s life, influencing various social
dimensions. Super (1957) defines a career as "a sequence of positions occupied by a person during the
course of a lifetime," while Arthur et al. (1989, p.8) describe a career path as the evolving sequence of
work experiences over time. For a successful, fulfilling, and sustainable career, individuals must be aware
of themselves and other factors, and make their career plans accordingly. Individuals take action by
taking into account their future careers, especially during university education. One of the tools that many
individuals use in their exploring their career is internships. Internships helps students get exposure to the
real jobs and real organizations.
In accounting, practical experience is highly valued, making internships essential in preparing future
accountants for the profession’s demands. As a graduation requirement, internships allow students to
apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between academics and professional
practice. They provide hands-on experience in key accounting functions such as filing, encoding, basic
auditing, bookkeeping, and tax compliance (Fuentes et al., 2024). Beyond technical skills, internships
enhance students' ability to analyze financial data, communicate effectively, and contribute to decision-
making processes within a company (Min-En et al., 2024). Moreover, the quality of mentorship during
internships plays a crucial role in shaping students’ confidence, learning experience, and overall career
aspirations.
While the experiences gained from internships during the undergraduate period may motivate some
students to continue their career journey in the particular direction (Knouse & Fontenot, 2008), these
internship experience may also cause some students to change their career paths (Beard & Morton, 1998).
Some BSA alumni complete internships in accounting firms but ultimately choose not to work in them.
Instead, some opt for remote work or alternative career paths due to various factors. This trend
contributes to the ongoing CPA shortage in Cebu City, where many accounting firms struggle to find
qualified professionals (Monzon, 2024). Migration and outsourcing further reduce the local CPA
workforce, as many accountants prefer opportunities abroad or online positions with foreign companies.
Additionally, the demanding CPA licensure process and the perception of better opportunities elsewhere
have contributed to declining enrollment, with a 41% drop in accounting students and a 35% decrease in
CPA examinees from 2019 to 2023. While universities like the University of San Jose-Recoletos and the
University of San Carlos continue to produce topnotchers, the overall number of licensed CPAs remains
insufficient to meet industry demand. As a result, firms struggle to take on new clients, impacting the
financial stability of SMEs reliant on their services.
Prior studies highlight that internships play a vital role in helping students refine their career choices by
exposing them to workplace complexities, problem analysis, and real-world problem-solving experiences
that a classroom setting alone cannot provide, as highlighted by Benati et al. (2021). Similarly, Ahmad et
al. (2018) state that internship programs serve as a bridge between theory and practice through university-
industry collaboration, giving students firsthand exposure to their future careers. Hart et al. (2017) further
emphasize that providing interns with challenging work assignments and a supportive work environment
strengthens their commitment to both the firm and the profession.
According to Low Min-En et al. (2024), internships significantly enhance students' proficiency in
accounting software, deepen their understanding of accounting standards, and develop the technical skills
required in the profession. Likewise, Anjum (2020) argues that internships allow business students to
apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, reinforcing their grasp of accounting principles.
Fuentes et al. (2024) highlight that on-the-job training fosters professionalism, workplace skills, adaptive
resilience, and reflective learning, all of which contribute to an intern's professional growth. Additionally,
Amalia et al. (2021) assert that internship experiences help students recognize the importance of
knowledge and skills, ultimately strengthening their commitment to an accounting career. Yuliati et al.
(2025) also note that cognitive and affective experiences during internships influence students' intentions
to pursue careers as public accountants.
Although numerous studies have explored the benefits of internships for undergraduate business students,
there is limited research on how these experiences shape the long-term career decisions of BSA alumni.
Understanding their perspectives can provide deeper insights into the impact of accounting firm
internships beyond the academic setting.
However, while extensive studies have examined the benefits of internships for undergraduate business
students, limited research has explored these experiences from the perspective of BSA alumni who have
firsthand knowledge of how their accounting firm internships influenced their long-term career decisions.
This study examines the impact of accounting firm internships on the career choices and professional
paths of BSA alumni in Cebu City, particularly in their decision to pursue a CPA career. It aims to
identify the specific skills and competencies acquired through internships and assess their contribution to
employability and preparedness for real-world job responsibilities in the accounting profession.
Furthermore, the study explores the challenges and limitations encountered during internships and their
influence on career decisions. Prior empirical research has largely overlooked trainees' perspectives on
how internships shape perceived skill development and career prospects (Saidin et al., 2024). Therefore,
this study investigates the internship experiences of BSA alumni, focusing on skill acquisition, career
opportunities, and the potential impact of the institution of placement. Given the growing CPA shortage,
it is essential to understand whether internship experiences encourage graduates to stay in the profession
or pursue alternative career paths.
This study is significant as it explores the role of accounting firm internships on the career choices of
BSA graduates, particularly whether they pursue a CPA career or shift to alternative fields. For BSA
undergraduates, it provides valuable insights into the skills, challenges, and opportunities encountered
during internships, helping them make informed career decisions. For educational institutions, the
findings offer guidance on enhancing internship programs to better align with industry needs and
encourage more graduates to remain in the accounting profession. Additionally, accounting firms and
policymakers can use this study to develop strategies for improving internship structures, mentorship
programs, and career development initiatives to address the workforce gap. Ultimately, this study
contributes to strengthening the accounting profession and ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified
professionals to support the country’s economic and financial sectors.
This study focuses on BSA alumni in Cebu City who have completed accounting firm internships.
Specifically, it covers graduates from four autonomous universities in Cebu City that offer a BS
Accountancy program: Cebu Institute of Technology University, University of San Jose-Recoletos,
University of San Carlos, and University of the Visayas. It seeks to evaluate how these experiences
shaped their career paths, whether they reinforced their decision to continue in the accounting profession,
and what challenges or opportunities they encountered. Additionally, this study examines whether the
internship of the BSA graduates in accounting firms played a role in influencing their career decisions.
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