Intern Insights: Aoife McKenna, Audit & Assurance Intern at Deloitte Ireland

Aoife McKenna is entering her third year of the Master’s in Accounting at Queen’s University Belfast. This summer, she joined Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance team in the Consumer & Technology Business sector to gain hands-on experience and a real-world understanding of audit. She was drawn to Deloitte by its strong values, particularly its focus on leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration. Aoife is excited to continue learning, contributing, and developing her skills in a team that shares these values.

Stepping into Deloitte

I'll be honest. The thought of starting my internship at Deloitte, spending five days in Dublin with new faces, and stepping completely out of my comfort zone had me wide awake at night. But when the day finally arrived, I was buzzing with excitement. After an early start and a two-hour train ride, I found myself outside Deloitte’s Dublin office. Nerves kicked in (hello, imposter syndrome). But walking into the foyer and being greeted by friendly fellow interns quickly put me at ease. From that moment, it was clear that Deloitte’s inclusive and welcoming culture was the real deal.

We kicked things off with icebreaker activities, including a fun session discovering our business chemistry types. We also heard from partners and managers who gave us insights into Deloitte’s culture and daily life at the firm. From evening quizzes to networking events, there was never a dull moment.

From Coffee Catch-Ups to Real Connections

Back in the Belfast office, I was welcomed with a warm lunch and an even warmer team. Morning catch-ups kept me on track. While my desk often echoed with “Wait, what?” followed by “Ohhh, I get it now!”, I was never alone. My buddy and mentor were always there to guide and support me. This truly reflected Deloitte’s collaborative culture.

One of my favourite moments was a pizza lunch with partners, managers, and fellow interns. It was relaxed, friendly, and full of genuine conversation. Between office coffees, networking lunches, and post-work dinners with other interns, I soon knew all the names and faces. Everyone, from associates to partners, greets you with a smile.

Educate & Elevate Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, we hopped on the train back to Dublin for our Educate & Elevate workshops. These sessions helped us develop real-world skills such as resilience, personal branding, and presentation techniques. They were also a chance to reconnect with other regional interns (and grab a burrito or sweet treat afterward). I’ll always be grateful for the friendships I made along the way.

Advice for Future Interns

Say yes – Step out of your comfort zone and grab every opportunity.

Believe in yourself – Deloitte chose you for a reason.

Ask questions – Don’t sit in silence; support is just a quick Teams message away.

Enjoy every moment – The nine weeks fly by, so take notes, make memories, and soak it all in.