Here are a series of questions (FAQ) to answer your main concerns about internships at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
You can of course contact us at any time if you want to know more.
Recruitment process
- When are the internship periods?
- When can CEGEP students apply for an internship? Is it better to contact the manager of the location where I would like to intern?
- What are recruiters looking for when assessing good candidates?
- How can I prepare for the interview?
- Would a fall internship be as interesting from a tasks and pace perspective?
- Do you offer internships in areas other than audit?
Internship experience
- Are the internships online or in person?
- Can I do a fulltime internship while studying part-time?
- Do you offer internships outside Montréal?
- What is the biggest challenge interns face?
- What are Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s performance evaluation measures during the internship and what do I need to achieve?
Career with us
- What can you tell me about Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s corporate culture?
- What are Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s diversity measures?
- How will the practical experience help me in my accounting career?
- Do you have job opportunities after the CFE?
When are the internship periods?
The internship or practical experience periods differ by region and by team.
Winter
Winter internships generally start in January, after the Holiday break, and end just before the start of the summer term, in April.
Summer
Summer internships generally start in May. We guarantee a summer internship of at least ten weeks. However, depending on the teams’ needs, the period may be extended.
Fall
We also offer internships for that time of the year, but the start date and duration differ depending on the team.
When can CEGEP students apply for an internship? Is it better to contact the manager of the location where I would like to intern?
If your professional or CEGEP studies are in process, you can apply at any time for a College Internship directly on our website. The best time to apply for a spring college internship is from December to February.
What are recruiters looking for when assessing good candidates?
At Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, we’re looking for candidates who show initiative and have the ability to collaborate in order to complete assignments, while progressing within our teams. As this is an internship, we do not ask for any specific experience because our goal is to support the development of skills and knowledge. We only ask for an up-to-date transcript in order to assess whether candidates are on track to succeed if they wish to continue their studies. We will also be able to support and equip them to reach this goal if they have some difficulties.
How can I prepare for the interview?
Our interviews are really in a discussion format. We want to get to know the candidates and see if they have the potential to grow within our teams. Our interviews are not designed to trap candidates on technical topics.
These video clips provide information and tools for future interns.
I’ve heard that winter internships are during the busy period. Would a fall internship be as interesting from a tasks and pace perspective?
Absolutely, and some of our teams have busier periods in the summer and fall. However, a winter internship still provides the most training as it comes at a busy time for everyone.
Do you offer internships in areas other than audit?
We have opportunities in tax, advisory services and IT.
Are the internships online or in person?
Since we have been allowed to work on our premises again, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton has adopted a hybrid work model.
Can I do a fulltime internship while studying part-time?
Yes, you can. A good example is Graduate Certificate or National Program students who work on a fulltime basis in our teams.
Do you offer internships outside Montréal?
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton has some 100 offices across the network. They are primarily in Québec, but also in Ottawa and Edmundston. We offer internships in the four corners of the province, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Abitibi and Saguenay.
What is the biggest challenge interns face?
Applying the theory learned in school and putting it into practice. The process and experience are quite different. However, mentors are available to accompany you and help you develop your work structure in order to proceed step by step in carrying out an assignment.
What are Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s performance evaluation measures during the internship and what do I need to achieve?
Internships are really about learning. They’re not about performance and competition, but rather collaboration and learning to develop interns for their future accounting careers. Mentors and colleagues are available if certain tasks or aspects are more difficult to assimilate.
What can you tell me about Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s corporate culture?
Teamwork, collaboration and fun are essential. You will have the opportunity to join our mentoring program. You will be followed by a CPA mentor and supervised by an experienced manager. Their goal is to guide and support your professional development along the way.
What are Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s diversity measures?
A cross-disciplinary action committee made up of partners and employees from all regions has been set up to promote inclusion and diversity through various clear objectives that will directly impact the firm’s decisions:
- Promote a human resources management philosophy that respects employment equity;
- Encourage employees to voluntarily identify themselves as members of a designated diversity group;
- Develop an employment equity plan, including quantitative goals for closing representation gaps;
- Regularly inform all employees of actions taken and progress made in achieving employment equity.
“There are many benefits to having a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, starting with greater potential for innovation and a stronger sense of belonging. Within our firm, the values of diversity and inclusion must be reflected every day in our behaviours, in all our regions, at all levels.” – Christine Regimbal, Diversity and Inclusion Leader
How will the practical experience help me in my accounting career?
In the words of an intern: “With an internship, you get a vision of things that is much more practical and true-to-life. At the Graduate Certificate level, there are a lot of simulations. It is therefore easier to make comparisons with what you learned during the internship. Also, when you start an internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, you have to quickly develop your resourcefulness, self-sufficiency and work discipline, and that carries over into your studies afterwards.”
Do you have job opportunities after the CFE?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, with some of our internships, especially in assurance and audit, we offer the possibility of doing all your internships within our teams and coming back as a permanent employee after you’ve passed the CFE to start your career with us.
We offer permanent position opportunities for those who have successfully completed the CFE so they can complete the internship requirement for their CPA designation.
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Moving up in a business is quite challenging. Find out what an expert from our firm has to say about doing it the right way.
A member of our team since his first internship in 2010, it is fair to say that Vincent d’Auteuil, now Senior Manager – Transaction Support, has rapidly risen through the ranks. Looking back on his career, he shared some tips that helped him quickly make his mark.
1. Ask questions
Vincent is adamant that curiosity is the best ally for entering the job market. He believes that the most promising candidates are those who discuss their questions with their team and who are constantly looking for ways to improve.
The worst mistake, he says, is not being honest about your assigned tasks. The repercussions can be detrimental in terms of time and resources. His advice is clear: “Never hesitate to ask questions to help you understand your work. This can only be beneficial in your superior’s eyes and will make your job much easier.”
2. Take a step back
What do you bring to the team? It’s important to think about what you can contribute. This way, you also contribute to the firm’s efficiency. Take a step back and think about the various objectives of your work. This will help you better understand the motivations behind a task and perhaps suggest more effective ways to proceed. Creative and efficient people are always in demand!
3. Learn how to communicate well
During his career, Vincent has come across a number of mentors who had some sound advice for him. The most important thing he learned? Develop the ability to express yourself, to say what you think and not always say yes.
Communication between team members is fundamental. Check in with your colleagues, adjust to their ways of doing things, but stay true to yourself. Assert yourself when necessary, but always be diplomatic. Choose the right words and don’t hesitate to meet individually with your colleagues if you feel the need to express your feelings.
Empathy is an essential quality for making your way in business, so never forget to create strong bonds with your team.
4. Believe in yourself
When talking about the early days of his career, Vincent remembers that he was worried about disrupting, being annoying, not being up to the task. These feelings are normal at the beginning of your career, but you have to learn to believe in yourself. Your desire to learn and excel, your passion must override your fear.
Compromises and solutions exist; it is up to you to suggest them when you feel you need help. This unpretentious self-confidence will certainly help you progress, improve and find your place. In addition to improving your personal development, you will be able to better seize the professional opportunities available to you.
5. Find your balance
Although work is important, it should not become your only focus. There must be a balance with your private life. Vincent considers that this balance is essential to avoid falling into a damaging, stressful cycle. Knowing how to let go in the quieter periods is just as necessary as knowing how to invest yourself in your profession positively and with passion.
Ready to climb the ladder? It’s your turn to prove yourself!
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An IT career with us means…
- Access to leading-edge development solutions and platforms (Microsoft Azure, Angular, .Net Core, MongoDB, Node.js, Infrastructure Cloud, Cubes, SSAS, SQL Server, SSIS, Power BI, Python, Nest.js, ServiceNow, etc.);
- Use of methodologies such as Agile, DevOps and ITIL, tailored to project types and client needs (development, operations, infrastructure or security);
- World-class software packages such as Oracle Fusion, Workday and Cornerstone;
- An environment safeguarded by the best security practices (CASB, MDR, PAM);
- Expertise in change management and user training for IT solutions.
Four teams, one group:
- IT security;
- Applications and solutions development;
- BI development – business intelligence;
- Business analysis;
- Technology operations and support;
- Project and change management.
Boost your career! But why choose us?
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration;
- Ongoing technical training incentive with our Pluralsight license;
- Significant flexibility provided by the management team, which encourages personal initiative;
- Internal career advancement opportunities;
- Highlighting of know-how through daily knowledge sharing;
- Possibility of working on several projects at the same time and being at the heart of the action;
- Opportunity to develop by participating in several areas of interest in the projects;
- Diverse responsibilities, without compartmentalization.
If you are curious, determined and with a sense of integrity, while having the willingness to excel as a team, join us now!
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Our managers play a crucial role with our interns. They support our new staff, ensure that they are fully integrated into their team and support their professional development, in collaboration with our mentors.
Managers also have the role of accompanying interns and following up on their development by guiding them through the firm’s various training programs and numerous career opportunities in assurance, consulting and tax.
Two of our managers, Anne-Sophie Bélanger et Alain Tremblay, share their vision of the role of manager, as well as a few tips to help you successfully integrate as soon as you join Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
Annie-Sophie Bélanger