[933127]

This past summer I had trouble finding an accounting internship but I got hired as an accounting clerk (temp. job). I worked for 2 1/2 months and for the very first time got a job that was related to my major(accounting). I did a pretty good job and they appreciated my help. I had to leave after 2 1/2 months because I had to leave for school again. I got their phone numbers, email, thanked them and gave the staff and senior accountant a hug. I asked them if they would need assistance again next summer, and they told me they are usually understaffed and need intern/temporary hires to help out. I wasn't the first temp they've hired (they've had 3 or 4 temps before me in the past) They told me to keep in touch before summer 2014 begins so they can plan tasks out for me to do. Does this mean I was offered a return offer for summer 2014?

I like to add they were a credit card processing office. Only two accountants there. One is staff other is senior. Everyone else were customer support who picked up phones and answered questions. They told me to keep in touch, does this mean I should email them every once in a while and say hello and talk about how I am doing in my accounting courses in college throughout the year or just during early spring before summer begins and perhaps ask for a summer position? Also is a temp accounting job better/equal/ or worse than an actual accounting internship?

[A_Space_Between]

I would keep in touch. It is entirely possible that they will hire you back for the summer of 2014. They could also become contacts in your field that may help you with networking and finding a permanent job after graduation. If you haven't already, you may want to try emailing one of them to ask for a reference for your resume.

[933127]

Originally Posted by A_Space_Between

I would keep in touch. It is entirely possible that they will hire you back for the summer of 2014. They could also become contacts in your field that may help you with networking and finding a permanent job after graduation. If you haven't already, you may want to try emailing one of them to ask for a reference for your resume.

I have already asked them for email and phone number and been granted permission to have them included as references. By keep in touch do you think they mean throughout the year or just in the spring when summer is apporaching? They told me to keep in touch, I didn't bother to ask them what that means to them, its a broad statement.

A lot of folks are pleasantly surprised when they get a message saying, "Hey, I don't need anything. I'm just dropping you a line to..." I've found this works really well during holiday seasons or if you know something personal about them like a birthday. Much better than e-cards.

If they don't bring it up proactively, your next contact about a job will probably be very well-received. Personally, I would always try to check-in with someone, once, months before you asking them for something.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by 933127

I have already asked them for email and phone number and been granted permission to have them included as references. By keep in touch do you think they mean throughout the year or just in the spring when summer is apporaching? They told me to keep in touch, I didn't bother to ask them what that means to them, its a broad statement.

I'd send them a Christmas card in November, see if they need help during that break for a couple weeks (not using the temp agency, just working on the fly for them)? But I'd mostly wait until around February/tax season to let them know if you are interested in working with them next summer (or apply then for an internship again). Being aware of what sorts of jobs accountants do and how busy CPA's, etc. are during tax season and that you have "chosen" the credit card processors over other possible scenarios will subtly show them you really liked them, as much as they say they liked you (i.e., the feeling is mutual :-)

I'd say your job was about as good as an internship, except an internship might have been with an accounting firm so you got more than just credit card accounting experience. As you know, there are lots of different "types"/applications for accounting and an internship probably would have a greater chance of introducing you to more variety. But it depends on what you want to do with your degree when you get out.

[933127]

Thank you for the advice so far. If anyone else is reading this please leave your thoughts and advice.

[healingme4me]

If anything, I've learned, it's not official until it's in writing. (which, even then I've witnessed a couple snafus)

Keep in touch, to me, sounds like, keep us posted to your availability and if you are showing interest in us, then we will do our best to keep you at the top of our 'bring back' list.

[933127]

So does keep in touch mean I should like email them and do some catch up talk with them? Do I keep in touch year round, or just email them around Februrary and March 2014 and ask them if they would need help for summer 2014? My main concern is what does keep in touch mean and what do you think my chances are 0%......100% for 2014?

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by 933127

So does keep in touch mean I should like email them and do some catch up talk with them? Do I keep in touch year round, or just email them around Februrary and March 2014 and ask them if they would need help for summer 2014? My main concern is what does keep in touch mean and what do you think my chances are 0%......100% for 2014?

Personally, I'd probably contact them twice. Once around the holidays, with a little holiday card to the entire office!
And second, around 2 months, before your availability, to discuss summer opportunities. Mentioning, the positive experience you had, and what your schedule looks like, for when you will be available to begin work.
I had an employer, throughout college. Summer recalls were pretty much guaranteed for the work we were doing. I managed to work, year round, with 16-24 hours a week, during semesters and 40+ hours during vacations. I went to college 45 minutes away from home, making it possible to pull that off. I planned my semester schedules and classes around my work days.

[933127]

healingme4me:

So what work did you do, was it similiar to mine? By the way thank you for your answer.

[933127]

If anyone else has thier thought please post.....I was actually kinda hoping for more of everyone else's insight.