Student Name: Carmelita Pomaquiza
Major/Program: Accounting
Internship Site: Total Tax Services
Role/Title: Tax Preparer
Semester/Year: Spring 2026

A meaningful skill I developed during my time at Total Tax Services was communication. Whether it was feeling comfortable asking questions or sitting down with clients and making small talk to keep them engaged, I learned how important effective communication is in a professional setting. I am now more confident communicating with others, especially when asking for help or clarification.

Before this internship, I didn’t realize how rewarding preparing taxes could be. Seeing clients happy with their tax returns has become my favorite part of the experience. Being able to relieve some of their stress and seeing the trust they place in Total Tax Services showed me another reason why this internship has been so valuable.

One challenge I faced was learning how to transfer tax information from one state to another. I was initially confused about the process until my supervisor walked me through how to transfer the amounts correctly. Now, I keep a sticky note reminder that I refer to every time I come to my internship. This has helped me become more confident and comfortable with the process.

One unique task I was assigned was bookkeeping for a business client’s income and expenses for the 2025 calendar year. The project took approximately 12–16 hours to complete, and the information was entered into the client’s tax return. The client had bags full of receipts and paperwork documenting everyday expenses, making it quite an interesting project and a memorable part of my experience.

My advice for future interns would be to consider completing an internship at a tax office. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is what internships are for: learning what it is really like to work in a particular profession. Take advantage of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn what to expect in the real world.