Each year, ALL CPAs is joined by a group of impressive interns for tax season. Learn more about the young professionals completing their tax internships with the firm in our ALL CPAs Intern Spotlights. In this spotlight, learn more about Bertine Fils-Aimé of Suffolk University.
1. Hi Bertine, can you tell us a little about yourself? Where did you grow up and attend school?
Well, I was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. I moved to the United States about ten years ago. I graduated From Saugus High School in 2016, and now I am working towards my MSA at Suffolk University.
2. Thank you for coming back to ALL CPAs for your second-year internship (we are thrilled to have you back), and congratulations on graduating from Lasell University with your Accounting degree. I now understand you are pursuing your MSA from Suffolk University. What was it like graduating from college during the pandemic and starting your Master’s program during it also?
Thank you, Chris. Honestly, it was a bitter-sweet moment; I was happy to be done, but I really wanted to walk across the stage. I’ve always dreamed of that moment, but it wasn’t possible because of the pandemic. Being a Master’s student in the middle of a pandemic is challenging, not because of the workload but because I cannot have a relationship with my peers or my professor in a Zoom setting. This is the new norm, though, so I have to get used to it.
3. Are most of your courses done over Zoom? How do they conduct tests remotely?
Yes, all my courses are conducted over Zoom. Last semester I had one course on campus, and it gave me a sense of normalcy, which I haven’t felt in a while. For our exams, we take them on Zoom, and our camera must be on at all times.
4. Switching topics, if not a CPA, what’s another career could you see yourself pursuing?
If not a CPA, I would be an artist. I love drawing, it’s how I express myself and my feelings. If I’m stressed out, I just draw until the stress Is gone
5. What is your favorite social media platform?
My favorite social media platform is definitely TikTok. It’s was has kept me sane during this pandemic. It’s an easy way to pass a lot of time.
6. Favorite book, movie or TV show you would recommend?
A show that I would recommend is Lupin on Netflix. It’s like Sherlock Holmes but with spice.
7. What is your favorite food or meal?
My favorite meal is a Haitian dish called Griot. It’s fried plantains with pork and spicy Pikliz (Very spicy ! Shredded cabbages, carrots, and onions).
8. When things get back to normal, what are you most looking forward to doing?
I’m most looking forward to seeing my friends and being able to hug them.
9. Any advice to students who are thinking of doing an internship?
I think every student should think about completing an internship. It gives you an upper hand when it comes to applying for a job after college. Also, you’ll be able to apply the skills you have learned in class and learn how things work in the real world.
10. Favorite thing about being an ALL CPAs intern?
I love the fact that I could be in the office last year and experience a healthy work environment, be able to laugh with everyone in the office and get our work done. The people have an enormous part to play in the work environment, and it’s an open environment for those who want to learn!
Interested in learning more about an internship at ALL CPAs? Head over to our careers page here.