Writing AN Internship Report A Sample PDF

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WRITING AN INTERNSHIP REPORT: A SAMPLE In line with Wikipedia’s narration, An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organisation for a limited period of time. It is an opportunity that employers offer to students interested in gaining work experience in particular industries. With this piece of work I have put together, learn more about what internships are and why students like myself benefited from them. This is a practical work I submitted to my University, University of Professional Studies – Accra (UPSA), an accredited member of

the

Council

for Business Schools

and

Programmes (ACBSP) in America. I did this work in 2017, a year before I will be graduating. Learn as much and have a feel about the 3 months internship experience. When you are done with yours, let other people also benefit from your experience as I have done. One day, someone you would never meet in this life, will be glad to read your piece of work and benefit as much.

UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA (UPSA)

SURNAME: LARBI OTHER NAMES: AKONNOR OWUSU ID NUMBER:

LEVEL: 400

PROGRAMME OF STUDY: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING SESSION: MORNING SESSION NAME OF ORGANIZATION: SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED INTERNSHIP PERIOD: 19TH JUNE, 2017 TO 18TH AUGUST, 2017 REPORT SUBMISSION DATE:

SIGNATURE:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT As my academics and internship experience are success, I express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me the opportunity and guidance. First and foremost, I thank the almighty Lord for giving me Life. I cannot wish for anything more from Him. A special gratitude I give to the Director of Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson, of Solutions Technologies Limited, who gave me the chance of doing internship with this esteem company. I say thank you very much Director. To my boss and supervisor, Mr. Enock Wiafe, your contribution in stimulating suggestions and encouragement is forever going to guide me in my accounting career path, thank you sir. I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the important role of the staff of Solutions Technologies Ghana, especially, Agnes Danso, who in spite of her duties, got time to listen, guide and keep me on the correct path. To Beatrice and Eugene Addo, my internal audit work could not have been completed without your time in providing the needed documents. I say thank you. Furthermore, distinguished appreciation also goes to the management of University of Professional Studies most especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey. The Dean, Dr. Raymond Dziwornu and the Head of Accounting Department (HOD), Dr. Mrs. Helena Ahulu and all others involved in making internship part of the academic assessment to enable students gain the aspiring work experience before graduating. Many thanks also goes to The Director, Public Affairs, Mr JSK Agbenyo and the entire Industrial Relations Office for their unending assistance. I can never forget to mention my Uncle and guardian, Mr. Solomon Anomah Larbi, if it hadn’t been him, my education would have ended at the lower level, primary three (3). God bless you daddy.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is an internship report, undertaken by Mr. Akonnor Owusu Larbi (10020849) at Solutions Technologies Company Limited – Madina. The intern started his internship from 19th June to 18th August, 2017. In fulfillment of the requirement of the Degree, Professional and Tertiary Diploma programs pursued at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, it is mandatory for level 300 students to have a minimum of two (2) months practical industrial experience in their respective fields of training and organization of their choice. An Industrial attachment is essential requirement for awarding of Bachelor Degree Certificate in the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The purposes of the internship is to prepare the student to serve the needs of industry and commerce more effectively upon graduation. This included providing real life experience and exposure, thus gaining first-hand exposure of working in the real world, granting the opportunity to learn more about the intern self-potentials and abilities, getting connected and developing professional network, preventing CV from going to trash during job application and transition to full-time job position. Internship allows students to harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice they learnt in the University and enabling them to transform theory into practical real life situations. The intern’s time with Solutions Technologies Limited has really illuminated his knowledge and understanding of practical experience of the theories being taught between the walls of the University lecture halls and in the corporate environment.

Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.................................................................................................................................2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................3 1.0 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................4 1.1Background Of The Report.............................................................................................................4 1.2 Terms of Reference..........................................................................................................................5 1.3 Purpose of Attachment/Expected Output......................................................................................6 1.4.0 Profile of the Organization...........................................................................................................7 1.4.1 Background.................................................................................................................................7 1.4.2Mission........................................................................................................................................7 1.4.3Objectives....................................................................................................................................8 2.0 FIELD OF EXPERIENCE............................................................................................................................9 2.1 Duties and schedules......................................................................................................................10 2.2 Contributions of Student to the Organization.............................................................................12 2.3 Application of Theories to Real Life Situation.............................................................................13 3.0 LESSONS LEARNT.................................................................................................................................15 4.0 CHALLENGES........................................................................................................................................16 5.0 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................17 6.0RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................................................................18 7.0 REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................19 8. 0 APPENDIX 1.........................................................................................................................................19

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1Background of the Report As part of my four (4) years Bachelor’s Degree studies in Accounting per the requirement of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, it is mandatory for Level 300 students going to level 400 the next academic year to perform an internship. Students being degree or diploma are to embark on this internship for minimum of two months to enable them obtain practical industrial experience in the field of study and also to abreast themselves of the business environment. The report is written at the end of the internship by the student to the institute which form part in the awarding of the degree certificate. The intern did a nine (9)-week internship (19 th June to 18th August 2017) at Solutions Technologies Ghana Limited that was established in April 2010 as a company limited by liability. Currently there are five (5) departments at the company (Finance Department, Administration Department, Marketing Department, Sales Department and Technical Department) and each one of them has been projected to comprise of several divisions. The intern was assigned to the Finance Departments. The main duty was to assist the Accountant with implementation of the goals of the department, which included various tasks depending on the daily activities like checking of petty cash, payment vouchers, Bank Lodgment, Reconciliation, Input of records in tally software and preparing of monthly financial reports. However, the foremost area the intern specialized was Internal Audit. The intern was the first person ever to be given this duty ever since the company was established. The intern started the internship by reading the International Financial and Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Accounting standards (IAS) in Financial Reporting. The Finance Director, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson, urged to pay much attention to IAS 11, Construction contracts, since

the company get most of its revenue from Consultation relating to Telecom contracts in Zambia, DR. Congo, Cameroon and few others to mention. An internship is an extensive program through which an intern can learn the practical aspects of what is taught between the four walls of the University lecture halls. The internship help students to learn, know and understand what actually happen on the field as compared to what they have studied in the school. This is a report on the purpose of carrying out the internship, the profile of the chosen organization of the intern, duties and schedules performed in the organization, the contributions of the intern to the organization, application of theories to real –life situations, various lessons learnt by the intern, challenges encountered, conclusions drawn and recommendations made by the intern.

1.2 Terms of Reference

In accordance to the Industrial Relations Office of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), as part of it academic policy for every student, at the end of level 300 (6 th semester), the university place students with various business organizations for a minimum period of two months to enable them obtain practical industrial experience in their respective field of training and also to submit a written report after the internship. As stated in the Undergraduate Students Handbook 2014/2016, the internship with it course code BCPC 401 is a three (3) credit hours course. The internship report entails areas such as purpose of attachment, profile of the organization or institution, contribution of student to organization, application of theories to real life situation, challenges faced and lessons learnt from the organization as well as recommendations from students.

1.3 Purpose of Attachment/Expected Output By the requirements of the University Of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to the award of degree and diploma certificates, it is a pre-condition that every student upon moving to the final year undertake an industrial attachment with a selected organization of their choice. The internship provides students the opportunity to gather some work experience relevant to their studies and their professional work field. It helps the student to learn discipline and principles of working ethics. The following are the purposes of the internship:  An internship provides a real life experience and exposure. It enables the intern to gain first-hand exposure of working in the real life which is remarkably valuable towards the intern’s career.  It allows the student to harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice been taught in the university. To provide the students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge in real work situation thereby closing the gap between academic work and the actual practice.  Internship teaches young professionals about specific industries and companies they are interested in, projects their self-potentials, abilities and shortcoming.  Get connected, develop professional network and transition to full-time position.

1.4.0 Profile of the Organization 1.4.1 Background

Solutions Technologies Limited (Solutec) is a licensed business operating under the Companies Code of the Republic of Ghana offering IT Solutions and Consultancy with registration number CS423302014. The company’s Head Office is situated at 4 Naa Adjetey Sowah Street, behind Barclays Bank, Madina – Accra. It has a branch located at 52 Castle Road, Behind HFC Bank, Adabraka- Accra. The company brands itself; Everything ICT. Founded in April 2010, Solutions Technologies Limited is proud to be a one stop shop for telecommunication and networking solutions in Ghana. Solutec provides not only excellent services, but a complete array of robust telecommunication accessories nationwide with other complimentary set of ICT Solutions. The company has a significant synergies with many African, European and US institutions. There are five (5) departments at the company which is made up of Finance Department, Administration Department, Marketing Department, Sales Department and Technical Department.

1.4.2Mission

The mission statement of Solutions Technologies Ghana is to be a world class ICT Solution provider with innovative and responsive services that support customer needs.

1.4.3Objectives  To be a leader in connectivity  Valuing customers and constantly building key relationships.

1.4.4Product Goods and Services Solutions Technologies Limited offer the following services; Consultancy & Tech Support: Solutions Technologies Ghana provides consultancy and technology support in project management for corporate bodies on contract basis. The company focuses on advising organizations on how best to use information technology in achieving their business objectives. In addition to providing advice, Solutec often estimate, manage, implement, deploy and administer IT Systems on behalf of their client organizations. Sales: The Adabraka branch is concerned with sales of IT products, including Ubiquity, Mikrotik, TP –Link, D- Link and Yeaster. Renewable Energy Solutions: The Company is also into the sales and installation of solar panels for individuals and corporate bodies. Security Solutions: This includes services in CCTV Cameras, Access control, Car tracking, Time & Attendance. Telecommunication: This has to do with providing service relating to Wireless LAN, VoIP and Satellite Dish. VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. This is the transmission of voice and multimedia content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, Enterprise Local Area Networks or Wide Area Networks.

Solutec Academy; Training & Courses including

Hardware and Networking, Cisco,

Information Systems, System Analysis and Design, Certificate and Diploma in Information Technology and Tally Software Certificate. Web Solutions: Solutec Ghana is also involved with web design and web hosting. The company offers industry experts. They create for their clients the best responsive website to date with the latest trends and technologies.

2.0 FIELD OF EXPERIENCE During the internship period, the intern was assigned to the Finance Departments at the Head Office of Solutions Technologies Ghana. The Finance Department is responsible for the corporate financial accounting function and oversight of the financial accounting processes of the company. This includes: ensuring financial statements are completed timely and accurately in compliance with GAAP, and that the company accounting records contain the information necessary to meet reporting requirement to internal management, for tax compliance and reporting of financial results to management. The main duty was to assist the Accountant with implementation of the goals of the department, which included various tasks depending on the daily activities like checking of petty cash, payment vouchers, Bank Lodgment, Reconciliation, Input of records in tally software and preparing of monthly financial reports. However, the foremost area the intern specialized was Internal Audit. The intern was the first person ever to be given this duty since the company was established. Audit performed were external audits and risk assessment had never been done.

2.1 Duties and schedules The intern was assigned to the following duties and responsibilities  Filing of Petty Cash Request Forms  Bank Statements Reconciliation  Handled Accounts Receivables  Planning and Providing Internal Controls on Cash Handling and Warehousing  Planning the Budget for a new branch in Kumasi  Planning and Performing of Internal Audit Filing of Petty Cash Request Forms The intern’s first duty was filing of petty cash request forms. The intern got to understand that filling is the term used for the arrangement of documents in order to be able to find them easily and quickly. The task given to the intern was to be done for every day. The intern was also to ensure that petty cash above GH¢200 had supporting documents attached. Filing system is the central record-keeping system for Solutions Technologies Ghana. It helps the company to be organized, systematic, efficient and transparent. It also helps all people who want access to the information do so more easily. Clip folders are used to hold petty cash request forms tightly so that they do not fall. Bank Statements Reconciliation Another task assigned to the intern was reconciling the company’s bank statements. When the company receives its bank statement, the company verifies that the amounts on the bank statement are consistent or compatible with the amounts in the company’s cash account in its

general ledger and that of the general ledger is also consistent with the bank statement. This process of confirming the amounts is referred to as reconciling of Bank Statement. The intern held this duty anytime it had to be performed. After the reconciliation, the intern reported to his supervisor, the Accountant, Mr. Enoch Wiafe. Handled Accounts Receivables One other duty the intern was responsible for was the handling of accounts receivables. Improper managed accounts receivable is one of the most common causes of cash flow shortages. Since the company has clients from Europe, US and other African Countries, some of the accounts receivables were in US Dollars. The intern had the duty of confirming payments made by clients according to account records and payments client claim they have made. This sometimes gets a little bit challenging. Planning and Providing Internal Controls on Cash Handling and Warehousing Before the intern was assigned to perform an internal audit for the company’s branch at Adabraka- Accra, he was made to plan and provide internal control measures on Cash Handling and Warehousing. The intern designed a checklist to track and monitor internal controls in the company and the areas that needs management attention. These internal controls enlightened the intern’s knowledge on Risk Assessment that many organizations faces.

Planning the Budget for a new branch in Kumasi Solutions Technologies Ghana has projected opening a new branch in Kumasi. The new branch will be concerned with sales of IT products. The marketing department had already gone to the

region to do their market research and survey. The intern was assign with the planning of a detailed budget. A budget is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. This detailed budget included, salaries, advertising, re...