How to Apply for an Internship in KPMG India: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

KPMG is one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms. The company provides audit, tax, and advisory services to clients worldwide. With a global presence and a strong reputation in the industry, KPMG is known for its expertise and professionalism in delivering high-quality financial services to its clients. The firm is known for its innovative culture and commitment to personal and professional development. Interning at KPMG offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build a strong network, and access a comprehensive internship benefits package. 
If you are interested in interning with KPMG, refer to this comprehensive guide on how to apply for an internship at KPMG. This guide walks you through application steps and discusses hacks to secure one at KPMG.

How to Apply for an Internship in KPMG India?

Applying for an internship at KPMG India requires you to follow a structured application roadmap. Showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the field, making a strong impression on the hiring team. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to navigate the internship application process effectively.

1. Identify Your Area of Interest

Identify your area of interest before applying for an internship at KPMG India. The company offers internship opportunities in these domains: 

• Audit and Assurance
• Tax
• Advisory
• Corporate Services 
• Consulting Services 

To discover your area of interest, ask yourself these questions to help narrow down your focus:

• What are your academic strengths and interests?
• What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• Do you have any relevant experience or skills?
• What are your core values, and how do they align with KPMG’s mission?

2. Keep Required Documents Ready

Applying for an internship at KPMG India will require keeping some documents ready to ensure a smooth application process. Here are the documents required to apply for an internship at KPMG:

a) Resume

A resume showcases your profile, skills, experience, educational background, and qualifications. You should draft an updated resume. Here are some of the tips to follow to craft an impressive resume: 

• Tailor your resume to match the internship requirements and showcase your skills
• Use clear, concise language and maintain a clean, organized format
• Incorporate KPMG values and mission statements into your resume and highlight how you resonate with them
• Make your resume ATS-friendly by incorporating keywords from the internship description

b) Cover Letter

A cover letter is an application attached to the resume to showcase your additional skills, experience, achievements, and information in detail. It could boost your chances of securing an interview. By implementing the following tips for writing a cover letter, you can impress the recruiter with a strong presentation of your candidature:

• Explain why you are interested in the internship and KPMG India.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s values and mission.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
• Keep your cover letter engaging, well-structured, and free of grammatical errors.
• Highlight how you can contribute to the company’s success and growth.
• Answer the question, ‘Why should we hire you for this internship?’ in the cover letter.

3. Search for Opportunities

Searching for internship opportunities at KPMG can help you achieve your dream of working for an esteemed company. Many firms usually employ different online platforms to hire interns and employees. It is essential to identify those platforms and actively search for internship opportunities. 

By leveraging various channels and implementing the following tips, you can increase your chances of finding an internship at KPMG India:

a) Job Search Portals

Job search portals provide a user-friendly interface to connect with potential recruiters and apply for internships across industries. You can leverage the best job search portals, like Internshala to find internship opportunities at KPMG India. 

Implement the following strategies to optimize your search:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Search for ‘KPMG India Internship’ or specific departments you are interested in to narrow your results.
• Set Up Job Alerts: Receive notifications about new internship postings that match your qualifications and preferences.
• Customize Your Profile: Highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications to attract the attention of KPMG recruiters.
• Network with KPMG Employees: Connect with KPMG professionals on social networking sites and engage with their content to build relationships.
• Apply Promptly: Submit your application as soon as possible, as internship positions can fill quickly. To do so, you can subscribe to the ‘job alerts’ feature of online job portals.

b) Send a Cold Email to the KPMG Hiring Team

Cold emailing refers to sending personalized emails to the hiring team. This can be an effective way to express your interest and qualifications to the recruiter. Consider following these tips to write a cold email:

• Research Hiring Team: Use social networking websites or the KPMG India website to find contact information for relevant individuals.
• Craft a Compelling Subject Line: Grab the recipient’s attention with a clear, concise subject line.
• Personalize Your Email: Address the recipient by name and tailor your message to their specific role or department.
• Highlight Your Suitability for the Position: Briefly explain why you are interested in an internship at KPMG and what you can bring to the table.
• Follow-Up: If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email.

c) Check the KPMG India Careers Page

Companies have a career page on their website for posting any job or internship opportunities. Regularly check the KPMG India careers page to not miss out on any opportunity. Here are some tips to ensure you are abreast of opportunities on the KPMG career page:

• Set Reminders: Create calendar reminders to check the careers page at regular intervals.
• Review Internship Description: Read the internship description carefully to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Follow Application Instructions: Submit all required documents and follow the application process precisely.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to match the specific internship opportunity.
• Submit Your Application Early: Apply as soon as possible, as it reduces the chances of missing out on the deadline and showcases your passion for the opportunity.

d) Keep an Eye on KPMG’s Social Media Channels

Companies use social media platforms like Instagram, X, etc. to post opportunities. Following KPMG India on social media platforms can help you stay informed about internship opportunities and events. The following hacks can assist you in leveraging this platform effectively: 

• Follow Relevant Accounts: Follow KPMG India’s official accounts and any relevant department or location-specific pages.
• Engage with Content: Like, comment on, and share KPMG’s posts to build a positive online presence.
• Look for Announcements: Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming job fairs and internship programs. The post will display the application deadlines.
• Attend Virtual Events: Participate in KPMG-hosted webinars, Q&A sessions, or virtual career fairs.

4. Apply for Internships at KPMG

Applying for an internship at KPMG requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach to ensure your application stands out. Your application serves as your first impression, so craft it with precision. You can apply for the internship program successfully by following these simple tips: 

• Follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required documents.
• Double-check your application for any errors or typos.
• Tailor your cover letter and resume to each specific internship opportunity.
• Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and achievements that set you apart from other candidates.
• Personalize your application by incorporating company values, achievements, and background. Try to highlight how you resonate with the company’s mission and values.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to ensure it receives proper consideration.

5. Get Ready for Virtual Assessment

KMPG conducts a virtual ability assessment once your resume is selected. This assessment aims to test your skills, expertise, knowledge, and experience. For every role, virtual assessment utilizes various sets of questions to assess relevant skills. The test typically goes on for 90 minutes. By carefully reading the instructions and questions, you can attempt the virtual assessment. 

In case you are wondering how to prepare for the virtual assessment, here are some tips and tricks: 

• Revise your coursework and understand concepts related to your field and internship.
• Enroll in online courses to gain industry insights and build a strong understanding of complex concepts with the assistance of industry experts.
• If provided, go through the instructions on what can be asked or assessed during the assessment to strategize your preparation.
• Connect with KPMG current or ex-interns to learn from their experience and gain more insights into the assessment process.

6. Practice for Online Launchpad

The online launchpad is the next step of the hiring process after the virtual ability assessment. This stage involves group discussion. The recruiter assesses your collaboration and teamwork skills through your participation in GD. You may be given a topic and required to present or conduct a group discussion on it. To practice for this round, choose random topics relevant to your domain. Present your points in front of your friends within a timeframe. 

7. Prepare for Interviews

Preparing thoroughly for interviews is a crucial step in securing an internship at KPMG India. The final stage of the selection process is the behavioral interview round. Here are some proven strategies for preparing for an interview: 

• Practice answering common interview questions and prepare examples to illustrate your skills and experiences.
• Research KPMG India’s services, clients, and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the internship and the company.
• Practice your communication skills and body language through mock interviews with friends, family, or career counselors.
• Review case studies related to the internship position and practice analyzing them.
• Leverage resources like Reddit and Quora to learn from other’s experiences and gain insights into the interview process.

By implementing these strategies, you can effortlessly ace an interview at KPMG.

8. Follow-Up 

After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the internship. This will assist you in highlighting your enthusiasm, passion, and determination for the role. Follow these guidelines when following up with the recruiter: 

• Send the email within 24-48 hours of the interview.
• Personalize the email and reference specific points discussed during the interview.
• Reaffirm your qualifications and enthusiasm for the internship opportunity.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

Proven Strategies for Securing an Internship at KPMG

With a strategic and actionable approach, you can get selected for an internship at KPMG India. If you want to ensure that your application for an internship at KPMG results in selection, you should apply the following strategies:

i. Develop Soft Skills Valued by KPMG

As a professional services company, KPMG emphasizes the importance of specific soft skills. By honing these skills, you can demonstrate your readiness to contribute effectively to KPMG’s work environment and culture. 

Here are some key soft skills valued by KPMG and tips on how to develop them:

a. Creativity and Innovation: KPMG values employees who can think creatively and innovate to solve complex problems. To develop your creativity and innovation skills:

• Engage in brainstorming sessions and problem-solving activities to exercise your creative thinking.
• Explore new perspectives and approaches to challenges to foster innovative solutions.
• Seek feedback on your ideas and be open to constructive criticism to refine your innovative thinking.

b. Communication and Collaboration: Strong business communication skills are essential at KPMG for effective teamwork and client interactions. To enhance your communication and collaboration skills:

• Practice active listening to understand others’ perspectives and communicate more effectively.
• Participate in group projects or team activities to improve your collaboration skills.
• Seek opportunities to present your ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

c. Passion and Drive: KPMG values individuals who are passionate about their work and demonstrate a drive for continuous learning and improvement. To showcase your passion and drive:

• Pursue projects or activities that align with your interests and career goals.
• Take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone and encourage personal growth.
• Demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and maintain a positive attitude towards learning and development.

d. Ethics and Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards is a core value at KPMG. To uphold ethics and integrity:

• Act with integrity in all your professional interactions, and uphold the values of trust and accountability.
• Seek guidance from mentors or ethical advisors to navigate complex ethical dilemmas effectively.

ii. Cultivate a Progressive Mindset

Demonstrating a progressive mindset is key to standing out and excelling in the dynamic environment at KPMG. A progressive mindset involves embracing change, innovation, and continuous learning. 

Here are some strategies to cultivate a progressive mindset:

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to adapt to changing landscapes.
• Be open to new ideas and approaches, and actively seek out opportunities for innovation.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through courses, workshops, and certifications.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn from mistakes and setbacks, using them as opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Approach problems with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset, focusing on finding practical and innovative solutions.
• Encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in problem-solving processes.

iii. Build Your Brand on Social Media

Developing a strong personal brand on social media can enhance your visibility and credibility in the professional world. At KPMG, a well-crafted personal brand can set you apart and showcase your skills and expertise. 

Here are some tips to build your brand on social media:

• Create a professional and engaging LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements.
• Use a professional headshot and a compelling headline to grab attention.
• Customize your profile URL, summary, and experience sections to showcase your unique value proposition.
• Follow industry influencers, thought leaders and KPMG professionals to stay updated on trends and insights.
• Share your own thoughts, articles, or projects to contribute to industry conversations and showcase your expertise.
• Connect with professionals in your field, including KPMG employees and alumni, to expand your network.

Conclusion 

There are plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth at KPMG. Securing an internship at KPMG can open doors to various lucrative growth opportunities in the future. With this how to apply for an internship at KPMG India guide, you can master each step of the application and secure a deserving position at the company. 

If you found this blog helpful, check out our blog on the top finance companies in India to explore more career opportunities. 

FAQs