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 ................................................................................................................................... 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1Background Of The Report .............................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Terms of Reference ........................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Purpose of Attachment/Expected Output ....................................................................................... 8
1.4.0 Profile of the Organization ............................................................................................................ 9
1.4.1 Background .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4.2Mission .......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.3Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.0 FIELD OF EXPERIENCE............................................................................................................................ 11
2.1 Duties and schedules ....................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Contributions of Student to the Organization .............................................................................. 14
2.3 Application of Theories to Real Life Situation ............................................................................. 15
3.0 LESSONS LEARNT................................................................................................................................... 17
4.0 CHALLENGES ......................................................................................................................................... 18
5.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 19
6.0RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 20
7.0 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 21
8. 0 APPENDIX 1. ......................................................................................................................................... 21
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 (19th 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 (6th 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, rent, office expenses, cost of products, shipping
charges and profit projection, for the Kumasi Branch.
Planning and Performing of Internal Audit
The foremost area the intern specialized was Internal Audit. The intern was given the right to
conduct an official financial inspection of the company’s branch at Adabraka. This includes
organizing large amount of files to make sure they were in order before the preparation for
internal audit. Internal Audit is concerned with evaluating and improving the effectiveness of
risk management, control and governance processes in an organization. The intern was given a
deadline to submit an audit report to management. The Audit was conducted for two (2)
accounting periods, January to December 2016 and January to June 2017. The audit particularly
covered Revenue and Expenses. The intern was made to generate a report to the Finance Director
about the invoices, sales, payment vouchers, petty cash and bank lodgment audited. The audit
was to give a reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material
misstatement, either caused by error or fraud.
2.2 Contributions of Student to the Organization
Planning and Providing Internal Controls 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’s attention. This task will assist management in tackling the hidden risk the
company has possibility of facing in the near future.
Planning and budgeting for a new branch of the company at Kumasi. The budget the intern drew
was applauded by the accountant. It gave a detailed analysis of the cost involved and revenue
projections. This project will resume latest by March 2017.
The intern also wrote a proposal to the accountant which involved a strategic sales generation
procedure. The proposal aimed to forge a strategic sales generation presentation to leverage the
customer base for the company’s distinct services.
Conducting of Internal Auditing and providing report. The intern solely conducted an internal
audit to establish the areas of risk regarding Revenue and Expenses of the company. He
established controls to address these risks and made recommendations where weakness or
inefficiencies are observed.
The interns understanding of responsibilities to a specific job, as well as willingness to get things
done, performing different activities with limited time and take responsibility for his actions
were exceptional.
2.3 Application of Theories to Real Life Situation
The internship provided the opportunity for the intern to understand practically how theories
were applied in the business world. The following are the application of theories to real life
situations at Solutions Technologies:
Communication Theory
Communication is the exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other
medium. It gives an explanation of the basic process individuals go through in order to gain
information and knowledge about other people. The intern had learnt communication skills with
course code BGEC 101 and Business Communication with course code BGEC 103, this gave the
intern exceptional interpersonal communication skills that made him understand how to
approach, talk and respond to different people of different backgrounds at the work place. The
intern found out that being able to apply communication theories to real life scenarios made him
a better communicator.
Cognitive Resource Theory
Cognitive Resource Theory is a topic under BCPC 207 which is Principles of leadership. This
course was taken in level 200 semester 1 by the intern. The theory explains how intelligence and
experience relate to stress. Intelligence is the main factor in low-stress situations, whilst
experience counts for more during high-stress moments. The intern inculcated this theory in the
performance of most duties.
Esprit de Corps
Esprit de corps is the feeling of camaraderie (solidarity) that exist among members of a group or
an organization. The intern had been at the company for the first few weeks but he was already
bound to the staff by a strong esprit de corps. There was unity among the staffs and this stretched
to the intern. The intern also realized that the staff of the company worked together as a team to
achieve the goals of the company, the output of one department served as the input for another
department. A practical example is, the marketing department gets a contract for the company,
administration department have the meeting with the client and agree on the terms and conditions
of the contract and finally the technical department execute the project. Before and after the
completion of the project, the accounts department computes all charges receivables.
Theory of Motivation
Apart from the payment of basic salaries to staff, there were also provisions designed to improve
conditions of workers at Solutions Technologies Limited. One good example is the surprise
celebration of staffs’ birthdays by the Finance Director. This was done to make subordinates feel
like they are in a family and encourage them to achieve a certain goal or level of performance.
3.0 LESSONS LEARNT
During the internship the intern learn the following lessons:
 The intern now has good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP)
 Strong PC Skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Tally Software.
 Ability to work with different people (team work) in achieving departmental as well as
organizational goal.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Strong organizational and time management skills.
 Planning and Preparing of Audit.
 Insight on Governance, Risk Assessment and Compliance
 Learn the culture of the IT industry.
4.0 CHALLENGES
The major challenge the intern faced was a new Lifestyle. The internship gave a new lifestyle to
the intern. It made the intern woke up very early in the morning with the alarm clock at 5:30 am,
latest by 6 am to get ready for work. The intern sat for nine (9) to ten (10) good hours in a day
typing and preparing either reports or doing an online research about a particular task.
Sometimes the intern could close as late as 8:30 pm. The new life was quite jarring but
productive. The hours and the new living situation clearly made socializing more difficult than
before. This challenge later became normal and part of the intern’s daily life activities as the
days moved on.
The intern also encountered financial difficulties including food and transportation. Financial
problems and challenges happen to everyone at some point, and the stress and worry can get to
anyone. However, realizing that there is an important task ahead to complete kept the intern
going. It is not easy to overcome it but with perseverance, determination and dedication, the task
ahead was achieved.
Conducting audit with no audit experience and assistance. To add, the intern was assigned to
conduct an internal audit of a branch of the company at Adabraka individually. This was a major
task for the intern as he had no prior audit experience. For the beginning, the intern found
himself wanting but as time went on, the intern gained practical experience on the job. The audit
became less difficult because the intern had completed a University course in Auditing just
before vacation. The intern therefore applied the theoretical aspect of the auditing learnt at
school on the field.
All these challenges has helped the intern to gain valuable work experience and real life
exposure. It also allowed the student to harness the skill, knowledge and theoretical practice been
taught in the university.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The placement program was exclusively of boundless achievement to the intern. The internship
program aided the intern to have an in-depth knowledge about the practical problem solving in
the corporate world. The intern has been enlightened on the application of theories in real life
situations. Solutions Technologies Limited has offered the intern opportunities to learn and
develop himself in many areas. This internship has prepared the student to be ready 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. I gained a lot of experience, especially in the
conducting of internal audit. Before the placement took place, my ideas did not match the
experiences I have gained during my internship. This internship was definitely an introduction to
the actual work field for me. I have learned to work in a business organization and apply my
knowledge into practice. Deepest gratitude I give to the management of Solutions Technologies
Limited, most especially the Finance Director, Mr. Emmanuel Dupon Anson, the accountant, Mr.
Enoch Wiafe and all the staff of the company for the great opportunity given to me for their
careful and exquisite guidance which were extremely valuable for my study both theoretically
and practically. I perceive this opportunity as a big breakthrough in my career development.
6.0RECOMMENDATIONS
To Management and Staff of Solutions Technologies Limited;
Solutions Technologies Limited should try and develop some control measures in relating to
both the Madina and Adabraka inventory room. Especially with Madina, a check sheet should
be provided and be with the secretary. Anytime someone wants to go there for any purpose, the
person has to sign and write the purpose and time he came for the inventory room keys. This will
help to hold persons that went there responsible for any missing stock.
Also, the malfunctioning POS machine at the Adabraka branch should be a major concern to
management. The machine should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Finally, Solutions Technologies should develop a customer support committee. The committee
will see to it that customers are frequently called and visited to observe services that were
provided to them by the company. The company should not wait for customers to call and
complain about faulty issues before they set off. This when done, will boost customer
confidentiality in the company and build a strong and lasting relationship.
To UPSA Industrial Relation
The industrial relation office and the different departments should connect with cooperate bodies
for internship placement to shun the struggles and strains students go through before securing
places for their attachment.
7.0 REFERENCES
University of Professional Studies Students’ Handbook.
Guideline for Internship Report University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA)
8. 0 APPENDIX 1.
INTERNSHIP FRAMEWORK
Objectives
The internship program as a three (3) credit hour course with course code BCPC 410 is to
provide a real life experience and exposure to the student. To enable the intern gain first-hand
exposure of working in the real life which is remarkably valuable towards the intern’s career.
APPENDIX 2
STAFF
I would like to thank all staff that provided assistance during the course of this internship, and
in particular:




Finance Director
Accountant
Secretary
Sales officers