A Parent’s Perspective on the BNA Internship Program

When Kenneth Robinson joined BNA as an intern, his mom, Sarah Pinti Robinson, hoped he would gain meaningful work experience and a better understanding of what a professional office environment looked like.

What has stood out most to her is the growth she has seen beyond the technical skills.

“He’s always coming home telling us things he learned,” Sarah said. “You could never want anything more for your kid than to be surrounded by really good role models and humans.”

For Sarah, the experience has become more than a first job. It has given Kenneth an opportunity to build confidence, learn from others and explore what his future might look like.

Learning in a Real Workplace

Sarah has spent 25 years in education, primarily working in Title I schools, so helping young people learn and grow has been a major part of her own career.

That background has made her especially appreciative of the hands-on experience Kenneth has received.

“He’s not just there filing papers,” she said. “I don’t think people realize how much interns are getting to learn.”

Throughout his time at BNA, Kenneth has answered phones, interacted with customers, worked with tax documents and learned the technology used throughout the firm.

He has also had people around him willing to slow down, explain unfamiliar processes and give him room to learn.

“They’re building his confidence and his professional experience,” Sarah said.

Growing Beyond the Job

Kenneth is naturally quiet, Sarah said, so stepping into an office environment has challenged him in ways that go beyond accounting.

Answering phones, speaking with customers and working alongside other interns and BNA team members have helped him become more comfortable communicating in a professional setting.

Sarah has also appreciated the everyday moments that have made him feel included, from team activities and lunches to simply getting to know people throughout the firm.

One thing Kenneth has consistently shared with her is how approachable everyone has been.

“Mom, everyone is so nice,” Sarah recalled him saying. “They care about us. They want to teach us.”

For Sarah, that has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

Finding Room for Everything Else

Kenneth balances a busy schedule. Along with school and college-level coursework, he plays competitive soccer roughly 20 hours each week and has other commitments outside the office.

That has made flexibility especially important.

“He was like, ‘Mom, they are so flexible with the hours,’” Sarah said.

With Kenneth balancing school, soccer and other commitments, that flexibility has been an important part of making the internship work.

Investing in Young People Close to Home

Sarah’s perspective on the program extends beyond Kenneth’s individual experience.

Through his education, she has also seen BNA’s presence in the local community, including its relationship with Winthrop University and opportunities for students through internships, scholarships and job-shadowing experiences.

As an educator, that investment in young people resonates with her.

Students don’t always know exactly what they want their careers to look like. Experiences like internships give them a chance to explore a profession, develop practical skills and learn from people already doing the work.

They can also help students build confidence in themselves before they have all the answers about what comes next.

For Sarah, seeing that happen with her own son has made the experience especially meaningful.

“I feel like the luckiest parent that my kid got picked as the BNA intern,” she said. “This has been such a good experience in so many ways.”

Her advice to another parent whose student is considering the program is simple:

“You absolutely should. It’s going to build their real-life work experience. They’re going to get great mentorship. They’re going to invest in their future.”