Intern of the Week: Laiba Matloob

Name: Laiba Matloob

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2026

Major: Financial Economics

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship


Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): CohnReznick


Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Assurance Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
This summer, I am serving as an Audit Intern in the Assurance practice at CohnReznick in the Baltimore office. During my internship, I work closely with the Affordable Housing team and assist with audit and assurance engagements for clients in the real estate and affordable housing industry. My day-to-day responsibilities include preparing and organizing audit workpapers, reviewing financial documents, performing testing procedures, and supporting the audit team with client requests and engagement documentation.

The internship has also provided extensive exposure to professional accounting and audit software, including CCH Axcess, CaseWare, Power Bi, and other industry tools used for audit documentation, trial balances, and engagement management. In addition to technical experience, I collaborate with associates, seniors, managers, and partners on client engagements, attend professional development sessions, and gain exposure to the overall audit process from planning through completion. This experience is strengthening my analytical, communication, and teamwork skills while giving me valuable insight into the accounting and assurance profession.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the Audit Internship opportunity at CohnReznick during the Fall 2026 semester and submitted my application shortly afterward. A few weeks later, I was contacted to schedule an interview for the position. The interview process included speaking with both a manager and a partner from the firm, where we discussed my academic background, interests in accounting and assurance, and career goals. The interview experience was very positive and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s culture and the work performed within the Assurance practice. After the interview process, I later received an offer to join CohnReznick as an Audit Intern for the Summer 2026 internship program.


What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed most about my position at CohnReznick is the people and the overall culture of the organization. One of the most positive aspects of the firm is how easy it is to communicate with associates, seniors, managers, and even partners. Everyone understands that interns are there to learn, and team members are always willing to answer questions, share their experiences, and provide guidance throughout the internship. I have appreciated how supportive and approachable the environment has been, which has made it easier to build professional relationships and grow my confidence in the workplace. Another aspect I value is the diversity within the firm, as it creates an inclusive environment where individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can collaborate and learn from one another.



How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact through my willingness to contribute new perspectives and ideas while supporting my team on client engagements. As a student who is familiar with evolving technology and modern tools, I have been able to bring a fresh perspective and adapt quickly to new systems and processes. I also strive to be dependable, collaborative, and eager to learn, which helps me contribute positively to the team environment.





What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience would be to stay confident in your skills and not be afraid to share your experiences and ideas. Even as an intern, your perspective and contributions matter. I would also say not to be too hard on yourself, because internships are meant to be learning experiences. No one expects interns to know everything right away. It is important to accept mistakes, learn from them, and continue improving throughout the experience.