How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to Mercy Corps on recruiting2.ultipro.com to apply.
Show Your Finance Fundamentals and Growth Mindset
This internship is your entry into international humanitarian finance. Hiring managers will look for solid accounting basics, Excel comfort, and a genuine eagerness to learn. Be ready to demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to handle confidential data.
1. Tailor your CV to finance tasks: Highlight any coursework, projects, or volunteer work involving bookkeeping, reconciliations, or financial record-keeping. Use action verbs like 'prepared', 'recorded', 'reconciled' to show hands-on experience.
2. Brush up on Excel: Expect to be tested on basic formulas, pivot tables, and data sorting. Practice using VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and creating clean spreadsheets. Mention your proficiency level honestly.
3. Understand the NGO finance context: Research donor reporting and compliance basics. Familiarize yourself with terms like 'sub-grants', 'withholding tax', and 'amortization' to show you've done your homework.
4. Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to share examples of how you've handled confidential information, worked in teams, or solved problems. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
5. Show your learning orientation: Emphasize your willingness to take on new tasks and learn from senior staff. Mention any self-study or certifications you're pursuing, like CPA or ACCA.
6. Highlight your organizational skills: This role involves filing and documentation. Give examples of how you've maintained organized records or managed multiple tasks efficiently.
7. Demonstrate cultural awareness: Mercy Corps works in diverse environments. Share experiences where you've worked with people from different backgrounds or adapted to new situations.
8. Ask thoughtful questions: In the interview, ask about the team's current challenges, the internship's learning outcomes, or how the role supports Mercy Corps' mission. This shows genuine interest and strategic thinking.