Eye for detail and communication skills are crucial to job

The opportunity to work at global internet media firm Travelzoo has enriched Linda Yiu's (right) understanding of financial and managerial accounting - from bookkeeping to financial analysis. Thanks to career services at her school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), she was recommended for an interview with Travelzoo Asia-Pacific. After interviews and tests, she was offered an internship at the finance department. She talks to Wong Yat-hei.

What is your academic background?

I am an HKUST student, majoring in accounting, with a plan to double-major in finance.

How do you start your day?

I start my day by collecting relevant information from different sources and preparing reports for management and operational use. I assist with the gathering of results for [Travelzoo's] local deals business. These are placed in the company's system and checked for accuracy.

What does your job entail?

My job is to assist in collecting relevant information from different sources and write reports. I am also exposed to its accounting operations at the regional level. I believe being detail-oriented and articulate are key to this position.

What have you learned about your chosen career and what are your plans?

I have learned that the knowledge we acquired in school may not be applicable to all situations. As for my plans, I want to be a certified public accountant first and gain experience.

Any advice for potential interns?

The opportunity to learn is always present but it is up to you to grab it. Learn from the senior staff because you will benefit from their experience.