Hiring Recent University Graduates into Internal Audit Positions: Insights from Practicing Internal Auditors

SUMMARY: We survey practicing internal auditors on whether their organizations hire recent university graduates as entry-level internal audit staff and, if they do, what factors are important in their hiring decisions. Approximately 58 percent of the 273 respondents hire, or plan to hire, recent graduates into their internal audit functions. Important factors in the hiring decision include internal audit coursework, internship experience, demonstrated communication and leadership skills, an accounting degree, and a high GPA. The 42 percent of respondents that do not hire recent graduates indicated that the primary reason was a need for auditors with prior audit experience.