Application Guide

How to Apply for Summer 2026 Intern - Customer Success

at Workiva

🏢 About Workiva

Workiva stands out as a leader in streamlining integrated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, specifically helping companies achieve transparent climate impact disclosure and compliance. Their focus on sustainability reporting software makes them unique in the tech space, appealing to candidates passionate about the intersection of finance, technology, and environmental responsibility. Working here offers the chance to contribute directly to tools that enhance corporate transparency and accountability in a growing, mission-driven field.

About This Role

This Customer Success Intern role involves hands-on work creating and implementing customer documents using Workiva's industry-leading software, with a key responsibility being the application and verification of XBRL tagging for financial statements to ensure accuracy before filing deadlines. It's impactful because you'll directly support clients in meeting critical compliance requirements while collaborating with diverse teams like Product Management and Engineering, giving you broad exposure to how a SaaS company operates. You'll be at the nexus of customer service and technical execution, helping drive client success in the specialized area of ESG reporting.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing customer documents in Workiva's software to apply XBRL tags to financial statements, ensuring accuracy for upcoming filing deadlines. You'd collaborate with cross-functional teams via remote meetings to discuss project updates or customer feedback, while also responding to internal or external customer inquiries to provide support. Throughout the day, you'd balance technical tasks like verifying tagging information with interpersonal interactions, all while learning about ESG reporting processes in a dynamic, remote environment.

🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For

  • A student currently enrolled in a Business, Accounting, or related degree program who can articulate how their coursework (e.g., in financial reporting or sustainability) aligns with Workiva's ESG focus.
  • Someone with demonstrated leadership in student organizations or projects, paired with strong communication skills to manage internal and external customer interactions effectively.
  • A technically adept individual with high proficiency in Excel and Google Docs, comfortable learning new software quickly, as you'll be using Workiva's platform for document creation and XBRL tagging.
  • A detail-oriented professional with an outgoing personality, capable of collaborating in cross-functional remote teams while maintaining accuracy under deadline pressure, especially around financial filings.

📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with financial statements, compliance, or ESG-related projects, even from coursework, as this directly relates to Workiva's mission and the XBRL tagging responsibility.

2

Mention specific leadership roles (e.g., in student clubs, group projects) and quantify your impact, as the requirements emphasize demonstrated leadership skills for this customer-facing role.

3

In your application, briefly note your familiarity with tools like Excel and Google Docs, and if you have any exposure to XBRL or financial reporting software, emphasize it to stand out for the technical aspects.

4

Research Workiva's recent ESG reports or client case studies and reference them in your materials to show genuine interest in their niche of climate impact and compliance.

5

Apply early, as internship roles for 2026 might have rolling deadlines, and highlight any remote collaboration experience since the position is remote and requires teamwork across functions.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express specific enthusiasm for Workiva's focus on ESG reporting and transparent climate impact, linking it to your academic or personal interests in sustainability or finance.", "Detail a relevant example where you demonstrated leadership and communication skills, such as managing a team project or resolving a customer issue, to align with the role's customer service and collaboration demands.", "Highlight your technical savvy with Excel, Word, or similar tools, and mention your ability to learn new software quickly, given the role involves using Workiva's platform for document creation and XBRL tagging.", 'Explain how your attention to detail and professionalism make you suited for verifying XBRL information and meeting filing deadlines, possibly referencing a past experience with accuracy-critical tasks.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Workiva's website, especially their ESG solutions and client success stories, to understand their software's impact on climate reporting and compliance.
  • Look into XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) basics and its role in financial filings, as this is a core responsibility in the job description.
  • Review recent news or press releases about Workiva to discuss their market position, growth, or any new ESG initiatives during interviews.
  • Investigate the company culture through their blog or social media to gauge their values, such as teamwork and innovation, which are key for remote collaboration.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you provided exceptional customer service in a team setting, and how you handled a challenging situation with a client or stakeholder.
2 How would you approach learning and applying XBRL tagging for financial statements, and what steps would you take to ensure accuracy before a deadline?
3 Discuss your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., with engineering or marketing) and how you contributed to a shared goal.
4 Why are you interested in Workiva's specific niche of ESG reporting, and how do you see this internship aligning with your career goals in business or accounting?
5 Walk me through your proficiency with Excel or Google Docs, including a specific task you've completed that required attention to detail and technical skills.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Workiva's ESG focus or XBRL, as this shows lack of research into their specialized industry.
  • Overlooking the leadership requirement by not providing concrete examples of leadership roles or experiences in your resume or cover letter.
  • Failing to highlight technical skills with tools like Excel or adaptability to new software, which are critical for the document creation and tagging tasks.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Workiva!