Interview with María Barrachina: «The key learning is the importance of analyzing the practical case, the details and the search for solutions»

Why did you decide to do an internship at Abast?

I chose to do my academic internship at Abast because it is a well-known firm in the area of taxation and it is a field within the law in which I am interested, above all, in its international speciality. Furthermore, I chose to do my internship at a firm in Andorra, a country with an open and cosmopolitan character. This experience has allowed me to acquire a deeper knowledge of Andorran taxation and its relationship with the different jurisdictions.

 What did you like the most?

What I liked most about this experience in the Andorran and, above all, international taxation area was the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge to real situations. I was able to work on practical cases, which allowed me to understand the dynamics of tax regulations and how they are implemented on a daily basis. In addition, I really enjoyed the work environment, the collaboration of all my colleagues and the opportunity to learn from them on a daily basis.

What do you think a student can learn during an internship like this?

During an internship in the tax field, a student can learn a lot, starting with gaining a practical understanding of the knowledge acquired at university. A clearer view of reality is gained, from the preparation of reports to contacting clients and analysing tax regulations. Key skills are also developed, such as the analysis of facts and the ability to solve cases. In addition, the student has the opportunity to work in a professional environment, which helps to better understand how a firm works, how to work with different teams and how to acquire new ideas.

What advice would you give to future interns at our company?

My advice to future interns would be to take advantage of this unique experience to learn every day. To keep an open attitude to new ideas and not hesitate to get involved in all aspects of the firm in order to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

In addition, it is important to be structured and precise in tax matters in order to be able to get involved in tasks and be able to prosper. This experience can make you improve in the personal and professional sphere if you take advantage of it.

How do you think this internship experience has influenced your view on the field of taxation?

This internship experience has changed my view of the field of taxation in a very positive way. Before I started, I had a more theoretical perspective, but by working on real cases, I have been able to see how tax regulations are applied in practice. It has helped me to better understand the complexity of tax regulations, as well as their relevance at an international level. I have always liked the field of international taxation and this experience has served to reaffirm my interest in this area, as it offers constant challenges and opportunities.

What has surprised you most about working in tax in a corporate environment?

What has surprised me most about working in taxation in a corporate environment is the determination in solving problems. Cases are discussed and a multitude of aspects are considered, and cross-cutting solutions are sought, addressing cases in an effective and efficient manner. Case resolution is dynamic and covers various subjects and fields, and support from the different areas is essential, with each one contributing their analysis taking into account the client's needs and the regulatory context. This is possible thanks to the level of cooperation between the various departments, since taxation affects several areas, so a comprehensive approach must be considered.

What key learning do you take away from your time at our company?

The key learning I have taken away from my time at the company is the importance of analysing the practical case, the details and finding a solution in every aspect of tax work. I have learnt that it takes much more than reading a regulation to find the final decision; you have to go into the details and precision to have a positive result. This, together with a lot of work and effort and a lot of enthusiasm, to understand the fascinating world of international taxation, how it interrelates with other aspects of the legal world, which reinforces the need for a global vision.

I also really value sharing experiences with such good professionals within the team, which has motivated me to always continue learning and expanding my knowledge.