BDO Summer School Review

by BDO

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.7/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I was a Audit Intern taking part in the Summer School at BDO's Gatwick office. The majority of the work experience is office-based, however you are assigned real client work. I also went out onsite to client's office in South West London. I shadowed school leavers and ultimately gained a good experience of what it would be like to work in an accountancy firm.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have enhanced my researching and analysing skills - you have to have a sharp eye for numbers if you are interested in Accountancy. Also, I gained strong inter-personal skills as I was able to speak to people on different levels of the firm.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoyed this work experience and I recommend it to anyone applying to it. It is very worthwhile if you are thinking about applying to BDO's school leaver programme. The company is very relaxed compared to the Big 4 firms and I would strongly advise that you ask employees of the Big 4 firms how much they actually enjoy their work.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by BDO?

Internal recognition within the firm is great, you feel really appreciated for doing the smallest of jobs - it's great! I was involved in a lot of the tasks and was landed with huge amounts of responsibility.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It was very well structured; everyone was assigned with a Buddy and a counselling manager who is very helpful and is always available for any questions that I may have.

9/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

I received lots of help from anyone across the firm - all the staff were very helpful as they understood that you were not qualified and had no previous experience in accountancy.

10/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I received lots of help from anyone across the firm - all the staff were very helpful as they understood that you were not qualified and had no previous experience in accountancy.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

All travel expenses were paid for so that was very helpful. We also had £200 for the duration of the two weeks which was an added bonus as I didn't expect it at all. I just came for the experience! ;)

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Yes, we had the Summer Party and there are a lot of socials if you get to meet the right people. There are always raffles and cakes being distributed - you are always welcome to have a coffee however often you fancy!

9/10

9. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

-Excellent insight into accountancy -See what it is like to be a School Leaver in BDO. -It is just good fun!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?

Apply early, make sure you turn up to the interview on time and practice competency based questions as you definitely cannot blag an interview with those type of questions. If you find yourself without work, go find something to do from managers or seniors and don't mope around on your phone etc.