Summer School Programme Review

During the BDO summer school programme my role was to spend time with various departments and experience how different streams operate. I also had to produce a team presentation with people based in different offices my communicating via internal instant messaging.

The summer school programme allowed me to develop my presentation and communication skills. I was also able to experience some networking.

I thoroughly enjoyed the summer school programme. I enjoyed the companies culture and felt like everyone made me feel welcome. I would definitely recommend the programme to someone. The programme met all of my expectations.

I felt valued by all departments at BDO. Each stream made me feel welcomed and made sure I felt comfortable with all the tasks given to me. I was involved in various networking events, including and external quiz night attended by all major accountancy firms. I was also invited to compete in the national football tournament.

The programe was well structured as it allowed me to experience a variety of streams and learn more about different roles within BDO. The first day was at the Birmingham office and was attended by everyone on the summer school programme, we were all given a laptop and introduced to each other. We were then split into teams and began our presentations. The last day was in London which is where we all did our presentations. We then went to a museum and had chance to discuss out experiences and compare what others had gained from the work experience.

As the programme was just for two weeks I did not receive and formal training.

I received a lot of support from my assigned buddy. Everyone in the office was friendly and offered support when needed. I felt that everyone was approachable and happy to provide help or guidance.

BDO paid me to undertake the work experience, the amount paid easily met all transport costs. Train tickets to London and Birmingham were also paid for by BDO

Although I was only there for two weeks I was invited to various events out of work.

Yes

Throughout the whole experience I felt like a valued member of the team, people were willing to take time away from their work to make sure I was happy with what I was doing. I was given the chance to gain some valuable experience and meet people in the same position as me, some of which I am still in contact with.

Take the time to research the firm, make sure you learn the values as it is something that BDO feels are important. Make sure you arrive on time to interviews and assessment days and are properly dressed. Throughout the whole process just be yourself and demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for BDO.