Rating

9.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am a corporate audit apprentice and I was specifically put on the insurance desk. This means that I am often out on clients helping with the audit. I have to talk to the client and gather the relevant information I need to complete the tests.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt a lot very quickly. My communication skills have definitely improved due to the amount of people you're constantly meeting and all the necessary networking. Also using a computer all day means that those skills, especially my excel skills have vastly improved so I can be quick and efficient in my work.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I highly enjoy the programme. Its so different to anything I've done before and the skills and qualifications I'm getting from it are paramount in my development and ensure I have a successful career. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and I couldn't feel more supported.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BDO?
  • I always feel valued. You are always recognised when you have done a good job or exceeded expectations which does give you a sense of belonging and achievement. I always feel like my opinion is listened to and valued and that I am now a fully integrated member of the team.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • It is very structured. We have all our timetables for the next year so we always know where and when we need to be somewhere. We have allocated time for training, college and studying which we know has to be equivalent to 20% of our overall time on the apprenticeship. The rest of the time we have a calendar showing which client we're working on at what time and who is the relevant manager if we have any problems. We also have scheduled catch-up meetings to check on our progress.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Our training provider couldn't be more helpful! we have their mobile numbers and emails so if we have any problem we can easily to talk to them in a convenient way. They are all so helpful and all want you to succeed and do the best you possibly can and that definitely shows.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • As with the training provider, everyone at Moore Stephens wants to see you succeed and will always provide help when they can. They value your studies as much as your work and they make sure that your work/study balance is right.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I think the wage I get is in line with the norm for my job and location. I think as an apprentice it is quite substantial and is a good incentive for wanting to work harder. It does make up for the fact that some nights you are expected to work very long hours. It means that outside of work I can do the things I want to do and save for the future.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There's always a lot of social events that happen with work, as everyone gets on so well as a team, they are very fun to get involved in. There's always charity events that people are welcome to join or just drinks down at the local pub on a Friday. During work hours, there are also opportunities to go and work for a different sector and they are more than happy to let you do so, this is good for developing a wide range of skills and knowledge.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Because it is a good place to start and progress in your professional career and I couldn't think of a better, more friendly place to do so.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
  • My best tip is to not put too much pressure on yourself. Don't learn every bit of information about the company or constantly rehearse what you're going to say in your interview, because you don't want to come across as a robot. Just be yourself, answer the questions honestly and go in there with a positive attitude and they will recognise that more. What they are really looking for is for someone who can represent the firm e.g. to clients therefore they care more about your personality than what you look like on paper or how much you can remember.


Details

School Leaver Programme

Accounting, Finance

Central London & City

March 2018


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