Explore BDO candidate Review

Meeting with employees of BDO from the different departments within the company, for example, Audit, Tax, Advisory and Business services and Outsourcing, which provided valuable insight into what it would be like to work in these departments and the different pathways to secure these jobs, along with any qualifications needed. A group project and presentation based on CSR. Learning about BDO as a company as a whole.

Time management and being able to work well in a group made up of people who you've never met before. Self confidence, being able to present a presentation to a couple of employees. Networking and building connections with people both within and outside of the company. Researching skills from researching a sector to provide a presentation on.

The event was interactive, which considering the virtual nature of the programme makes it difficult to connect with others. However, the amount of interaction made it more enjoyable than other virtual experiences. The 4 sessions from the different departments were the most enjoyable, followed by the group projects and the networking with peers sessions. But a couple sessions where information was just being given was not as enjoyable, as we were just sitting and listening to someone speak.

The virtual work experience was organised well, with the event managers well on top of everything. Time tables were sent out well prior to the event, which meant we were able to familiarise ourselves with what was taking place and when. Daily morning and end of day debriefs meant everyone was well informed of the next days activities.

Company culture featured very heavily in almost all the sessions during the virtual work experience. All employees happily talked about what it was like to be working for the company and those with experience working elsewhere were able to give comparisons between the work culture at BDO and their previous place of employment, more often than not, saying that BDO was their preferred place of work due to better culture, inclusivity and work-life balance.

The virtual work experience both aided me and at the same time did not really change my decision much on what is my chosen career path. Being able to talk to people who work in the sector was highly insightful, especially finding someone who you can personally relate to,, but my career path was sort of certain when I decided to join the programme, so if anything, it just cemented my career decision.

Since this was a virtual work experience, there was travel required to any offices, and so no travel costs were accumulated for BDO to reimburse. It was also an unpaid virtual work experience, and was more of a chance to explore BDO rather than shadow and do some real work, so there was no payment.

BDO's Explore BDO Virtual Insight Week experience had plenty of opportunities to network with and meet different employees of all different levels within the company, who also came from a range of different academic backgrounds. Also, there were many chances to network with other peers also taking part in the programme.

Yes

The culture surrounding BDO is inclusive, friendly and great. Everyone who works there is very welcoming to people with all sorts of interests, despite your background. They accept people from varying academic backgrounds, and treat everyone with equal amounts of respect. Everyone is helpful and was able to provide valuable advice and answer all questions well.

There is a heavy emphasis on being yourself at BDO, so don't try and be something you are not. Be comfortable with who you are, because you will more likely bring something new to the table as yourself, and no matter what, you will be accepted and respected, so long as you provide the same courtesy to everyone else. You having nothing to lose and everything to gain, so give it a shot and apply!