Internship Review at BDO

The Role

Role Description

Casting and Calling - checking draft accounts for errors, both grammatical and numerical.
Taking part in audits. Mainly helping with Cash and Fixed asset sections but also creditors, debtors and others
Had a project to undertake based on a client, outlining how the client operates and performing a SWOT analysis, mentioning how BDO is involved and how they could get further involved, in the form of a presentation and a report. Also had a group project in which we had to devise a promotion campaign which BDO could undertake at uinversities campuses.
We also had training activities and a corporate social responsibility day.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I really enjoyed this job. It was my first real office job. Even though i spent only a few days in the office, the remainder of the time was spent out a clients which always involved really varied work and i was always learning new things from on the job training

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Seniors who I worked with on audits were friendly and were always there to help or hand you work if you didnt have any. They knew that the audit would have to be complete by a certain deadline and so they respected that they would need our help to make that happen

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Before each audit, I would be briefed by a manager or partner on what to expect from the audit which set me a good background for the duration at the client. I was assigned a counselling manager and a buddy who i could talk to if I ever needed support.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

When out on audit there were always jobs needed doing. Even if you were waiting for someone you could always help on another section.
When in the office you could send around emails saying you are available for work and soon enough there would be a job for you to help with. If you still didnt have a job to do, there were the projects that could be gradually completed

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Most of the time I was guided through the activities on audit and was able to check back whether what i was doing was correct. Towards the end of the internship i was given more responsibility on audit such as directly interacting with the client to perform walkthroughs.
In the office I was often asked to perform activities that a manager or senior would rely on

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There was a behavioural skills workshop which developed my networking, presentation and project management skills in particular which will be very useful in my final year.
Beyond this, BDO specific training that was received would prove very benefical if i was offered the opportunity to continue working with BDO graduating

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Relaxed and fun, yet hard working. Between work colleagues will chat and share jokes so it is thoroughly enjoyable to be in the office

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although there were sometimes a few miscommunication errors between different staff in the internship, this was only because this is the first year the firm has taken an official summer intake. I am confident that these errors would not occur in future internships.
That aside, the scheme was very well organised as i was set up with a laptop and email and new exactly where to be and when.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

We had a weeks BDO specific training in week 1. We then had a 3 day behavioural skills workshop in which we were taught general skills that would be useful in the workplacea

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very. Everyone here is incredibly friendly and warming and you feel genuinely part of the team from the moment you join. Not only this, but the firm have are growing very quickly so new promotion prospects are very good after gaining ACA qualifications (which the firm pays for!)

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We were treated to a weekend away in Nottingham for a football tournament with social activies organised at night. These were a great opportunity to meet fellow interns and also current graduates.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I lived at home so i didnt have to pay for living.
Socialising locally was at a fair price. You could make it cheap if you wanted or expensive, it just depends on what you fancy!

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It is ok. I worked in my local town so i have spent many nights out here. There are no massive night clubs but a few nice trendy bars to be enjoyed

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The football tournament and also a golf tournament were focal.
During lunchtime we would often go for a meal at pizza express

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Pay is competitive. Compared to any previous job I have had if felt like i was earning loads! It is similar to the other auditing firms.
Auditing is fun! dispite the stereotypes that people have about auditing, the work is actually very varied and there is alot of client interaction which is always a bonus. And also from what ive heard it gets better as you become more competent and better trained as you can take part in more activities

Review 96/96 for BDO

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