Summer School Review

The two weeks I spent at the Summer school were great. It gave me a good idea of what working there would be like and the type of work that would be involved

I was given specific tasks to complete and everyone was happy to answer any questions I had. There was a really good atmosphere in the office and I was made to feel part of the team.

I was assigned a counselling manager and a buddy at the before the start of my placement. I met with my counselling manager on my first day in the office and spoke to him about what I wanted to achieve during my placement. I also had a Department manager who gave me guidance on each task and was always happy to answer any questions. There were always lots of people who were happy to help.

The experience of working in a professional environment developed my communication and organisational skills as well as giving me a valuable insight into what working in the professional services industry would be like.

The insight was very well structured. The first day was spent at the London office giving me a chance to meet all the people on the Summer school programme, complete a team task and learn more about the company. I then worked as part of a team at the Gatwick office on set tasks.

Everyone in the office was friendly and I really liked the atmosphere.

I was trained to use a system so that I could complete tasks and there was a lot of learning on the job through which I learnt the basics of auditing. At the end of the placement had an additional interview to discuss my professional development.

The insight really helped me to understand what working at BDO would be like. I had lots of opportunities to talk to people working there and some who were already on the School Leavers programme to find out more about it.

Actually working in the office showed me that BDO have a very open and happy company culture.

I am now certain that I want a career in the professional services industry.

BDO paid me and reimbursed my travel expenses

I met with other people on the summer programme, trainees, managers and partners. It was an open plan office so there were lots of opportunities to network with other employees.

During the two weeks I went out to lunch a couple of times with some of the trainees and was invited to the office summer party which I thought was a really nice thing to do and made me feel part of the team.

I heard that there are sports teams and other social activities outside of work. I am also aware that BDO supports voluntary work which is something I am interested in.

Definitely- every part of the process from application to the actual placement gives you valuable experience. You get to find out more about the company and what it is like working in that type of environment as well as gaining a better understanding of a particular stream of accountancy. Iy has helped me to make an informed decision about my career.