Summer School Work Experience Review

I enjoyed my insight a lot as it gave me a view of how working full time would be. Although it was tiring at times I got used to it. It gave me a brief but good experience into what working at BDO is like.

I felt valued by the firm because I wasn't given the standard jobs you'd expect from work experience (photocopying, stapling etc.). I worked on real client situations (in office and externally) and the audit seniors and trainees I worked with explained everything fully and answered any questions I had.

I received a lot of support from all members of staff. They were always happy to help me if I didn't understand what I was doing and also answered any questions I had. They made me feel comfortable to ask questions by telling me that they also ask someone senior or below them questions if they don't understand what they're doing.

The skills that I learnt during my placement will be invaluable to me in the future. I learnt to use system's that I wouldn't have been able to learn outside of BDO.

The insight was well structured and nearly everything went smoothly. It was difficult at times to find someone you were working on a job with as they were usually out on another audit but that's the nature of the job.

The atmosphere in the office was very good and everybody was happy. Out on external audits I expected clients to be unhappy but they were very cooperative and ready to help.

BDO invested a lot of time into me and booked me into external audits which they didn't have to do. They trusted me enough to let me visit clients with other members of staff. I was trained to use the system so I could carry out more tasks. In terms of development I had two more interviews which reviewed my time at BDO and the skills I had developed.

The insight gave me experience of full time work at BDO. I did the same fixed hours as BDO staff and worked with them. When I didn't have any work there was always work to do for another manager so my time was used productively.

The company is more relaxed about business and has a warmer atmosphere than the Big 4 firms I've visited. The open floor plan in the offices mean that you can ask a more senior member of staff a question provided they have time.

The work experience was very helpful in confirming my career path. I was comfortable asking questions and doing tasks that I was provided.

I was paid for the two weeks and reimbursed expenses on train travel.

The opportunities to network were good. I was able to speak to managers freely and I also spoke to a partner.

Networking opportunities were good. I wasn't able to go to any social events as it was a short term placement.

I asked an audit trainee about social events the company holds. He told me they have first Friday drinks at the start of each month, a summer and winter party as well as a national football tournament against other BDO offices. The winner of this tournament went on to play in the international tournament in Prague this year.

I would recommend this insight because it gives a real life experience into working at BDO. The work that's given to you may seem challenging at first but after some time it becomes manageable.