Summer School Intern Review

I was based in the audit stream with in the Real Estate sector. I had a lot of interesting tasks such as finding out details of potential new clients and reporting back to a manager with my thoughts so we could single out a few companies as potential clients of BDO. I also did work using an audit programme APT and updating figures on accounts from the previous year. I attended a meeting on a client with a partner and senior managers as well which was interesting. Not to mention being out of the office at a clients in Mayfair for 3 days of my work experience where I helped a manager preapare an audit on the company by checking figures etc. On the Thursday I had an interview with a partner which goes towards the decision of whether I would gain a place on the BDO School Leaver programme. Yes there are also the boring mundane administrative tasks that come with every job such as filing, photocopying etc. but these tasks form a big part of most office jobs and I rarely had to do these tasks but when I did I found it good practice anywyay.

I have learnt how to use various programmes that I didn't know how to use before such as APT which was useful. I also developed existing skills such as Excel, which is used a lot in the world of audit. I also developed skills such as accuracy and towards the end of the week I found that I was finding discrepancies more easily. Finally I definitely developed my communication skills, I was based in a big department with lots of senior managers who I was addressing on a daily basis as well as visiting a client which is a different environment.

I really enjoyed myself and felt fully integrated as part of a team. The facilities at BDO were fantastic and there is a fantastic cafe to eat at with very good prices. When I went to a clients with a small team I really enjoyed working as part of a small team.

At BDO everyone feels valued and it is one of the best aspects of BDO, the work you do whilst with BDO is actual work that is contributing to the running of the company rather than tasks that have just been made up to keep you busy. For me it is what made BDO stand out over the other Big 4 accounting firms.

The programme was definitely well structured and I had an online timetable so I knew where I would be going and what I would be working on each day.

I had a Buddy who I never actually me but I had their e-mail address if I had any problems.Lync message is also used throughout the office so if I ever had any problems someone was only a message away.

I had a counselling manager who I worked with and supported me throughout my work experience. I also was in frequent contact with the HR team who I met on the first day and were very friendly and helpful whenever I had any problem.

My salary package was £200 flat for 2 weeks, this met my costs very well as it only cost my £5 to travel to and from my house to work every day, BDO also offered to reimburse the costs for this travel. For lunches there were a number of choices around me in various price ranges so it really depends on where you want to go and how much you like to spend, although London is generally expensive.

I was only there for two weeks, but as interns we were invited to an after work drinks event although we weren't allowed to drink as we were all only 17, as well as a social lunch to meet various graduates and interns from different departments on the second day. However from speaking to people the company offers sports teams, balls, and regular social events for those who are there longer than two weeks.

Yes

Excellent experience that provided me with valuable work experience.

I would say that to be confident and not nervous, everyone here is very friendly and warm so you do not need to be worried. I didn't have to do an assessment day so the only thing you need to do is preapre for the interview, the advice I would give would just be to learn about the company and the values and prepare for competency based questions that ask you about your strengths, weaknesses and situations you have been involved in eg. tell me about a time when you took a risk