Summer School Intern Review

I was a Summer School Intern for BDO Reading Audit over the past two weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed myself during this time. I have received excellent exposure with regards to the everyday lifestyle of an auditor for BDO. I have been to visit clients in Swindon and Cirencester 3 times during my placement which was fantastic, allowing me to gain practical experience on a current audit. Throughout these weeks I have been helping with several clients workbooks when at the office, allowing me to complete and perform checks on Balance Sheets, Profit and Loss Accounts and other sections which include: fixed assets and share capital. I have also completed desktop reviews for foreign subsidiaries and compiled payroll reports whilst out at a client.

Yes, I have had lots of time to build on my current excel skills, having learned numerous new formulae, shortcuts and many other features. I have also become more familiar with the format of a set of accounts and workbooks, allowing me to be more efficient whilst working on these tasks. I was also introduced to an extensive range of new accountancy terms, I was not previously aware of, that aided in my understanding of how a business operates financially

I absolutely loved my placement, it has provided me with confirmation that Audit is the field in which I would like to work and also that BDO are the firm I would be passionate about working for. I found all of me colleagues at BDO to be extremely welcoming and helpful all along the way, proving me with excellent help and support throughout.

I felt very valued during these two weeks, having received excellent feedback and appraisals from all of my colleagues and clients I really felt like part of the team.

Despite several smal changes to my original timetable the programme was very well organised, ensuring that I was exposed to various different tasks and environments, giving me a well-rounded view of BDO and Audit.

I received tons of help and support from all of my colleagues I worked alongside, which was very much appreciated. However, I received exceptional support from my Counselling Manager and was very pleased with the level of communication. This made it feel like the Summer School was tailored to me and helped me excel in all aspects of the job.

I received a very good amount of support from my Employer and HR Team. As aforementioned everyone I worked with was very welcoming and supportive and made me feel very valued. This was very reassuring throughout and meant that if I ever had any questions, the fear of asking too much was eliminated by the very friendly nature of the BDO Team.

I was very pleased with the salary provided for the two weeks. I was initially under the impression that the Summer School Programme was unpaid, so I was very happy indeed when I discovered it was paid work experience. Also any extensive travel costs, when visiting a client for example, could be claimed under expenses which was again very reassuring.

Yes, I was very pleased and surprised to discover the sheer quantity of opportunities that BDO offer to give back to the community. There are several events in place as fundraisers and also opportunities to take time from work for partaking in charitable events.

Yes

I had a fantastic time over these past two weeks and received great exposure to all aspects of BDO and Audit. During this time I learnt lots of new skills and met lots of new fantastic people which has a huge added bonus. I feel this really is the best way to decide if your field and firm of choice are the right ones for you. This programme confirmed that I would be passionate about working in Audit at BDO.

I would strongly recommend others to apply to BDO and receive the same fantastic experience that I have during my placement. BDO made me feel very welcome and valued from the moment I was introduced. To me this demonstrates BDO's true values, especially Mutual Support and Respect, and also how BDO's main focus really is exceptional client service.