Insight Week Review

The programme gave us an amazing insight into financial services. Before this week I had little to no knowledge of the sector, however after completing this my commercial awareness has improved drastically. One thing I enjoyed about the programme was the CSR group project where we worked together as a team to finish the task.

My commercial awareness of all the sectors (tax, audit, consulting) in financial services has improved. I have also learnt how to work together as a team online, which is the first for me as I am very used to working in real life. I have also developed my communication skills as the programme was very engaging.

I really enjoyed this insight week to a major extent as it was much more engaging than the other virtual courses I took part in before. What I enjoyed the most was the motivational speech/advice from one of the partners at BDO [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] as he really inspired me.

We were given all the links to the meetings before the event as well as the full timetable for the week, preparing us. Moreover we had 10 minute check ins before our day started so we know exactly where to go and what we’ll do, or if we had any questions. It was very organised.

What I like most about BDO is the company culture and how diverse it is. They really respect and value different cultures and don’t discriminate at all, allowing us to be ourselves and not fake our personality to fit in. BDO are really supportive when it comes to peoples religions and cultures.

The BDO insight week has helped me tremendously on deciding my future career path. After I complete my A-Levels I am planning to apply to BDOs school leaver programme as it has really stood out to me. Moreover, due to having more commercial awareness, I know exactly what each sector does.

Nope.

There was several opportunities to network in the insight programme. We had a “buddy lunch”, where we had lunch online with a few BDO colleagues as well as other students. We shared our LinkedIn accounts and networked. Furthermore, we did a project we’re we worked in a team giving us another opportunity to network.

Yes

Definitely. The way the programme was organised and hosted was perfect and I feel like it really set me up for my future. Moreover they also gave us an opportunity to be fast tracked into the school leaver programme, which was perfect for me. I am so glad I applied and got into to this insight programme.

I would advice you to be yourself as BDO really promotes the idea of equality and freedom regarding cultures. There is no need to fake an identity as they have created a very friendly environment. I would also advice you to ask any questions you have, even if it is considered silly, you aren’t put down or criticised.