BDO Insight Day Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Insight day with BDO, Leeds. All the attendees and staff present were very friendly and knowledgeable both about BDO as a company as well as Accountancy as a career. I also found the short Q & A's with the current Graduates and School Leavers to be very useful in helping me to find out more.

I felt valued to a great extent. The staff took the time to answer my questions and listen to what I had to say during the PEST analysis session. I also felt that my fellow participants valued what input I had a were very attentive. Despite only being with BDO for a day I felt valued and appreciated.

The support and guidance that I received during the Insight day was excellent. I felt that I was supported greatly by fellow participants and staff. The member of staff, Anjali, was very kind and supportive for example during the mock interview exercise when she offered to pair up with me due to the odd number of students.

The information and skills that I gained during the insight day are truly invaluable. I found out a great deal more about School Leavers programmes and what they entail as well as the other great opportunities available to employees at BDO. Finally, in terms of skills I was able to practice my interview skills when engaged in the mock interview exercise.

I thought that the insight was very well structured and planned. We were lead through the itinerary by the staff and I always knew what was next on the schedule. Personally, i think the structure was perfect with ice-breaker sessions in the morning to help the participants to collaborate followed by a final closing and Q&A at the end of the day.

The atmosphere was very vibrant and lively. I managed to talk to nearly all of the other participants and never felt an awkward moment. The atmosphere was also not at all tense due to the fairly informal Q&A's etc. this helped me to feel more at ease in a typically daunting environment.

For the short time that I was at the firm I think that they did a great job. I was able to practice my interview answers and skills. I was also able to develop my communication and confidence when talking to employees and other students. The firm invested in me by allowing me to attend the event free of charge.

I was able to speak with current employees as well as read the literature that BDO publish, this helped me greatly to understand the community feel of the firm and their core values. The Quiz tested things that we had learnt like the company values this helped me to truly understand what BDO stands for.

I learnt all about the company values and the events that take place at BDO. For example I learnt about the ten CSR days a year that BDO offer to their employees this helped me to understand the company culture. Also chatting with current employees helped me to gain an understanding of the company culture.

I found the content to be extremely valuable in helping me to decide if a career in Accountancy is the right fit for me. The content helped me to understand the day-to-day roles of an accountant. Also I was enlightened to the wide array of different career pathways under the umbrella of accounting e.g Risk and Advisory and Tax

I was not paid or reimbursed my expenses however this was not a problem at all. I am grateful that BDO provided lunch as well as the time of some professionals in their field. I took a short train ride into the centre of Leeds so this was at a minimal charge to myself. I think reimbursement wasn't necessary unless I was travelling from further afield.

I managed to network with the staff member running the event, my fellow attendees as well as the current graduate and school leaver speakers. However, I was not allowed to network with anyone higher up in the firms ranking. I have made some great contacts who have already given me super advice.

I was able to socialise with current graduates and employees from the four main streams within the firm over lunch. I was also given plenty of time to socialise and network with the fellow participants. There was plenty of time to speak to staff and the speakers towards the end of the day especially.

I found out about an array of activities that employees get involved in outside of work. To name a few, I found out about the 10 CSR days a year that employees can choose to take part in. Also I found out about the social gatherings that take place outside of work like sports clubs as well as company meals.

I would definitely recommend this insight day with BDO to a friend. I think this event is great for both someone like me who is set on a career in accountancy as well as someone who may not know what they want to do in the future. I would recommend the insight to find out more about BDO.