Intern Review

I enjoyed the work - obviously as someone with little knowledge of accountancy before going in some of it was going to be confusing. However, seniors were very helpful in helping me figure out how to do the work asked of me. What was less enjoyable were the bookend weeks. The values of the firm were well communicated, and there were lots of fun activities in the evening, however I felt there was a lot of timewasting which left me a little frustrated.

Very valued, I felt like an actual member of the team who was not just a hinderence.

All the seniors and my counselling manager were very nice to me, and supportive of helping me get over the difficulties of the job.

This is probably one of the downsides - naturally because a new joiner is not very technically competent, there is not always an abundance of work to be getting on with. However, managers/seniors did try their hardest to get me stuff to do.

You probably won't be talking to the clients themselves, or completing whole workbooks; rather you will be doing individual tests. You will be writing conclusions on test plans and on workbooks however - you have responsibility for taking ownership of the work you do. This is natural as you can't really be just left alone with say 'overheads' and expect to be able to complete it all.

In my degree? Nothing as I am a geographer, however this question seems pretty irrelevant - most people working in accounting did not do it at university. As for beyond, even if you don't go on to train as an accountant (as I am doing now), it will give you a level of comfort and familiarity with financial statements and information that cannot hurt in future life.

Open plan and hot desked, which I think generally engenders quite a quiet atmosphere which I personally do not like. On client site a small number of you are in a smaller room and this is a more normal atmosphere; a good mixture of banter and work.

Very well organised! I knew exactly what I was doing and where.

There was about 3 days actual training on audit/accountancy stuff i'd say - it's when you take the grad job that the firm really invests in your technical training towards the ACA.

I took the job, I thought it was a pretty straightforward place that didn't take you for a ride. About 90% of people get offers, you have to mess up badly (e.g. swear in front of a client maybe) not to.

Yes, the firm forced us into social activities on the first and last week/few days. As there will only be a few of you in each office, don't expect to be hanging out after work.

I lived at home, and worked in Reading. Reading is not too bad.

I don't know

Yes, I went to a national BDO football tournament and played with my office. It was great fun!