Data Analyst Industrial Placement Review

I have really enjoyed my time a BDO so far. I have learnt lots from basic business environment knowledge such as communication and improving my time management, to more accountancy specific topics to computer scripting and more. Everyone has been so kind and my colleagues are always actively trying to help if I ever get stuck, even while we have been working from home. The work we do is very interesting with lots of variety in the skills we have been learning.

I feel very valued by all my colleagues. Although we have been working remotely from the start of my placement the department has ensured that we are constantly included in activities and meeting different members of the team through video chat coffee time and social quizzes. The department I am in have also made sure to offer more advanced opportunities so that we can improve the skills we have which shows they value us and want to invest in improving our skill set

I have been given lots of support by my managers and other members of my team and department. From the beginning of my placement all members of the department made it clear that they would help me if I had problems or was stuck on any part of my job, and every time I have been stuck or had a question, members of the team have always been very helpful in taking time to explain, teach me or help me solve any problems

Most days I have a good level of work, where I need to organise my day to complete it all and ensure it is done to the deadlines set. However, a lot of departments in the accounting industry work with a busy period which means my workload is likely to increase. I believe that I will be equipped to manage this as it will start while I have already been on placement for a few months so I understand a lot about the process.

I have been given lots of responsibility on my placement. I have to manage my own workflow and each job has to be completed by me from end-to-end. This means that I am responsible for each job I am assigned, from discussing relevant points with the audit teams to computer scripting. I am responsible for my own time management as well as ensuring that my work is to the highest quality, although there is lots of assistance if I need it.

All the skills I have learnt so far on my Industrial Placement will be useful in the future. From small things such as email styles, Microsoft Excel shortcuts and time management, to larger things like making me see that Computer Scripting is something that I would like to consider doing in the future and is something that I am going to bring in to my final year studies through the modules I pick if possible.

Although I do not know the atmoshphere of the BDO office yet, as I have been working remotely. My department has put lots of effort into creating a good atmoshpere through team meeting, a scheme called Coffee Roullette where we are grouped up with random members of the team to have a informal chat, and watercooler Wednesdays, which is an informal weekly departmental online meeting where any issues can be raised of we can just have a catch up

My placement has been extremely well structured and set up. From before starting the placement BDO ensured that we were kept updated about how we would be working in a remote environment and ensured that we would be provided with all the equipment we needed to work. The initial training that was provided by BDO was very well set out and provided lots of opportunity for hands on, practical training and the opportunity to do proper work

The firm is very invested in the training we received. From the beginning BDO provided both academic and hands on training on the style of jobs we would be doing and ensuring that we understood the process from end to end. We will also be having further training on more complex work styles in the coming months, which shows they are invested in us completing the best work possible. I have also been offered the opportunity to complete online training course to improve my scripting skills

There are lots of employment opportunities within BDO for after the placement is completed. The BDO Liverpool SSC is expanding and they are interested in taking on staff who understand the work and work well within the department, so having experience with them through the placement will make you more desirable for future job opportunities. BDO also has a University Graduate scheme for many of the departments which offers great prospects for advancement within the company.

There is an online social scene between the Industrial Placement students and between the more permeant staff members. Although socialising in person is not currently happening

The cost of living in Liverpool is relatively low in comparison to other major cities. Socialising is cheap with a large majority of bars and clubs having student nights, you just have to avoid the tourist traps like Albert Docks for night outs

Liverpool has some of the best nightlife in the country. It is a student city and a tourist hotspot so there is something different to do every night. The student nights are very popular and very cheap. The concert and gig scene is also really good as music is a key part of Liverpool. The office is right in the centre of Liverpool so enables you to live in the centre and make the most of the night life aswell

There is opportunities to get involved in charitable work outside of work, such as Radio City's Christmas Drive and other fundraises which BDO supports