Corporate International Tax Intern Review

We were encouraged to come to the office as much as possible and we would get tasks by associates and managers including: tax packs, computations and engagement letters. We would be walked through the tasks each time and had deadlines to complete them. In addition, you had to join some client meetings and take minutes and after you would be assigned tasks related to the client company. Lastly, as part of the internship you had to join calls by the careers team.

From the very first day you are introduced to the whole team as they have to get to know you to know what tasks would suit you best. This has truly developed my communication skills as going into the internship I considered this to be one of my weaknesses. This was also further developed during my preparation for the final presentation. You also learn to be more literate when it comes to computers and Microsoft programs. This is because you will often be prompted to use excel to complete some of the tasks.

Yes, from the very first day your people’s manager will have probably put some simple tasks by the side for you to complete such as creating engagement letters and they always assign you a junior associate who can walk you through it and help you in case you don’t know what to do. You are always given real work so this puts quite a bit of responsibility to you and the deadlines also make you feel more involved.

I always had support as when you are assigned a task the managers will also tell you who to ask questions to if you need any help. Additionally, you can email or send a quick Microsoft meetings message to anyone in the team facilitating the support you get. So even if you are working from home you can always ask for help and the associates will probably tell you to allocate some time in their calendar for a quick video call where they will clarify any query.

The culture at BDO was amazing. From the very first day you are given a tour of the office and introduced to every single member of the team who is present so you don’t feel out of place. Additionally the free coffee machines around the office are spaces where people will just come and chat to you and get to know you more meaning that you can make a lot of connections. Everyone is super friendly and supportive.

I fully enjoyed it and feel like I wouldn’t have been able to have this experience elsewhere. Unlike other companies, BDO actually showcases its values and lives by them making the working environment very enjoyable for everyone. No one feels left out or like they can’t ask for help. Even seeing junior associates being sometimes stressed and someone approaching them to ask about their well being was very reassuring. Only thing that would’ve made this internship better was if there was a social with all interns

Yes

I would tell them to always remember to link each answer they give in the assessment centre and the interview to BDO’s values as that is something that the recruiters look for. I would suggest they reach out to current or old interns at BDO and ask for tips as someone has done that to me and I found it to be very smart. Additionally, always be honest and always be you, BDO wants to see who you are.