This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I didn't know what to expect before coming, but I found it very interesting and valuable.
Everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I was only there 6 weeks, but I felt so comfortable and included both in the office and outside, with social activities.
I was very new to the work, and so I was given a lot of support and guidance. Everyone was ready to answer any questions I had and they were all very patient with me.
Days varied: there would be some where I was out with the client and had a lot to do, but equally there were times in the office that were a lot quieter. During the internship, we also had a charity challenge, this was sometimes time consuming alongside work. But it was never too much, I was always busy, which was good.
Bearing in mind, I have never done accounting before I couldn't have too much responsibility. However they still gave me a lot to do: I wasn't photocopying!
In terms of technical skills, they wont directly help my degree. However, there are many skills that will indirectly help, for example working in teams on a project, dealing with all kinds of people. I believe the skills and training will help me a lot more after my degree, as I hope to go into accounting.
The Company
The atmosphere in the office was nice and relaxed, but people got their work done. Everyone was so supportive and friendly.
There was lots of different activities for us to do in the internship, starting with a training week in Birmingham, which had evening events planned, to going out visiting clients during my time in the office, and finally spending the last two days in London to finish it off. Therefore I felt it was very well organised.
We had an initial training week, which was valuable, however quite rushed for someone that has never done accounting before. Also, as the internship went along, everyone was happy to go through any questions I had and explain it all to me, helping me develop. They were keen on self evaluation and so when I had worked with people I was given feedback so I could see how I could develop. Therefore I feel they did invest a lot of time in me.
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
They are very appealing, however I would love to have a year out after uni to go travelling and so I would want to apply the following year. I would definitely apply to BDO. The employees are all so friendly and so it would be a great place to work, but it is also one of the best accountancy firms in the world.
The Culture
There was a great social scene. Firstly with all the other interns when we met at the beginning and end, but also within the office. We went out for drinks for peoples birthdays and for the first Friday of the month, we had a summer bbq. But the main social event for me was a football tournament in Cardiff. There were socials in the evenings and a day of football. It was so much fun, and really good to see people outside of a working environment!
My office was in Leeds, so it is definitely not as costly as London. So the cost of living and socialising wasn't too bad
The nightlife in Leeds is great
Yes, the football tournament in Cardiff was the best part. They were very inclusive. But this was the main one.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Accounting, Audit
Yorkshire and Humberside
August 2015