Audit Trainee

Hassan is a Trainee in Audit at BDO, embarking on an apprenticeship that offers a wealth of learning and development opportunities. His journey is characterised by a blend of personal growth, professional accountability, and the transition from classroom learning to practical work experience. In this conversation, Hassan shares his insights into the life of an apprentice at BDO, highlighting the skills and strategies that have helped him thrive.

What can you expect from an apprenticeship at BDO in terms of learning and development?

An apprenticeship at BDO opens up endless opportunities for personal development. You'll have dedicated sessions to work on yourself, both personally and professionally, covering everything from goal setting to effective networking. A typical day for me can vary from client-related tasks to learning through university. I start by checking in with the team and reviewing my priorities and goals for the day. Every audit is different, which keeps things fresh and allows me to apply different skills to new scenarios. Plus, there are plenty of activities to get involved in, whether it’s a football tournament or an office quiz—BDO has something for everyone.

How do you balance studying with your work responsibilities during your apprenticeship?.

Balancing studying with work responsibilities is all about consistency over intensity. Doing a little but often really removes the stress aspect of studying and reduces the likelihood of burnout. It means I can be fully prepared for exams while still having time for things I enjoy outside of work.

What has been the biggest change for you moving from school to working at BDO?

The biggest change moving from school to BDO is accountability. Responsibility for your work is a core part of the professional environment, teaching resilience to always do your best. BDO provides help in many ways to bridge the gap between school and work.

How does BDO support your studies alongside your apprenticeship duties?

BDO prioritises learning, always aware of the requirements for success during this qualification. Typically, 20% of the apprenticeship is spent studying, usually in block periods to focus on exams. Outside of this, I can take study leave as needed. I also enjoy speaking to experienced colleagues who have been on the same path. The skills I rely on most are being curious, disciplined, and collaborative. These blend well to help me perform my best and continuously improve.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at BDO?

My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship at BDO is to be yourself. BDO empowers individuality, so you'll have a place within the team no matter who you are. Bring your personal experience, perspective, and skills, and lean into authenticity. Be curious, ask questions, and learn. I've noticed many transferable skills from hobbies I thought had no correlation to audit, but in a client-facing role, soft skills are crucial to the quality service we provide.

How do you find the transition from classroom learning to practical work experience?

The transition from classroom learning to practical work has been rewarding. Seeing the real-world application of concepts gives meaning to the studying I do. The best way to understand something is through doing, and as a school leaver with limited knowledge of accounting, it has really accelerated my learning. Knowing exactly what to do during work can sometimes feel overwhelming. A lack of confidence in a new environment is natural, so overcoming doubts through questions to my team ensures I’m doing things right.

What tips do you have for managing your time effectively between work and study commitments?

Managing time effectively between work and study commitments was a concern for me initially. I've learnt to be intentional with my study, breaking exams down into topics and topics into days, giving me constant goals to work towards and making content manageable.

Hassan's experience as a Trainee at BDO highlights the importance of personal development, accountability, and effective time management. His journey reflects the challenges and rewards of an apprenticeship, offering valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path. With the support of BDO and a proactive approach, Hassan is navigating his apprenticeship with determination and enthusiasm.