Virtual Insight Week Candidate Review
at BDO
Insight Day
Accounting
Newton Aycliffe
Review Submitted: July 2021
Overall Rating
3.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.4/5
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Overview of the Experience
4/5
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Skills Development
3.5/5
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Company Culture
Overview of the Experience
Please give an overview of what your virtual experience involved:
4/5
My experience consisted of a range of presentations and interactive activities to develop my knowledge of the company and, more importantly, the industry as a whole. A range of speakers were utilised within the programme to diversify the specialist knowledge candidates were provided with. The overall experience was very insightful.
To what extent did you enjoy your virtual experience?
5/5
I enjoyed my virtual experience with BDO to a large extent. I felt thoroughly engaged throughout the experience and never felt the need to lose attention if something was not of interest to me. The only downside for me was the length of the programme, I would’ve loved to participate for longer!
How well organised was your virtual experience?
5/5
I would agree that this virtual experience was definitely well organised. The team at BDO managed to follow a structure that never left me or others in the position of confusion as to where to go and what to do. I cannot fault the organisation of this virtual work experience.
How much did your virtual experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
2/5
I agree with this statement to a large extent. As multiple career paths were mentioned, for example graduate schemes and apprenticeship paths, I am still undecided to an extent. Despite this, I am now fully confident in my motivation to join the BDO family in particular, as a result of its strong family culture.
Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
1/5
I was not paid for this virtual experience. However, the knowledge and skills I gained during the week meant that the experience was invaluable! By attending the virtual experience, I believe it may give me an advantage to hopefully be given an offer at the firm in the near future, furthermore displaying the true value of the programme.
Skills Development
What training and skills development did you learn from your virtual experience?
4/5
I would say a beneficial skill that had been developed within the experience was strong communication. I was able to speak to employees from the company directly, in order to consolidate any queries I had regarding the information. I was also able to pick up on traits of etiquette in the professional environment from listening and analysing speakers.
Company Culture
How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
4/5
One thing that resonated with me throughout the entirety of this virtual experience with BDO was the clear sense of a family culture. I believe this is what sets BDO apart from other professional service firms, as you can guarantee full support from your peers in progressing within your career.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
3/5
Yes, plenty! I was impressed by BDO at their efforts to involve a number of employees at the firm. We had the opportunity to ask lots of questions to the employees, which for me personally allowed all my queries to be resolved. As I was surrounded by other candidates, I was also able to network with them if I wished to.
Recommendations and Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel as if BDO are slightly overlooked as not being a part of the “Big 4”. In this sense, it is a shame they do not get the level of recognition that they deserve. Without a doubt I would recommend BDO to a friend, and introduce them to the range of career paths there is on offer!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
I would say that others considering applying to a BDO programme or employment contract should not be held back by the idea of not fitting in. At BDO, everyone is treated the same. It is clear to me that BDO is very inclusive as employees come from very different backgrounds and cultures.
