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Stanley is a BDO Audit Trainee working within the Technology Risk Assurance department. He has been with BDO for a year, first joining the Black Heritage Insight programme whilst in his second year of university. Stanley successfully applied for a 6-week audit summer internship before joining full time in 2023 as a trainee.

BDO UK

How did you hear about BDO’s Black Heritage Insight Programme?
Whilst studying Computer Science at Aston University, I found the programme on the university careers page when looking for work experience opportunities.

What appealed to you about working for BDO?
The main draw for me was the culture. During the Black Heritage Insight programme, I met a colleague working in the Technology Risk Assurance department. We talked about their role, and it was obvious that they were in a job they loved, furthermore, it sounded like it was the job I was searching for! My interest led to a role in the London office as an audit intern. I met some amazing people and truly fell in love with the company. The insight week made me want to pursue a role in data analytics, but it was the internship and people I met that made me want to work for BDO.

What was the process after you completed the insight programme?
Following the insight Programme, I had to complete an online interview and a questionnaire selecting the top three departments that I would want to learn and work with during the internship. I was successful with the online interview and was fast tracked to the final assessment centre for the internship. My goal was to work within the Technology Risk Assurance department, and a way to achieve this was to build my knowledge base by completing the internship in the audit department.

BDO UK

What does a typical working day look like?
Following my essential morning coffee I usually get stuck straight into supporting the team with recalculation models using specific technology and software. I also work directly with the businesses we serve, supporting to resolve queries, gathering and documenting important information to ensure the whole team have access to the information they need to work on the audit.

What three skills are essential to your role?
Problem Solving: My job involves working alongside the wider audit team and the businesses we serve, therefore it’s crucial to have good problem solving skills when bridging the gap between technical knowledge and everyday business processes.

Communication: Good communication is the cornerstone of working in a team environment, and it’s hugely important to ensuring work is delivered on time as there are so many moving parts within the tasks we are undertaking.

Critical Thinking: Everyone has a different approach to problem solving, and this diversity of thought has the potential to create unique and innovative solutions. It’s important to be able to take a step back when working under pressure and analyse the issue you’re facing, both offering advice and seeking support when needed.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
I love learning new things! This role has taught me a lot of things and my role in the Data team has pushed me to become a better version of myself. I love the challenge that my role offers and love the fact that I am in a team full of extremely capable people who are always there to help and steer me on the right track! I have always felt valued and included.

What are the challenges of your role?
My role offers a variety of tasks to work on in a surprising number of ways. Typically, no two days are the same. Although this is something that I personally love about my role, it also requires a certain amount of mental agility. This means you sometimes need to learn as you go. It has taught me to rely on my team and acknowledge that no one person can do it all. I look up to every member of my team as they all have their own strengths.

What are your career aspirations?
My main goal is to continue to build on my knowledge and expertise, adding value to my team. I want to be able to continuously perform to a high standard and offer valuable insights through my technical knowledge and sector experience.

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining an insight programme?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. After the Black Heritage insight programme, my exposure to BDO was through the audit department, with my academic background being in computer science. Participating in the insight week led to me find out about the Technology Risk Assurance team, which I was able to join after completing an audit internship.
You need to put yourself out there and let people know what you want, and you also need to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and gain experience where you can. An insight programme provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the company and the industry. Take the chance to ask as many questions as you can and be curious, as that curiosity may lead to you finding the perfect role!

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