Meet Ben
Discover Ben’s journey from school leaver to professional at BDO, fuelled by early career opportunities and supportive mentorship. Joining BDO’s School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme straight out of school, Ben quickly found himself immersed in meaningful work, learning to balance new responsibilities and build connections in a culture that values individuality. With a focus on personal growth and a welcoming team environment, Ben has not only learned the ins and outs of his role but also discovered a workplace where he can thrive and set ambitious goals. Let’s hear from Ben as he shares his experience, the challenges he’s overcome, and the support BDO provides.
Q: Ben, what motivated you to join BDO straight out of school?
Ben: "Joining BDO straight out of school has been a big adjustment, but the support I get has really helped me settle in. I wanted to jump into the professional world early and start building a career, and BDO’s School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme felt like the right opportunity for me."
Q: How has the transition from school to work been for you, and how has BDO supported you along the way?
Ben: The transition has been a learning experience, but BDO has a strong support network. I can talk to recent graduates or reach out to my Buddy—a colleague who’s a year ahead of me and available to answer questions and share their recent experiences. If I’m still struggling, I can always go to my manager. Having people I can turn to has made the transition so much easier."
Q: You’re one of the younger members of the team. How has that experience been?
Ben: "Before joining, I thought being the youngest in the office might be intimidating, but I haven’t felt that way at all. Everyone here is approachable, inclusive, and easy to get along with. You’re treated as an adult and a valued part of the team from day one. We’re all here to support each other, no matter our background or experience."
Q: How would you describe BDO’s approach to supporting early career professionals?
Ben: "BDO really treats you like a person, not just a number. They make sure you have the resources and support you need to grow. There are communities here, and a real sense of wanting you to succeed. You feel like BDO cares about each individual, which is so important in a big company."
Q: Speaking of culture, what’s one thing you feel sets BDO apart?
Ben: "It’s the team culture. Even though it’s a big company, there’s this feeling that we’re all in it together. I remember thinking that a corporate setting would be very formal, but it’s actually very social here. Partners are accessible and genuinely interested in helping us grow. You’re encouraged to connect, learn, and collaborate with everyone, which is amazing."
Q: What are some of the career goals you’re working towards at BDO?
Ben: "There are endless possibilities here. I would love to one day become a partner, and BDO really encourages you to aim high. Being able to observe partners, work with senior leaders, and see how they go about their day-to-day has been incredibly motivating. I can see how BDO is supporting me in reaching my full potential."
Q: What advice would you give to others who are starting out or considering BDO’s School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme?
Ben: "I’d say: just go for it. If you are thinking about joining BDO straight from college, I would 100% recommend it. Even just the interview process is such a valuable experience in terms of learning. You have just got to put yourself out there and give it a go. And, as I’ve learned, stay curious, and ask questions. Doing that at the start of your career is everything. Asking questions helps you learn not just skills but new ways of thinking. BDO encourages us to ask questions and that has been such an important part of my growth.”
Q: How does BDO support you in balancing your professional and personal life?
Ben: “At BDO, there's a big focus on keeping a healthy balance, so you can work toward your goals without burning yourself out. They help us find that balance between work, studying for exams, and keeping a social life. They support us with tools and resources to manage time effectively, and that’s been essential in making sure I don’t feel overwhelmed."
Q: Looking back, what surprised you most about starting your career at BDO?
Ben: "One thing that might surprise you about BDO is how they really want everyone to thrive. Everyone here needs everyone else to thrive. It is also a very sociable environment, which has been great. I was also surprised by the amount of variety in my role. Some of my friends think auditing is just a desk job, but I get to meet audited entities and have different experiences. Every day is different, which keeps it interesting."
Through BDO’s School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme, Ben has found a supportive environment, invaluable mentorship, and early career growth opportunities. From learning to manage responsibilities to aiming high in his career, he’s embraced BDO’s culture of collaboration and ambition.
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