Support, growth and the confidence to lean in

Andrew’s graduate journey at BDO

Andrew's graduate journey at BDO

A welcoming, people-first culture

My experience joining BDO was very smooth. The assessment centre was well-organised, enabling me to get to know and connect with others, and the interview process felt more like a genuine conversation than a formal procedure. From my first day everyone I interacted with was incredibly friendly, understanding, and open to answering questions.  

Working in business services has been genuinely enjoyable. I haven’t met a single person who hasn’t been welcoming and encouraging. The team has an energetic atmosphere where people truly enjoy each other’s company, and the bonding days and special events are always filled with enthusiasm. I didn’t expect such a strong sense of community, but it’s made the work environment both fun and motivating. 

If you were to ask me how to describe BDO’s culture, I would say it’s very supportive and people-focussed. There’s a strong emphasis on individual growth and helping you set and achieve your goals. The culture motivates you to progress, while providing the resources and encouragement to do so. For example, I’m currently undertaking the CA program alongside my work, and the opportunity to pursue professional development in parallel has been invaluable.  

Inspired to grow

BDO’s values of Human and Heart stand out most to me. Managers and colleagues consistently show genuine care for both my workload and wellbeing. Regular check-ins aren’t just about progress on tasks, they’re about personal goals and how you’re feeling. It’s clear that people here are invested in supporting one another, not just as professionals but as individuals.  

From partners to graduates, everyone has an approachable presence. I was impressed by my peers depth of knowledge and experience. This was inspiring, and it made me realise that with dedication, I could achieve the same growth. The environment really allows young professionals to thrive and continues to drive me to stay and strive for more in my career. The focus that BDO places on the person, rather than just the role, really embodies our firm values. 

The more you lean in, the more you grow

For me, the most rewarding aspect has been the quality of mentorship and learning. My manager has been instrumental in my development - consistently encouraging me to get involved, ask questions, and challenge myself to take on different types of work to broaden my skills. Through this, I’ve been able to apply theory in real-world contexts, gain exposure to larger clients, and experience how different parts of the business fit together. This combination of practical learning and professional opportunities has not only advanced my career but also helped me grow as a person in the workforce. The support from BDO has helped me set clear goals, measure my progress, and continuously expand my knowledge. Seeing that growth firsthand has been incredibly fulfilling.  

I’ve found the saying “you get out what you put in” to be very true here. The more I’ve invested in both my work and external opportunities, such as training sessions and events, the more rewarding the experience has been.  

BDO’s focus on people and growth has been key to my development, and my managers support has made it clear that growth comes from seizing every opportunity.