Kickstarting 2 careers in just 1 year? At BDO, that’s possible!

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Kickstarting 2 careers in just 1 year? At BDO, that’s possible!

Are you eager to explore the world of finance and find out where your strengths lie? Then the BDO traineeship is the perfect opportunity for you. In just one year, you’ll gain hands-on experience in both Audit and Accountancy while working with different teams.

Alex Millet and Katrien De Beucker, two of our trainees, share their experiences and explain how this program gave their careers a flying start. 

I’ve learned more in six months than in three years of studying!

Alex Millet

A traineeship is the ideal way for young professionals to gain insight into different aspects of a company. At BDO, our traineeship lets you experience both Audit and Accountancy within a year. Like many graduates, Alex and Katrien weren’t sure where their true interests lay, so they entered the traineeship with an open mind.

Alex Millet: The first few weeks were intense but incredibly educational. We started with the 'Starter Days' alongside other juniors, which made us feel instantly part of the team. It never felt like we were on a separate track. We were immersed in the world of finance, learning not just the technical aspects of the job, but also how different teams collaborate. 

Katrien De Beucker: Absolutely! You become a full member of both teams. The program is packed with training from both departments, giving you a solid foundation to build on. You learn so much, so quickly, and get a clear picture of each department’s work. 

The best of both worlds 

The BDO traineeship offers a broad experience in finance. By rotating between two departments, trainees can discover firsthand where their strengths and interests lie. 

Katrien De Beucker: One of the most valuable aspects of this traineeship is that you get to experience the busiest periods in both departments. Everyone talks about the ‘busy season’ in audit, but it’s hard to grasp what that really means until you live it. During my studies, I always thought audit was the obvious choice for me, but through this traineeship, I discovered how interesting accountancy can be. 

Alex Millet: What surprised me most is how interconnected audit and accountancy actually are. In accountancy, you generate the input, while in audit, you verify the output. Seeing this relationship in action really helped me understand the bigger picture. I also noticed key differences in how the two departments work. In accountancy, you’re often at the office with your full team, handling multiple clients at once. In audit, you work closely with just two or three colleagues for several weeks on one project. Each approach has its own dynamic.  

The traineeship is the best way to get a taste of both audit and accountancy and to discover what these professions really entail. Both departments are very different, but both have their charms.

Katrien De Beucker

Support every step of the way

Trainees at BDO get to know different teams and receive continuous guidance and support from a dedicated People Manager. 

Alex Millet: Switching departments for the first time can be a bit nerve-wracking because you’ve gotten used to one team. But even while I was working in accountancy, I joined the audit team for a teambuilding event, which helped me get to know them in advance. Plus, every BDO employee has a People Manager - someone you can turn to for support if you have questions or challenges. My people manager is fantastic - she checks in with me regularly and is always there when I need advice. 

Katrien De Beucker: Transitioning to accountancy was an adjustment at first. I had built strong connections in the audit team and felt at home there. Moving to a new department meant starting from scratch - new people, new processes. But my colleagues were incredibly welcoming, and in the end, it was a great experience. It made me more independent and helped me develop confidence in speaking up and asking questions.

Advice for future trainees? 

What would Alex and Katrien say to new trainees about to begin their journey? 

Katrien De Beucker: I’d highly recommend it! It’s an amazing learning experience, and you get to work with so many different people. The traineeship gives you a well-rounded view of both departments and helps you make an informed career choice.  

Alex Millet: Absolutely! This is a unique chance to figure out what truly suits you. Stay curious and develop your social skills. The traineeship gives you a broad perspective on finance and related career paths. And at BDO, you always have people looking out for you, even during the busiest periods.  

Ready for a strong start?

The BDO traineeship is more than just a first job - it’s an intensive learning experience that helps you build both technical expertise and professional skills. 

Want to follow in Alex and Katrien’s footsteps and experience both Audit and Accountancy up close?

Discover everything about our traineeship