A key player in the fields of audit and consulting, BDO France is part of the network of corporate partners collaborating with Paris School of Business.
This partnership is built on a shared vision: supporting young talents in their professional development through hands-on, formative opportunities.
In this interview, BDO France discusses the motivations behind this collaboration, the opportunities available to students, and offers advice for successfully embarking on a professional journey.
The Partnership
Can you introduce your company and industry?
Established in 2007 to serve French businesses, BDO France is a member of the world’s 5th largest audit and consulting network, offering its clients the global reach of an international network operating in 164 countries and employing over 111,300 people. BDO France provides a diversified range of services across finance, accounting, taxation, risk management, IT systems, and sustainable development.
As the first audit and consulting firm to adopt the status of a “mission-driven company,” BDO has, since 2021, united its teams and clients around shared objectives embedded in its purpose: “Foundation and springboard for those shaping the future.” Strengthened in its areas of expertise and supported by its talented professionals, BDO France, a prominent player in the SME and mid-cap market, is equipped to support all economic stakeholders.
What motivated you to establish this partnership with Paris School of Business?
We entered into this partnership for three main reasons:
- The quality of the academic curriculum
- The initiatives offered as part of the partnership.
- Positive experiences with former students of Paris School of Business
What roles and responsibilities will be offered to the students you recruit?
We recruit students for two main types of positions:
- Accountant: Responsible for managing accounting operations, handling routine tax matters, preparing reports, conducting financial analysis, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Junior Auditor: Responsible for assisting with audit preparations, performing audit tests, communicating with clients, and contributing to audit reports.
Professional Experience for Enhanced Employability
In your opinion, why is professional experience a stepping stone for students?
Not everything can be learned in the classroom; hands-on experience is essential. At BDO, young talents are quickly integrated into real-world assignments. They are, of course, supported by a team of three to five people most of the time to ensure proper guidance and protection.
Do you tend to prioritize hiring recent graduates who have completed apprenticeships?
Often, internships or apprenticeships serve as a way for us to evaluate potential future collaborators.
What advice would you give to students for succeeding in their professional experiences?
Our first piece of advice is to cultivate curiosity about businesses in the broadest sense. This curiosity should also lead them to explore data and AI, which are now unavoidable.
For students interested in consulting, we recommend starting with auditing, as it is highly formative.
Finally, we advise students to begin their careers in a consulting firm. It is an excellent training ground that helps them build a solid foundation of knowledge for their future careers: adaptability, rigor, methodology, efficiency, client relations, and more.
