AUTUMN 2019 | OUR CULTURE STORY 31
BE YOURSELF CHAPTER ELEVEN
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Melissa Dube , Audit Trainee and fashion and fitness fanatic, adds: “It’s brilliant to see BDO, and the industry, searching out fresh and diverse talent to
responsible adult in the workplace. Gone are the days of lie-ins and six-week summers! But in their place comes the prospect of a bright and promising future. Plus, from day one at BDO, I’ve been able to count on an extensive network of support, including mentors, partners, my personal counselling manager and a student qualification manager who supports me through my professional exams. “For a few more years, I know that I will be developing skills and working towards a qualification that will open up so many doors for me. And, when I look at it like that, I realise that starting work as a school leaver was a smart investment.”
Angela Cross , Corporate Tax Partner, U Board member and a Liverpool FC fan who works in Manchester for a fanatical Manchester City
arrive through our doors. “I still remember my ‘lightbulb moment’: I could earn a salary at the same time as getting an internationally-recognised qualification but not build up the debts associated with being at university? Why on earth would I not join a school leaver programme?! “I’m often asked what the hardest part of being a school leaver is and my response is always the same: the jump from being a dependent sixth former to being a
boss, says: “The accountancy profession is such a significant employer in the UK that it’s only right that, in addition to our own noteworthy efforts, we combine as a profession to challenge ourselves to tackle social mobility. The clients we work for don’t come in one mould, so why should their accountants and business advisers? Failure to unlock the potential of today’s younger generation could hinder our economy for generations to come.”
A NETWORK OF NETWORKS Well-represented groups with strong and prominent role models are important throughout BDO. We embrace individuality along with collaborative working. We believe that ‘difference’ is what makes us great and what strengthens our team, which is why we foster an inclusive culture at BDO which encourages people to be themselves. We have a number of network groups run by our people who celebrate each other. In the last 12 months, our networks have: X X Launched an Allies network – led by our LGBTQ+ network (BLEND) but supported and appreciated by all our networks.
X X Worked together on cross-network projects to share their stories, aims and challenges together. X X Launched a regular BAME podcast to share stories and discuss ‘life’ issues. X X Run a sponsored fast challenge during Ramadan. X X Launched a series of practical skills- based events to help people overcome personal barriers. X X Helped us to launch our first ever Inclusion Survey. X X Shared tips and ideas on how to #BalanceForBetter on International Women’s Day.
THE STORY A junior colleague and I were
discussing identity and belonging following political events in their home country. They said that seeing me wearing my cultural clothes for work and proudly mixing it with my British upbringing gave them a sense of pride in their own heritage. That’s what ‘Be Yourself’ means to me. Being true to yourself and inspiring others.” International Accounting Services Manager
chapter eleven
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