Choosing an employer
From one grad to another: how I found my path in Audit
30 Sept 2025, 12:25
Starting out in your career is rarely straightforward, and most of us weigh up different options before landing on the right path. For Patricia Sant’Ana, current BDO trainee, Audit quickly became the clear choice.
What drew you to Audit, and how did you know it was the right starting point?
Honestly, I just followed what genuinely interested me during my bachelor’s. I paid attention to the classes I looked forward to, and it was always the audit ones. I found myself most engaged, asking questions, and excited to learn more.
A big part of that was my audit professor. He had been in the field for years and shared real stories about what being an auditor was actually like. Hearing how theory played out in the real world really clicked for me. That combination – the subject itself and those real-life insights – made me realise Audit was where I wanted to start.
What surprised you most in your first few weeks?
Walking into BDO for the first time was a rush – the building, the welcoming people, the atmosphere. The culture here is so receptive, and it set the tone for everything else.
Work-wise, I was surprised by how much I used what I had learned in college, but in ways that felt far more practical. There is a lot to learn, especially new software and systems, but there is also a lot of support. Getting to interact with clients and visiting their companies made everything feel tangible and important.
What does a typical week look like, and how have you changed since starting?
I work with different clients alongside my audit team, spend plenty of time on calls with both local seniors and colleagues overseas, and take part in training on new tools and processes. There is a good balance between learning, collaborating, and getting things done – with some quality coffee breaks too.
Since starting, I have become much more confident and adaptable. I have learned how to use the software, communicate more clearly, and not stress so much about how I pick things up.
What would you say to a graduate still figuring out what’s right for them?
None of us ever feels 100% ready or completely certain. Before I applied to BDO, I kept asking myself, ‘When will I know it’s time for a real job?’ The truth is, you just have to start somewhere. Go after what interests you, even if you’re not fully ready.
You learn by doing, and every step gives you more clarity. Start at entry level, gain the experience, and you will grow into a professional before you even realise it.
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