Explore all graduate advice and guidance on gradireland

Applying for a graduate programme is a meaningful step — and it’s normal to want to feel ready. To help with that, we asked some of our trainees to share what helped them most as they prepared. From practical tips to confidence boosts, these quick insights offer a useful glimpse into what the journey really looks like, right from those who’ve been there.

The BDO Graduate Programme is designed to equip trainees with the skills and experience to succeed — wherever their career takes them. For some, that means progressing through the firm into director or partner roles. For others, it means moving into industry and applying what they’ve learned to new challenges. We spoke with Tara McAreavey, a BDO Graduate Programme alumna who began her career in our Audit department and is now Financial Controller at Terex. Her journey shows how the training contract can open doors to diverse and rewarding opportunities.

Wondering what career path fits you best? This quick quiz is designed to help you explore your working style — and where it could lead. Choose your career path. Choose BDO!

Brian Hughes, FS Audit Partner, reflects on his journey from trainee to Partner at BDO Ireland

"Tax wasn’t always the obvious choice at the start of my career, but it became the perfect fit - combining technical challenge, variety, and opportunities to grow." Emmet Bates Rogers, Tax Trainee

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.

Choosing a qualification, a firm, and a career path can feel like a big decision. To help future applicants, current BDO trainees shared what shaped their choices and the advice they would give to others.

Representing Kerry at the One Young World global summit for young leaders

Nourish your Future with the Kerry Graduate Programme

‘My experience as a Kerry Graduate’ Sean Ging