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www.graduateopportunities.com >> career advice
my grad experience
Kelsie Fahey Bachelor of Business (double major in Accounting and Financial Planning), University of the Sunshine Coast.
Kelsie’s journey has taken her from Noosa to Brisbane via the Sunshine Coast, and from working in a small accounting firm whilst studying to accepting a graduate position at BDO, a global accounting firm.
You worked at a small accounting firm during your degree. Did this help you with your study? This employment really helped me to put the basic accounting principles taught at university into practice.
How did you get your first job after graduation? I obtained my graduate job with BDO through the graduate recruitment program run by BDO each year. I lodged my application with BDO in Semester 1, 2009 (my final year at university) for a position beginning in March 2010. I did apply for a number of firms, attended a number of assessment centres and a number of interviews. This position also required me to move from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.
How did you prepare for your interviews and assessment centres? I prepared for the interviews and assessment centres by researching information about the firm for which I was applying. This allowed me to tailor my answer to the application questions and interview questions to the specific firm. I also researched possible interview questions and thought about my experiences and how I could use these to indicate my skills. One of the major tips I was given is to ensure that for each question you answer, you include an example of how you can perform or how you have used your skills.
What does your current role entail? I work in the audit department. Each day I go out with a team of auditors to clients and ensure that the financial statements of the company are true and fair. A major part of my position is working in a team to get the job finished before the deadline, talking to clients (sometimes CFOs of million dollar companies) and analysing information.
Starting a new job in a new city must have been difficult. How did you adjust? Starting a new job was difficult as I was living in a whole new environment which resulted in me getting lost a few times. I moved to Brisbane a few months before I started work so I was able to settle gradually. When I started at BDO there were seven other audit graduates also starting. This made it much easier as they were in the exact same situation as me. It was great to be able to make friends within the firm; this really helped adjusting. BDO also held a number of functions that helped me to get to know everyone.
What is the best piece of career advice you have been given? If you find a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life!
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