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BDO invests in diverse talent, growing its trainee intake despite consulting sector cuts and industry challenges.
This year, BDO, a professional services organization, has welcomed more than 600 new trainees, including students on industrial placements, school leaver apprentices, and graduates. This consistent hiring shows BDO's dedication to talent investment at a time when many larger consulting companies are avoiding on junior hires as a result of economic challenges and the growing usage of artificial intelligence (AI).
The head of people, culture, and purpose at BDO, Anna Draper, highlighted the significance of this new generation and commended their drive and curiosity. She was excited about how these trainees will benefit the company, its clients, and the communities in which they live.
The trainees, who join BDO’s 8,000-strong workforce, are spread across the firm’s four key business areas: audit; tax; deals; and consulting, risk and outsourcing (CRO). More than half of the new recruits are based outside London, reflecting BDO’s regional strength. Their induction includes a two-day programme at Wembley Stadium, designed to introduce them to the company’s culture, values, and foster networking and collaboration.
BDO’s efforts extend beyond recruitment numbers. Through focused initiatives, the company is actively seeking to improve social mobility and diversity in management consulting. The participants in the Explore BDO program which targets children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, increased by 75% this year. Additional regional programmes in Leeds and the Black Heritage Programme for university students also saw significant growth.
BDO's steady intake of trainees makes it a prime location for up-and-coming talent in an industry dealing with issues including post-pandemic slowdowns and cutting expenses. Mid-tier companies like BDO are concentrating on creating robust pipelines of future leaders, while some larger consultancies reduce junior personnel. This approach demonstrates BDO's sustained dedication to diversity and sustainable growth in management consulting.
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