Local University Programmes

NI Schools' Business Challenge

School teams of Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students across NI compete to present their findings on a local company case study to representatives from BDO NI, Queen’s Business School and Henderson Group. Using a real-world example, the objectives of the business game include supporting the NI Business Studies curriculum and facilitating the development of pupils’ business skills and knowledge in an enjoyable and interactive forum. Could you be in the winning team? To find out more, contact Professor Connolly from Queen's Business School to register your interest: c.j.connolly@qub.ac.uk

Business Insight Programme

BDO's 3-day programme launched in June 2023 in conjunction with Queen's Business School. Catered for Lower Sixth students, it focused on teamwork, critical thinking, analytical skills and communication skills. Providing hands-on experience that is invaluable to students entering the workplace in a matter of years. Returning for its second year on 11th - 13th June 2024, contact HR Manager Lisa to learn more: lisa.mcaleer@bdoni.com or fill out our survey to register your interest. *Applications closed on Friday 15th March 2024.*

What can you gain from taking part in our Business Insight Programme?

3 days, 3 modern locations, and 3 BDO department insights (audit, tax and advisory).
Careers advice and accounting/business course insights from Team BDO and Queen's Business School.
Earn a certificate to go towards your UCAS personal statement.
Solve a real-life business scenario and develop team working skills.
Make new and valuable connections for your career path.
The chance to meet and hear from our renowned guest speakers, their experience of success and business insights in the world of work.

Keep an eye on our social media channels to find out more!

Listen to these students' experiences of the Business Insight Programme 2023:

BDO Micéal Murphy Award

BDO Northern Ireland's innovative mentoring programme is a three-part programme providing high achieving students the opportunity of work experience and summer placements. It gives students an opportunity to learn the basics of accountancy and develop professional skills whilst working with a range of successful Northern Irish businesses. The prize has been renamed the BDO Award in Memory of Micéal Murphy, a former recipient of the award who sadly passed away in 2015. In dedicating the award to Miceal’s memory, BDO NI believes his enthusiasm will live through the current and future student award recipients.

The award details will be announced and explained in the class room. Winners will also be announced in the classroom and prize days at Queen's University Belfast.

The work experience and summer placements awarded as part of the prize itself will take place in the BDO Northern Ireland offices in Belfast.

This prize is awarded to the top 3 Financial Accounting module students who score the highest in their assessments in first year.

The top 3 performing students in their assessments will be awarded the prize after their first semester.

Summer placements and work experience will mostly be held during holiday periods.

International opportunities

BDO Northern Ireland are proud to work alongside Queen's University Belfast Management School to offer schools an insight into the Accounting with French pathway at QUB. We have BDO trainees available to host a session at your school to talk about the course, living in France and training to become a chartered accountant. This is a unique opportunity for students to ask BDO trainees about their experiences during university and studying abroad. Contact us for further details.