Accounting students compete in BDO Northern Ireland Interview Award

A trio of second-year undergraduate accounting students have been celebrating after they were announced as the joint overall winners of the annual BDO Northern Ireland Interview Award.

Now in its eighth year, the competition is designed to prepare local university students as they embark on the job market by equipping them with the essential skills required for a successful job interview.

Organised by the Ulster University Business School as part of the BSc (Hons) Accounting Pathways Programme, it was supported by BDO NI and took place at the firm’s Donegall Square offices in Belfast.

From almost 80 hopefuls, Eoin Hamill, Daena Sinclair and Sam Lynas walked away with the coveted prize after a gruelling selection process that centred on mock interviews to identify the top candidates.

BDO Northern Ireland Interview Award

Prior to the graded element of the competition, BDO NI HR Manager Lisa McAleer and BDO NI trainee Chartered Accountant Rachel Quinn delivered an in-depth mock interview workshop for students. This was accompanied by short videos created by those sitting on the interview panel that contained hints and tips and which students were able to access on demand via the business media platform LinkedIn.

Ann Lundy – Audit Director at BDO Northern Ireland – says giving future talent as much help and guidance as possible is a cornerstone of what the audit, tax and business advisory firm does. She said: “At BDO NI, we put significant emphasis on supporting young people throughout their education or training, with the aim of preparing them for when they eventually move into the world of work.

“Without practical initiatives such as these awards, students would not get the opportunity to learn practical skills that become such an important part of their professional development when they start their careers. When applying for jobs, the interview process will be the first impression an employer gets of a prospective employee, and it is important to be ready to take advantage of the opportunity by showcasing your knowledge and your skills in a confident and measured manner.

“The opportunity to intern with BDO NI will provide students with first-hand experience of working in a professional setting, engaging with experts across our services and a range of clients on a daily basis.”

A total of 78 students signed up for this year’s competition and by winning it Eoin, Daena and Sam each receive a cash prize and the offer of an internship with BDO NI where their mentor will provide them with advice and guidance as they continue their course studies with Ulster University.

Laura Morgan – Course Director and Lecturer at Ulster University Business School re-emphasised the importance of the mock interview process, saying: “It was great to visit BDO NI’s lovely new offices in the city centre this year where they interviewed 78 second year accounting students. I would like to thank BDO NI for the significant amount of time and effort they continue to put into this module.

“The mock interview facilitates the growth and development of our young people in preparation for the workplace by giving them real life experience, and excellent exposure to one of the top graduate employers in Northern Ireland.”

Laura added: “I would like to thank the team at BDO NI and congratulate the interview team for the work they put into the videos, and for making the students feel very comfortable throughout the interview process. I would also like to congratulate Daena Sinclair, Eoin Hamill and Sam Lynas for delivering an exceptional interview, and for scoring so highly as a result.”