How a Successful Mock Assessment Centre Helped Me Land a Placement with BDO
Securing a competitive placement is a crucial milestone for any university student aiming to gain industry experience. For me, Stan Wenham, a second-year Accounting & Finance student at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), this journey was made possible by a mock assessment centre run by TG Consulting at Anfield Stadium. Here’s how it prepared me for success and helped me secure a coveted placement with BDO in their audit department.
Why I Chose LJMU and My Path to Accounting
My passion for accounting started during A-levels when I studied business, economics, and history. Thanks to inspiring teachers, I developed a keen interest in the field. When it came to choosing a university, LJMU stood out for its placement programme and lecturers with real-world experience. Plus, as a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, the city was the perfect fit.
Recently, I embarked on the exciting journey of applying for placements, and I was thrilled to secure a position with BDO. But the experience and confidence I gained at the TG Consulting mock assessment centre were vital to getting me there.
The Day at the Mock Assessment Centre
The TG Consulting mock assessment centre was structured to simulate real-world scenarios, with invaluable feedback provided after each task:
Individual Presentation: I learned to improve my time management, use visual aids effectively, and incorporate clear introductions and gestures to strengthen my delivery.
One-to-One Interview: The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) became a game-changer for structuring my answers, particularly for scenario-based questions that had previously intimidated me.
Group Exercise: Feedback highlighted my ability to stay organised and manage time by
introducing a master notes system. I was also encouraged to involve quieter team members and actively listen during discussions.
The detailed feedback from each activity was transformative, leaving me far more prepared for real-world assessments.
How It Helped Me Succeed at BDO’s Assessment Centre
When the time came for my actual assessment with BDO, the lessons from TG Consulting’s mock session were invaluable:
The STAR technique gave my interview answers clarity and impact.
During group exercises, I applied feedback by encouraging quieter members to participate and introducing organisational tools like master notes.
I was more confident, thanks to the practice and constructive criticism I had received.
These skills and the confidence I gained made all the difference, and I felt at ease throughout the BDO process.
The Call That Changed Everything
After the BDO assessment centre, I anxiously awaited a response. When a week passed without news, I assumed the worst. Then, out of the blue, I got the call offering me the position! Overwhelmed with excitement, I ran to share the news with my mum, who had been my biggest supporter throughout.
Looking to the Future
I start my placement with BDO in September, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned at LJMU to real-world projects and industries. The TG Consulting mock assessment centre at Anfield gave me the tools and confidence I needed to succeed. For any student preparing for placements, opportunities like this are invaluable. They don’t just prepare you—they empower you.
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