Looking back, what skills, experiences or opportunities did you gain during your time at BDO that have stayed with you throughout your career? What was your highlight during your time here?
One of the most valuable things I gained was the ability to solve complex problems while balancing technical accuracy with commercial practicality. BDO also helped me develop strong communication and project management skills, which remain essential in my current role.
I also successfully completed all Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) examinations with the Irish Tax Institute on my first attempt. Having supportive colleagues to lean on throughout my journey, from fellow trainees through to Partners, played a significant role in making these experiences possible and is a testament to the collaborative culture within BDO.
Beyond the technical experience, I learned how to build relationships with colleagues and clients, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of my work.
One of the highlights of my time at BDO Ireland was the opportunity to travel, as friends, with other trainees to Stockholm. We got to know each other well along the way, and many of those colleagues became good friends.
How did your career path evolve from BDO Ireland to your current role?
After joining BDO Ireland, I progressed as a Tax Trainee to a Tax Senior while continuing my professional development and gaining experience across different client engagements. As my career developed, I became increasingly interested in international tax and cross-border matters.
This ultimately led to the opportunity to relocate to Chicago and join the International Tax Services team. The technical knowledge, client experience, and professional network I built in Ireland made that transition possible and helped me adapt quickly to a new market and a new set of challenges.
What opportunities has working internationally given you that you may not have expected when starting your career?
Working internationally has significantly broadened both my professional and personal perspective. The opportunity to move internationally within the BDO network has been the highlight of my career to date. The experience demonstrated that the relationships and reputation you build within the firm can create opportunities far beyond what you might expect when starting as a graduate.
Professionally, it has given me exposure to different tax systems, multinational organisations, and complex cross-border issues that I would not have encountered otherwise. It has also allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from around the world and build a global professional network.
Personally, relocating to a different country has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and develop greater confidence and adaptability. When I joined the Graduate Programme, I certainly did not anticipate that it would eventually lead to living and working in Chicago, which speaks to the opportunities that can arise from building a strong foundation early in your career.
What advice would you give to someone trying to choose the right career path?
Looking back, it was difficult to know exactly which industry, role, or firm was the right fit for me. Throughout the interview process, I got a genuine feel for the culture and working environment at BDO, which gave me confidence that it was the right place to start my career. I would suggest to focus on finding an environment where you will learn, develop, and be supported early in your career.
The first few years after university are about building skills, gaining experience, and discovering what interests you most. Choosing an organisation that offers strong training, diverse opportunities, and supportive colleagues can open doors that you may not even be aware of today.
Be curious, ask questions, take on new challenges, and remain open to opportunities as they arise. Some of the most rewarding steps in my career—including working internationally—were opportunities I could never have planned for when I first joined the Graduate Programme.
