How to Apply for the BDO Financial Services Advisory Internship Programme

This guide is for recent graduates looking to apply for the BDO Financial Services Advisory Internship Programme for 2026/2027. By following these steps, you will be able to submit a complete and compelling application. Before you begin, ensure you have a completed degree in a relevant field (Business Management, Engineering, Accounting, Information Systems, Informatics, Finance, Internal Auditing, or Law/LLB) and gather all required documents: your updated CV, academic transcript, and a copy of your South African ID.

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Requirements

Confirm you meet all the minimum requirements for the BDO Financial Services Advisory Internship. This includes having completed a degree in one of the specified fields (Business Management, Engineering, Accounting, Information Systems, Informatics, Finance, Internal Auditing, Law/LLB). Note that while no full-time work experience is required, previous vacation work, clerkships, or relevant academic projects can be advantageous.

Mistake to Avoid: Applying without carefully checking if your degree aligns with the listed fields.
Outcome: Clear understanding of whether you qualify for the internship.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary application documents. You will need:

• Updated CV: Highlight any relevant academic projects, case competitions, or volunteer work that demonstrates skills like financial analysis, research, or teamwork.
• Academic Transcript: Ensure this is official and clearly shows your grades and degree details.
• Copy of South African ID: A clear, legible copy is essential.

Mistake to Avoid: Submitting incomplete or outdated documents.
Outcome: All necessary paperwork is ready for upload, preventing delays.

Step 3: Understand the Internship Scope and Responsibilities

Familiarize yourself with the typical duties and areas of exposure for the internship. This includes financial reporting, technology risk, governance, regulatory compliance, client consulting, and business process improvement. Understanding these areas will help you tailor your CV and application to showcase relevant skills and interests.

Edge Case: If your degree is in Law/LLB, focus on how your legal knowledge applies to regulatory compliance, FICA, FAIS, and POPIA.
Outcome: A clear picture of the work involved, allowing you to align your application with BDO’s needs.

Step 4: Prepare for Application Questions

While not explicitly detailed, applications often include sections for motivation letters or specific questions about your interest in the role and BDO. Prepare to articulate why you are interested in financial services advisory, what skills you bring, and why you want to intern at BDO. Highlight your interest in emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, IoT, or Robotics if applicable.

Mistake to Avoid: Generic answers that don’t show specific interest in BDO or the advisory field.
Outcome: Well-thought-out responses that strengthen your application.

Step 5: Access the BDO Recruitment Platform

Navigate to the official BDO recruitment platform using the provided link. This is where you will submit your application online. Ensure you are using a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the application process.

Outcome: You are on the correct platform and ready to start the online application.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out all sections of the online application form accurately and completely. This will include personal details, educational background, and potentially questions about your skills and experience. Double-check all entered information for typos or errors.

Mistake to Avoid: Leaving required fields blank or providing incorrect information.
Outcome: A fully completed application form with accurate personal and academic details.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents

Upload the documents you prepared in Step 2 (CV, transcript, ID copy) to the designated sections of the online application. Ensure the files are in the accepted format (usually PDF) and meet any specified size limits.

Outcome: All required documents are successfully uploaded to your application.

Step 8: Review and Submit Your Application

Before final submission, carefully review your entire application, including the form and uploaded documents. Check for any errors or omissions. Once you are satisfied, submit your application. You should receive a confirmation email or on-screen message.

Mistake to Avoid: Submitting without a final review, which could lead to errors being overlooked.
Outcome: Your application is successfully submitted to BDO.

Step 9: Monitor for Communication

Keep an eye on your email inbox (including spam folders) for any communication from BDO regarding your application status. The closing date was not specified, so it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible and remain vigilant for updates.

Outcome: You are prepared to respond promptly to any further requests or interview invitations from BDO.

Frequently Asked Questions