A career that evolves with you

We're often led to believe that a career should be a straight line: pick a direction and follow it. In practice, it rarely works that way.

Just ask Chabeli Sanders and Drilon Rexhepi. Both studied Applied Economics at the University of Antwerp, yet their paths at BDO took very different turns. What their stories have in common? Neither of them saw the turn coming.

From lecture hall to the field

During her studies, Chabeli thought she had her future figured out. Accountancy was her focus. She taught seminars on the subject and took on student jobs in the field. When she went looking for a summer internship, she found one with us in financial audit. "I wanted to get better at reading the numbers, and almost nobody offered that over the summer. BDO did. And they really went out of their way to show me every step of the process."

Drilon's first introduction to BDO came during a career event while he was still studying. A few years later, degree in hand, he joined our audit team. "Audit wasn't the only option, but it was a logical one. In a short space of time you get to work with a lot of different clients, sectors and teams. A great place to learn."

Learning by doing

One thing that surprised both Chabeli and Drilon? How quickly they were trusted with responsibility.

Drilon had a different picture of his first job too. "I expected to spend most of my time behind a screen. The reality was completely different. You quickly become involved in client meetings and develop much more than just technical knowledge."

At BDO, growth isn't only about building expertise. You also get the chance to work alongside clients, take on responsibility and develop yourself in a professional environment where initiative counts.

That doesn't mean you're left to figure everything out on your own. Some people thrive with structure, others prefer more autonomy. "I have colleagues who like a lot of guidance, and they get it," says Chabeli. "I preferred learning in my own way, step by step. That worked just as well."

"A month into my internship, I was already working things out myself and presenting them to the client. At BDO, if they see your motivation, you get trust. And that trust pushes you to keep growing." - Chabeli Sanders

Growth isn't a straight line

And if your interests shift along the way? There’s room for that too.

Also read: BDO Starterdays: the kick-off to a career that counts

For Chabeli, it started with an internship supervisor who noticed where her strengths and interests really lay. "She said: what you enjoy doing, we do in a much more focused way over at Risk Advisory. Go and talk to my colleagues." That conversation sent her career in a different direction.

Within Risk Advisory, she explored a broad range of projects before gradually finding her niche. "That's how you find out what gives you energy.” She now works full-time for two major clients, which quickly made her the point of contact rather than just support. Her focus today is cybersecurity, and she keeps building on that expertise through ongoing training.

Drilon's path evolved differently. When an opportunity arose to gain experience in IT Audit, he volunteered immediately. He did it alongside his regular assignments for a while, then decided the financial side suited him better. "Not a single regret. I understand my IT colleagues' reports far better now."

What Drilon values most today as a consultant is the mix. "A combination of stability and variety." Some clients return year after year, while new assignments bring fresh challenges and perspectives. At the same time, he is steadily working towards becoming a certified auditor.

"I'm not looking five years ahead. But I do see myself growing, and I enjoy working with people: guiding juniors, giving and receiving feedback." - Drilon Rexhepi

You don't need all the answers

No two careers look the same. And that's perfectly fine.

Whether your interests lie in Audit, Tax, Advisory, Accountancy, Cybersecurity or Data, BDO gives you the space to explore your strengths, discover new opportunities and build a career path that reflects who you are.

Because more often than not, you only find out what you really love doing along the way.