Some people map out their career early. Others take the scenic route and figure it out as they go. That’s how it happened for Kitriana Lim.
She’s now a Graduate Analyst in the Deal Advisory team at BDO in Perth, working across finance, strategy and problem-solving. It’s a mix she didn’t expect to love as much as she does.
Uni, major choices and the plot twist she didn’t expect
At uni, Kitriana completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Marketing. She says, “I wanted to pursue something creative, but also pair it with something more analytical and numbers focused. So, finance and marketing was the perfect combination for me.”
From there, she spent her time figuring out what she enjoyed. She tried marketing. She tried professional services. She paid attention to what interested her and what didn’t.
The real turning point was her vacation program at BDO. It was the first time the work, the environment, and the people all felt like a good match. “I felt really aligned with the work and the people,” she says. So, when the grad offer arrived, it wasn’t a hard decision. It just made sense.
A job with range
If you ask Kitriana what she enjoys most about her role now, two things stand out.
The first is the variety. No two days look the same. One day she might be valuing options, the next she’s modelling out different financial scenarios, researching the Namibian economy or pulling together a presentation for an upcoming deal. It keeps things interesting.
The second is the team. “It honestly doesn’t feel like work when I come in,” she says. Being surrounded by people who are supportive and easy to work with makes the early career years a lot less daunting.
Rethinking what finance looks like
A lot of young people picture finance as intense or intimidating. Kitriana did too. What she found at BDO was the opposite.
“It’s not as scary or as intense as you might think,” she says. The team is collaborative and genuinely welcoming, and she’s seen more women moving into leadership roles. For her, that’s made the industry feel a lot more approachable.
The skills that actually matter
Kitriana doesn’t think you need to be a maths genius or have everything sorted on day one. The two traits she believes matter most are curiosity and being willing to learn.
Finance moves quickly and is shaped by what’s happening in the world. Being someone who asks questions and stays interested in current events goes a long way.
Looking ahead at the future of work
Like most people her age, Kitriana is curious about how AI will change things. Not in a panic way, but in a practical one.
“It can break down complex legal terms and help with new standards, but it can’t replace the relationships we build with clients,” she says.
For her and for BDO, that human connection is the core of the job.
If teenage Kitriana asked for advice
If she could go back, she’d probably tell her high school self to study a bit of accounting. Not because she wanted to be an accountant, but because it would’ve made life easier later when working toward her Chartered Accountant qualification.
Her other piece of advice is simple. Get involved earlier. Join clubs. Try internships. Volunteer. Explore things before you feel ready. It helps you figure out what feels right for you.
So, who is BDO, exactly?
If you’re not familiar, BDO is one of Australia’s leading professional services firms. They work across advisory, audit, consulting and finance, helping businesses solve real problems and make smart decisions.
They’re known for their amazing culture and how they support young people starting their careers, which is why stories like Kitriana’s are so common.
Want to explore careers at BDO?
If Kitriana’s journey has made you curious, you can learn more about BDO and check out their early career opportunities here.
