Consulting Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed all my work at Accenture. I loved the variation of work I was involved in over the year getting the opportunity to work on a couple of projects provided me with lots of different experiences and tasks. I also got involved in “side of desk” work whereby I was organising events for a practise l, which was fun as well helping support me expand my network.

I was honestly surprised at how valued I felt by all my colleagues from my peers to managing directors. I felt appreciated and valued even from the start when I knew nothing! I was always provided chance to get involved with everything and made to feel comfortable enough to express my ideas.

I was surprised at how much time people were willing to give to help you out, including really senior management. People development is extremely encouraged at Accenture. I was provided great support throughout the year, having a buddy assigned at the beginning of the year was great, ensuring there was someone I could ask questions to. Throughout my whole time I had a close working relationship with my line manager who would always offer support, provide opportunity for questions and give me feedback, this was great especially for my personal development.

Due to my role being project management support, I typically had constant set work which would reoccur each week with occasional ad hoc activities. I really enjoyed this work as I was constantly kept busy and always had something I could be doing. There were often times when things could be extra busy depending on the stage of the project, I soon realised it was to be expected that the work load will fluctuate with the project.

I believe I had the right amount of responsibility at the right time. At the start I had responsibility for basic tasks but once I demonstrated I could do something I was given full responsibility. This gradually progressed over the year whereby towards the end I had lots of responsibility for example being in client meetings on my own! At the start I could never of imagined the responsibility I would of had, it makes me feel extremely proud of all I achieved in my placement year.

I acquired many transferrable skills throughout my placement year. The obvious ones include, better time management, organisation and professionalism. The one that has become most apparent so far is how to write concisely and consider the audience, this was something I learnt through sending emails to clients which I now apply to my academic writing.

Atmosphere in the office is difficult to comment upon as I often worked on client site. Working on client site was great and I formed life long friendships within the Accenture team.

Overall the work placement was set up extremely well, with lots of communication, training and onboarding beforehand supporting you ahead of your first day. The first week was training which was thoroughly enjoyable and a great opportunity to make friends and form a support system in the company with your peers. There was compulsory check-in points with HR during the placement to ensure you were okay, with biweekly calls also being set up to provide additional support.

Accenture really invests in you as an individual, even from the start. For example my second day I was enrolled on a Microsoft excel course, whereby I received external certification of this. Throughout the course of the year there was a variety of optional trainings to attend from Design Thinking to advanced Excel training.

I had the most inspiring year of my life Accenture and can think of no where better to kick off my career. All the opportunities and experiences they provide are completely invaluable. I learnt so much and had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places during my placement year I am honestly so excited to go back.

As an individual moving to London on her own the importance of the social scene within work stood high. There was a brilliant social scene amongst the company, from pub quizzes, to after work drinks, to escape rooms to cookery classes there was something for everyone and plenty for me to get involved in.

As a northerner I found the cost of living and socialising rather expensive. I moved out so was paying rent, bills, travel and socialising costs but I still managed to afford a few holidays!! I believe I could of done things cheaper if I had wished to save money but I had the best year living in a prime location, socialising a lot.

The nightlife in the area I worked was brilliant especially on a Wednesday and Thursday. The city is full of hardworking people who enjoy socialising on a evening after work. There were plenty of bars and restaurants around which made it great to meet friends from different projects on an evening.

There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. For example the health and wellbeing team frequently arranged things that anyone could get involved in, for example trampolining or a charity fun run this would be advertised through an email so everyone would receive the invite.