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I am currently working on a banking project where I have had roles in functional design, test preparation and test execution for large IT systems. I gained hands-on experience by participating in client meetings where Accenture and client resources debated over and finalised system requirements. I was responsible for documenting functional requirements, then later ensuring that our system meets them.
I had the interesting experience of working with offshore resources in our delivery centre in Hyderabad, India, which greatly improved our efficiency as we were able to work during regular North American business hours then assign tasks to our offshore team. I have also helped organise company events and activities, which has helped me develop relationships with Accenture people at all levels as well as from all over the world.
I’ve been given the opportunity of working at a Consultant level by supporting a team of testers as well as managing a team of client resources dedicated to my area of expertise on the project.
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It seems that no two days have been alike. Though I am based out of the Montreal office, my first day at Accenture was actually in Toronto and I currently spend Mondays through Thursdays at my client site in Calgary. My daily tasks change on an ongoing basis as our project strategy evolves and as I gain more experience at the firm. I am currently working on preparing for end-to-end testing (the next phase of our project), which includes training and providing support for our team of testers as well as scoping to identify what to include in our testing efforts. Though I have only been with Accenture for a year, I feel that I am considered a valuable team member and I am given challenging tasks such as managing other resources, giving presentations and training sessions.
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My favorite thing to travel. When the weekend trek from my client site back home to Montreal seems too tiresome, I often go on weekend trips to other destinations, which are especially enjoyable given my high status at all of the airlines and hotels as a result of travelling so much for work. When I am home for weekends, I enjoy walking, swimming, biking, practicing yoga and spending time with my family and friends.
There is rarely a week without a movie, BBQ, laserquest outing, soccer game or drinks with colleagues.
I am involved in several rewarding volunteer initiatives. One was for children at a Montreal elementary school, where my colleagues and I served breakfast to the children, brought them gifts and Accenture donated funds to support the program for the entire year. Along with some colleagues, I have taken on a second project to improve the finance and marketing strategy for a disabled children’s treatment foundation in Ontario. I am also currently on a committee managing this year’s Accent on the Community program, where Accenture resources work with university students on a project for a non-profit organisation.
One of the things Accenture touted at campus recruiting events was the firm’s great work-life balance, which I definitely think is exemplified in our ‘work hard, play hard’ attitude.
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Prior to interviewing with Accenture, I would suggest that all candidates research the firm, its major clients and the type of work that we do. Additionally, I would advise candidates to be as flexible and as open to different opportunities as possible. While traveling is very common at Accenture, I think that it’s important for candidates to recognise that we do also have many local projects—one needs to be open to working on projects wherever they are needed, whether the project is in the same city as your home office, a one-hour flight away or on a different continent. I also think that it’s important for candidates to be open to learning about different areas of work or industries. I’ve learned that even when a certain area or industry might not have originally been your first choice, it may surprise you and end up being very interesting or give you skills which are transferable to other projects in the future.