Technology Consulting Analyst Review

In my role, I am working on a project with one of the UK's largest water providers. Essentially the project is an IT upgrade and transformation covering all aspects of their IT platforms - devices, apps etc. In my role, I act as a tester/scheduler reguarly speaking to the client be that in calls, emails or face to face to organise tests for apps to ensure that when the transformation happens that their work isn't disrupted. It is my responsibilty to stay ontop of apps allocated to me but also escalate upwards any issues that arise.

I think when you're thrown into this kind of work for such a prominent company and techincal level of work, you have to adapt and get to grips quickly. As such, i've learnt a lot about being proactive and developed more confidence - especially when having to speak to clients on your own. Techincally wise, when I joined we had a day of training for Excel - something that i've built upon and learnt how to use a range of different formulas for large scale data analysis.

I have enjoyed the programme massively and don't regret taking this year out at all. I've made some really great friends both from the start group but also within my team. My line managers have been brilliant and are always supportive if i'm struggling and there are always people in my team who look out for me and are always up for a laugh. I'm comfortable enough to ask about their honest opinons of the company and how they've progressed in their careers here. On an out of town project the team really bonds as often they'll organise team events - for instance i've had the chance to try pizza making and attend team dinners, most recently they organised an escape room. There have been times where i've felt frustrated or a bit annoyed about how things are handled/structured but often i think it's down to the fast nature of the work. If something is up, there are people that i've been able to speak to.

The induction week was really well organised, i had the chance to get to know my start group and become familiar with the office. I had the chance to speak to analysts and present to managers. Following the week, you are almost immediately thrown into a project or you may have to do some searching yourself. In terms of my project, i think i was quite lucky - it's structured well and i had a buddy from the moment i joined who was able to answer questions about the project but also life as an analyst. Despite the usual hierarchy, everyone on my project looks out for eachother and there is a strong team feel. Throughout your time on the project, you can quite easily contact HR if you've any problems but often there is also a fortnightly check in.

My line manager has been really suppportive, when i first joined the project we had a small meeting to go over goals and priorities that i wanted to achieve. My team are also really supportive and lookout for eachother if we're struggling with workload or other issues. At Accenture, there is a strong emphasis on Mental Health, with Mental Health Allys you can speak to in confidence.

Although there is no real 'qualification' on this gap year programme - Accenture does have plenty of opportunities to upskill yourself and attend training days/programmes. My line manager has actively encouraged me to attend these and become qualified as Mental Health Ally etc. I've been able to complete a L2 Excel qualification with QA whilst i've been here.

After our Excel training day and L2 qualification, i took on a role that involved a lot of data analysis. It definitley helped as i was able to use formulas etc to help automate and speed up what could be a bit of a dull process. But it also led to the opportunity to learn new things in Excel.

There are loads of opportunities for extra curricular at Accenture and it is highly encouraged to help you build your network. I've played Tag Rugby for Accenture for instance - the team are always looking for new players to join. Aside from that there are sports clubs, societies and networking drinks/events for different CSGs. In our of town projects they'll often organise their own project wide/team events.

Yes

I have met so many great people and have a network in place if i choose to come back. I've developed as a person, have had the opportunity to become knowledgable areas of IT/Technology that i wasn't knowledgable in before and had the opportunity for first hand client facing experience

Be enthusiastic about technology and how it can be used to better serve the client. Show that you work well under pressure and within a team. Stay composed because if they employ you, you could end up facing a client at some point. Do your reseach on Accenture. Be yourself.