MU - Information Technology Student Organization

Company Spotlight: Accenture

"Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become highperformance businesses and governments. With more than 180,000 people in 49 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$19.70 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. www.accenture.com/campus."

Accenture is one of the largest consulting companies and provides technology solutions for companies across all industries. We employ people worldwide and it is these people who generate the success of the company. As I learned about Accenture during the recruitment process, I knew I wanted to launch my career at a large international organization because of the opportunities and benefits companies like Accenture provide. These are a few of the numerous things that drew me to the company.

As I finished my senior year with majors in IT and Marketing, I anxiously anticipated starting my career at Accenture as a Consulting Analyst in Systems Integration and Technology. I was excited for the new roles that awaited me and looked forward to meeting new people who live in Chicago. I also couldn't wait to find out what type of systems I'd be working with and where within the US I would be working.

On my first day I was nervous, but ready to start working. I had five weeks of intensive training ahead of me and then I would be staffed on my first project. The first day of training reconfirmed that I had made the right decision. We spoke about Accenture's core values, the different types of work, and all of the things I could get involved in within the organization. The nervous feelings subsided, as I began to meet all of the great people at Accenture and got to know the culture.

During the first three weeks I attended training that involved learning how to code and test applications. This rigorous training provided me with a better understanding of how systems work and what goes on within testing. It allowed me to see the technical side of the company. Right now, I am concluding my last two weeks of training at Core Analyst School where I am learning more about how an Accenture project works and how we deliver our solutions to our clients. The last two weeks have been some of the most interesting and enjoyable. I have met people from all over the world from South Africa to Detroit. This opportunity has been more than memorable and I have created an incredibly diverse network of colleagues. It has shown me how to work with others from completely different backgrounds from across the world.

As I anxiously await finding out what my first project will be, I know that the worries I had when going through recruitment last fall have faded away. I've joined a company that allows me to play an active role in my career development and project assignments. We have extensive networks within the company that allow you to seek guidance from numerous individuals ranging from my peers to senior executives.

While you begin your interviews, I want to leave you a few pieces of advice. The most important thing I could tell you is to be yourself and to stretch yourself with the positions you apply for. Think of each interview as a different opportunity and career path you could have. Always smile and make sure to have fun - you'll feel more comfortable and the interviewer will also feel more comfortable.

- Melissa Kessler, Accenture Consulting Analyst, Chicago (Marquette '08)

Read more articles in ITSO..GOOD Vol. 2 No. 2

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