Consulting Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my 12 months with Accenture, the work was challenging and rewarding, and the social/extra-curricular opportunities were endless. I have made fantastic friends over the course of the placement, and also built a strong professional network across the company. The size of the company means you are able to explore and gain experience across several sectors, with some of the world's largest companies.

On both my projects I felt highly valued by my peers, for my first project in particular I was seen as any other analyst/consultant and was given ample responsibility of project deliverables. This was also reflected through a phase of testing I conducted for the client, where upon its closure I was personally requested to stay on an conduct further work, leading to the sale of additional work for Accenture.

For both of my projects I received suitable guidance and support whenever I required it. All of my line managers were approachable and more than happy to discuss any problems I had. However, I feel more support could have been given at the start of projects, as it was unclear at first what my role was.

This varied between projects, for my first 9 months I was very busy and worked long hours, this was enjoyable but was fairly intense. In comparison, my second project was on the other end of the spectrum and there was not enough work to complete, meaning days did pass rather slowly.

I was trusted to take ownership and deliver key project deliverables throughout my placement, including status reporting to the programme board. Throughout my placement I was never seen as an intern, and was trusted to work closely with clients on a daily basis, and even present and participate in client workshops of over 50 stakeholders.

Studying towards an Engineering degree, meant although I didn't develop my knowledge of any technical Engineering, I thoroughly developed my soft skills, as well as my approach to problem solving, business acumen, and analytical ability. All of these skills have assisted me at University and will continue to beyond graduation.

Over the placement I worked in multiple office locations, from Accenture offices, to client sites. The atmosphere in Accenture offices was always very friendly and

As a placement student you are encouraged to complete two projects, six months in length, however, they do allow the flexibility to complete shorter projects, or remain on the same project for the full twelve months. In addition, you are assigned a scheduler to help find rolls, and a talent fulfillment specialist, meaning the company is more than prepared for placement students. My only criticism would be at first many students were 'on the bench' (without a role) so spent the first few weeks without any work.

The only formal training placement students receive is in the first induction week, where you complete a number of skills workshops including Excel training, presenting and networking, and a week long case study. This provides a nice introduction to the firm, but placement students do not get the same invested in them as graduates who get international training.

Accenture recruits a large percentage of its graduate analysts through the internship and placements it runs. There is a very good chance if you complete one of the schemes you will be offered a permanent role within the firm. The prospects are very appealing with competitive pay, very good holiday allowance, and the benefits of already having a large internal network.

This was a stand out part of the placement. Each project receives a budget from Accenture to engage its employees in social activities outside of work, whether this was regular work drinks with my colleagues after work, team meals, 5 a side football, squash, cricket, yoga ... the list is endless. This alongside fantastic Christmas parties made the placement thoroughly enjoyable.

For the placement I lived in London, and predominantly worked in the centre of the city, but did spend some time on client sites, especially the last 3 months where I was in Birmingham on a weekly basis. The social scene in London was fantastic, and there was always something to get involved with, the only downside being the prices of central London, although I have to say, drinks/meals with work were always paid for by the company.

The offices I worked in were around Bank, and I had accommodation in Brixton. The nightlife was brilliant, and I lived close enough that it was easy to go out anyway in London, I was spoilt for choice! The city is truly cosmopolitan, and there is something for everyone.

As previously mentioned, there were endless opportunities. Alongside, the activities and events organised by each project, Accenture also has hundreds of internal clubs and societies where you can meet people with similar interests.