When did you join Deloitte and why did you decide to go for the position?
I joined Deloitte in September 2013. I decided to apply for the position in Corporate Finance as I studied Finance as my undergraduate degree and I had an interest in working in this area. I also recognised the importance of attaining a professional qualification such as the ACA qualification and Deloitte offered the opportunity to study towards this qualification while gaining experience working in Corporate Finance.

What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy the diversity of the work and exposure to interesting projects and clients. Over the course of my training contract, I have been afforded the opportunity to work on a wide range of jobs such as due diligence assignments, working capital reports and capital raising projects with each project differing in terms of context and deal structure. I have obtained an insight and understanding of a variety of industries including the food and beverage, construction, retail and distribution, hospitality, IT, energy and mining industries. In completing a project you work as part of a team and engage directly with senior management of clients to provide transaction advice and support decision making. I enjoy the exposure to different clients as well as the responsibility you are given to contribute in a meaningful way to each project.

"You are working with talented and engaging people on a daily basis who help you learn and develop as a professional"

What were your first impressions and how easy did you find it to become integrated?
My initial impression was extremely positive. It was very easy to integrate as everyone makes an effort to include you and involve you from day one. It also helps that all new graduates are assigned a buddy who is from the intake ahead of you and is responsible for helping you settle in. Having a buddy who was in your position the year before allows you to feel comfortable asking anything and everything without hesitation.

What would you say is particularly good/different/exciting about working at Deloitte?
The atmosphere and culture in Deloitte is young, dynamic and collaborative. There is a strong emphasis on work / life balance which is evident from the diverse range of sports and social clubs you can get involved in throughout the year as well as the compressed working week available in the summer months. Impact day is also a great opportunity to get to know people across the firm and take a day out of work to contribute to local communities.

What is the best part about working in Deloitte?
The best part about working in Deloitte is the people you work with. Regardless of how senior or junior a person is, everyone is extremely approachable and willing to help you. Furthermore, you are working with talented and engaging people on a daily basis who help you learn and develop as a professional. People take an interest in your development and encourage you to continually ask questions, challenge assumptions and take more responsibility.

How would you like your career to go from here, are you interested in travel for example?
I am interested in continuing working in Corporate Finance advisory in the future and further developing my skills in this area. The training and experience I have gained as part of my training contract in Deloitte has been invaluable and places me in an attractive position to explore my options when I finish my contract.