I chose this programme as I felt a Graduate Programme was the logical step for me in terms of career progression after college. I completed a finance based masters as I knew that I was interested in pursuing a career in this field. I attended the milk rounds and graduate fairs held by the large firms in my university and Deloitte really interested me as all their employees who spoke at these events were very happy and passionate about their job. Their employees were both approachable and friendly and were very receptive to questions and they were all positive about the working environment and culture within Deloitte. I also discussed the Deloitte Graduate Programme with a number of my friends who were working for the company and they gave me an insight into what to expect and it seemed like a well organised learning programme which was going to assist me in getting my professional qualification and would allow me learn and develop my skillset along the way.

What did you study in college?

I studied a Bachelor degree in Environmental and Earth System Sciences at University College Cork and an MSc in Energy Finance at University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

With this Graduate Programme are you now working in the industry of your choice?

Yes. From completing my third level studies, I felt that the accounting exams would be an excellent professional qualification to gain and with this Graduate Programme, this allows me the opportunity to gain this qualification, while also experiencing Corporate Finance and the diverse range of work involved in this sector.

What were your first impressions and how easy did you find it to become integrated at Deloitte?

My original impressions of Deloitte were extremely positive. Joining on the Graduate Programme, the first week was spent up in Dublin with other new joiners going through your role, what’s expected of you within the firm and explaining the Deloitte culture and environment. This is an invaluable experience as it gives you the chance to get to know and socialise with your colleagues, and is a very friendly and enjoyable experience, which allows you to become fully integrated within the firm.

Can you describe a typical day in your role?

There are no typical days in my role in Corporate Finance as the tasks are quite diverse so it depends on the project that we are currently engaged on. This allows me the opportunity to get a broad range of exposure and experience on different jobs and helps me to expand my skillset. Often, I am helping put together a proposal on a particular company or undertaking research on a specific industry sector or assisting the research of potential target companies in an industry on behalf of a client, which is looking to potentially acquire a company. Further, I could be working on a valuation report which involves analysing a company’s financials in great detail and helping pull together tables in excel, analysing the data and helping write the analysis on the figures. Independent Business Reviews, Cost Benefit Analysis, Due Diligence Reports, Strategic Reviews and Feasibility Studies are just a number of potential engagements I could be assisting with on a weekly basis. It is a very diverse and interesting sector to work in and this role has given me the opportunity to work on many different engagements and tasks in my two years with the firm.

Have you ever felt daunted by the level of responsibility presented to you while working in Deloitte, if not, why do you think that is?

Throughout my time with Deloitte, I have never felt daunted by the level of responsibility presented to me. I believe this is down to the experience within the firm and knowing trainees capabilities and ability, right through the different grades. Work is assigned based on your grade and if you are struggling to understand and complete any task, support is there at management level to assist, and they are more than happy to offer guidance and help with your learning development. They can also help manage the overall workload if there are a number of engagements on the go at any particular stage.

What do you feel makes a good leader in Deloitte?

To me, a good leader is someone who takes control of projects to successfully deliver on time, while at the same time being a good communicator to ensure that the team is fully cognisant of their roles and what is required. They should also be open to offering advice and guidance to the team if required at any stage, and willing to take the time to ensure that the work is completed to the required standard.

What is the social life like while working at Deloitte?

Deloitte is a firm believer in promoting the work life balance and believes that happy employees are good employees. Within Deloitte there are a number of societies and activities from tag rugby, golf and surfing which fosters a healthy work life balance and allows you to develop relationships with other employees from varying departments, which may not be possible during the course of your work. Deloitte are also extremely good in relation to organising social events, from Christmas Parties, Octoberfest and summer parties which allow employees to relax in a friendly, social setting.

Do you feel you have managed to achieve a good work-life balance within Deloitte and if so, what steps have you taken in achieving that?

I believe that I have maintained a good work life balance while with Deloitte. I am involved in a number of in-house societies including the Sports and Social Committee which plans and organises the various events. I also have a number of hobbies outside of work including watching and playing sport, reading and music which allows me to relax after a busy week of work. Deloitte promote people to get involved in different activities as this improves the overall environment within the firm.

What makes Deloitte stand out as an employer?

Deloitte is an exceptional place to work. The environment and atmosphere within the firm is very positive and friendly, while colleagues are extremely open to offering help and guidance on specific tasks, from trainee level right up to the partners. The people within Deloitte really add value to the firm and make the company such a great place to work, learn and make new connections. Deloitte welcome and integrate newcomers and all employees are very amicable. Working for Deloitte also allows you the opportunity to work with some passionate, talented, smart people who are genuinely interested in your personal growth and development. Over the course of your time with Deloitte, you are continually learning and developing as a professional, and expanding both your skillset and knowledge.

What impact do you feel is made to the working environment by the diversity within the team at Deloitte?

Diversity is vital within all teams to garner differing views and perspectives on different tasks and work at all stages. This is beneficial on the final deliverable, which is impacted by the dynamic and the diversity of the workforce behind it.

Have you been involved in any of the Deloitte CSR activities?

I have been involved in a number of Deloitte run Impact Days, which perform work in disadvantaged areas every year. I am also involved in Deloitte’s Nurture Africa programme this year which will involve me volunteering over in Uganda for two weeks. Nurture Africa is an Irish founded NGO whose mission is to nurture the physical and emotional development of people in Uganda, who are infected with or affected by HIV. Nurture Africa work to achieve this by providing access to healthcare and education. In order to partake in the programme, I need to raise €1,500. Over the course of my two weeks I will be working on school, health and community outreach projects, and will work on a building project for a Ugandan community. Learn more about our Graduate Programme in Corporate Finance.