Executive Q&A from Accenture (IT Consulting)
Get an inside view of Accenture by reading this interview with Accenture’s global recruiting lead. You’ll learn about the career opportunities, recruiting process and the programs that set Accenture apart as an ideal employer.
John Campagnino
Accenture
Senior Director, Global Recruitment
What type of career opportunities do you offer?
Accenture offers a range of career opportunities in consulting, technology and outsourcing, each providing a unique career experience depending on your skills, career objectives and preferred work experience. You could join our Consulting workforce and partner with clients to design, develop and deliver innovative solutions, apply your technology expertise to help invent the next wave of cutting-edge solutions for our clients, deliver long-term specialized business or technology services to our outsourcing clients, or manage Accenture’s corporate functions.
Not sure where you fit? Use our Skill Selector tool to find where you fit at Accenture.
What do you look for in a candidate?
We recruit from a wide variety of backgrounds, but the aim is the same—to find people who can deliver high performance. Whether you are an experienced professional, MBA, Accenture alumnus or recent graduate, we look for people who can challenge conventional thought, offer unique perspectives and conceive innovative solutions for Accenture clients.
How does Accenture help employees balance work with personal live?
We understand that it is important for our employees to balance a successful career with a healthy lifestyle, involving family, friends and community. From flexible work arrangements, competitive time off packages to a variety of health and wellness programs, we make a genuine commitment to achieve that balance.
Visit www.uscareers.accenture.com/benefits for full details.
How do you promote inclusion and diversity?
At the heart of our Inclusion & Diversity Strategy is finding the best people for the job, grooming them for careers, encouraging them to stretch themselves professionally and exceeding their expectations through our visionary culture. This commitment is evident through a range of programs, such as diversity and leadership training, mentoring and coaching programs, and employee resource groups.
How do you support new joiners?
Accenture has an in-depth orientation and integration program for all joiners—regardless of whether they are campus hires or experienced hires. Our new joiner program focuses on formal orientation training, equipping joiners with information and tools they need to be successful, on-the-job training and classroom training courses. To help new joiners begin building relationships, Accenture pairs new joiners with members of their deployed-to entity, career counsellors, mentors, members of human resources, and many others throughout our organization who can help the individual progress.
What sets Accenture apart from other companies?
The sheer scale of capabilities and client engagements differentiates what we do from most other companies. Many of our clients are global organizations, so we craft solutions and build systems that affect companies around the world – creating the infrastructure of business today. We know better than most how to mobilize the right people, skills, alliances and technologies to deliver innovation and results that create high-performance business.
Accenture has a history of technology innovation and implementation, including our research and development capabilities, on which we spend approximately $300 million annually. We are also a recognized leader in creating a work environment and unique culture that enable our employees’ fullest professional growth, while managing their personal priorities as well.
Historically you have been known as a technology consultancy – how are you positioned against other niche management consultancies?
Accenture started to grow its management consulting business in the early to mid nineties in many countries. Whilst many people know us for our strong technology skills, our management consulting heritage has remained consistent and integral to the work we do. We now have more than 15,000 management consultants around the world and we are committed to this aspect of our business.
However, what Accenture does is different to other niche management consultancies – because we not only design strategies to help our clients become high performance businesses, but we also help deliver these strategies, thanks to our broad spectrum of skills – from management consulting, to our strength in technology and outsourcing.
How will Accenture support my professional development?
At Accenture, you will benefit from outstanding professional support every step of the way. In 2009 alone, we invested approximately $800 million in training and professional development and provided 12 million hours in educating our people. At the same time, we provide a nurturing environment that will help you steer your career in the right direction – whether you want to move up the career ladder, develop a specialized set of skills, or make a career transition.
What are some of the unique programs that distinguish Accenture as an ideal employer?
Fortune magazine recently awarded Accenture the No. 84 spot on its 2010 "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for the second year in a row—up from No. 97 in 2009. In particular, Fortune highlighted several of Accenture’s leading initiatives, including the Smart Work program, designed to reduce non-critical business travel while maintaining high standards of client service; Training & Development, including an annual investment of approximately $800 million and career counsellors for every employee; Live Well program, providing access to work/life balance resources, wellness solutions, financial programs and health/life benefits; and Backup Dependent Care, providing coverage for aging parents, children, spouses or domestic partners.
Will I have access to a mentoring program?
Accenture employees have the opportunity to learn from and be coached by the best people in the business—supportive leaders and colleagues who can pass on their industry, technical and functional expertise. You may establish a mentoring relationship, while growing professionally through a combination of training courses, practical experience on the job and formal feedback programs.
What are my next steps if I am interested in employment with Accenture?
Accenture is hiring for consulting, technology and outsourcing positions across the United States. Visit our website to search all open positions and apply for the role that best meets your skills and interests.
Recruiters will review your application and contact you if we wish to discuss your resume in more detail. In the meantime, we recommend you keep in touch and find out more about our work by signing up for our career newsletter, reading our blogs and connecting on our social media channels. You can find all resources on our website.
Launch your career with Accenture
Accenture is hiring entry-level and experienced hire candidates for positions across the United States and Canada. To learn more and apply, please visit our website.
