About Me

I grew up in Ancaster, a town outside of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and attended McMaster University. I obtained my Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering and Management before earning my M.B.A. specializing in the Management of Innovation and Technology.

Joining Accenture

I joined Accenture after completing my studies, drawn by the project-based nature of the work, client facing opportunities and variety of the work being performed. I joined the firm as an Analyst within the Communications & High Tech operating group in 2003 due to my technology background.

Working Life

At Accenture, I am constantly working with intelligent and highly talented individuals with deep industry knowledge, technical expertise and business acumen that helps me build skills and experience. While most professional development occurs on the job within the roles and responsibilities I am assigned, formal training is provided when needed. For instance I have had formal training on business intelligence and technical architecture at our facility in St. Charles, Illinois and vendor specific training as needed for specific projects. Accenture is a very fast-paced company, always adapting in the market place to the needs of the industries we serve. As a result, career planning can be challenging so it is important to work with peers, career counselor and leaders to develop the skills and strengthen expertise where it will be most applicable. Growing your personal network is key at Accenture. I find getting involved in the C&HT Employee Panel, Great Place to Work initiative and the Strategy and Business Architecture Community of Practice effective in meeting and developing relationships with new co-workers.

Balancing Work and Life

Balancing professional and home-life is often difficult at Accenture, as workload varies depending on project deadlines. I take time when it’s convenient for me and those who depend on my skills. Outside of work, I enjoy playing squash and have a strong interest in improvisational comedy. My wife and I are also planning to travel extensively hoping to see many of the wonders of the world.

Current Projects

I am currently working with a major Canadian telecommunications provider, implementing a large-scale network inventory system. I have worked on a variety of project roles that have given me a solid understanding of my client’s industry. I am always excited to see how my solutions will help the client perform at a higher level, and being involved in a project for the duration of its life cycle provides a broader assessment of the project impact, fuelling my professional growth.

Advice to Recruits

Seek to understand a problem before solving it and be flexible in your approach. Many new joiners think that they should have all the answers before they start! At Accenture, you learn on the job so you should never be afraid to ask somebody for help. The more you understand the problem, the better your solution will be. Always network with others to build a set of peers that will be with you as you progress at Accenture. Finally, actively seek feedback on your performance from your managers, executives and peers throughout the duration of a project so as to make immediate steps towards improvement.