Rado Yanu Ardian was one of the first-batch recipients of the Accenture High Performance Scholarship that started in 2006.

Career level & current role: Analyst in the System Integration & Technology group, currently working with an independent oil company on a corporate strategy project.

Home office: Jakarta

Your qualifications and professional background: Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Indonesia

What made you interested to join Accenture?
I was in my second year of study at the university when I heard Accenture for the first time. At that time, I didn’t have any idea what this firm was about until I found out there was a scholarship program called Accenture High Performance Scholarship Program. Since then, I have become familar with this program as well as the company itself.

Becoming one of the scholarship winners got me to better know Accenture as a global consulting company. It convinced me that Accenture could be a great place to work, providing employees with the opportunities to gain dynamic knowledge and grow with challenges and innovation. Therefore I decided to join Accenture, without hesitation, in early 2008.

Did you feel you had an obligation to apply for a permanent role with Accenture because you were a scholarship recipient?
No, instead of feeling obligated, I felt excited about applying because I was already quite familiar with the company; having been invited to many Accenture campus and office events. I have been eager to join since I was at school. I feel that Accenture’s work suits me, there was no feeling of obligation at all.

What were you looking for in an employer?
I was looking for a company which would provide me an opportunity to work and learn new things at the same time, and that would provide good compensation to employees for good work performance.

What do you say to your friends when they ask you where you work?
In most cases, I say: “I’m working at a global consulting firm named Accenture, which specialises in management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing. Currently, I’m assigned to a client, an independent oil company, and located on client site doing a strategy project.”

What are your interests in Accenture that does not relate to work?
The people. I feel very comfortable being around Accenture people. I’m still new, but I feel that I am warmly received. I hardly feel any gap between me and others who are mostly more senior. They listen to my expectations and guide me in attaining a successful career and life in Accenture. Also, with the same-level new joiners, we easily make friends with each other, and share knowledge and ideas. I really do meet the best people here. Nice!

What is your impression of your few months at Accenture?
I’ve been working at Accenture for about 3 months. Within that period, I have been impressed with the way Accenture people work – they work is hard, but totally know how to have fun. It looks to me like we strive in every project to deliver a high-performance result and to give a tangible impact to the client. Outside work, Accenture is also top-notch. I enjoyed community events held by Accenture, I’ve already participated twice within only three months in Accenture, and the events were great. In conclusion, my impression is that Accenture is a place where you can “work hard, play hard”.

Do you have any comments or advice for other university students or potential graduates?
Based on my experience, Accenture people are personally smart, creative, forward-thinking, communicative and really capable of working in team and supportive each other. By having all that, I’m pretty sure Accenture will be a right and nice place to work.