Before Accenture I worked for three years at a global investment bank as a Project Manager and Process Excellence Facilitator. I worked across all products and led various process improvement projects. I had some fantastic experiences in investment banking, however, I decided I wanted a career change as I was looking for a more structured and defined career path. I was amazed when I joined Accenture as I had three days devoted to Orientation! My start group was a mixture of people at all levels across the business, and it was great to start building my network straightaway. I was assigned a buddy of the same level in the same Operating Group. She was a great help and was able to answer all my logistical questions and offered great advice on adapting to life at Accenture. I was also allocated a Career Counsellor, who will help to guide and monitor my progress, offering advice on the best ways to manage my career. Consulting is a very different style of working from what I was used to, for example the need for flexibility and hot desking. I have always adapted easily to change, but it was a new experience not knowing where I would be working the next day. I could be on client site in Glasgow or on the ‘bench’ in London, depending on the demand for my skills. In my view before you even start thinking about joining a consultancy you will need to possess certain characteristics: confidence - in yourself and your abilities; good people skills – building and maintaining client relationships is one of the most important aspects of the job; good communication skills and adaptability – to be flexible in the type of work you do and the location you are working in. The reason that the consultancy model works so well is that we have a global workforce at the disposal of the client. It is important that you remember that you are equally responsible for finding a role that suits your own personal development, and that provides maximum value to the client. For the first time in my life I feel I have joined a company that will allow me to have a career, rather than just a series of roles. I feel able to plan my development to enable me to work up the ranks, gaining skills and friends as I do so. I see myself becoming a mentor to those starting out their careers and a manager to those striving to achieve their next levels. I am looking forward to whatever challenge is thrown at me.