Rob joined Accenture as a manager in 2006, having had a global career in the Royal Navy and at a major technology vendor. He is now a senior manager in Accenture Technology Solutions.

It was the elusive combination of respected technical and industrial capability, imagination and innovation, professionalism and performance that drew me to Accenture. I was impressed by the bringing together of technology, business and people into high-calibre teams.

As an experienced hire, you enjoy a good short induction, plus some initial contacts including a career counsellor. Then it is a case of full engagement with the client in your first role whilst also building your knowledge of the company and knowing where to look and who to ask.

Is working here what I expected? Yes and no—each role is likely to be quite different and more stretching than you expect. However the ethos of client value, practicality and mutual support reminds you that everyone is equally committed and that no issue is insurmountable. I’d describe the people as talented, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Many are specialists in their field and you’re working together within a true meritocracy.

On one of my recent projects I was engaged to manage a major client delivery involving an offshore team with minimal staffing onsite. The challenge was to really engage with the client via ‘agile method’—aiming for quick, collaborative, high-quality deliveries which realised the value of global delivery. Good governance, infrastructure, communications and process were needed, but building trust and a sense of common purpose was the ultimate aim. The resultant team spirit was very rewarding.

Within my own area of technical consulting and systems integration delivery, I would encourage good systems integration professionals to seriously consider Accenture Technology Solutions. The work we do is never easy, however the company respects the fact that we bring a wealth of development experience. We have excellent process and structure, our working ethos cuts through the excuses and our access to business plus technical specialists makes for high-quality and rewarding projects.

For the future, I want to win business, to build and reward teams, to develop myself, to succeed in projects and programmes and to continue to make a real contribution with clients and company alike. But most, to always keep my conscience clear at the end of each day knowing I really have done the right thing for the client and the company. You can’t fool yourself in that respect.