Ryan Telford graduated from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 2006 with a Computer Engineering degree. He joined Accenture as a consulting analyst, aligned with the Technology Consulting workgroup. After a co-op assignment with an investment banking firm’s IT department, I realized that I didn’t want to work in an industry where my skills were seen just as an enablement tool, and not something that added to the bottom line. I wanted to be a part of industry where my skills would be highly valued and seen as asset, so I considered a career in consulting. I was drawn to Accenture in particular because of the people I met during career fairs and information sessions. Every person I met said Accenture was a great company and a good place to start and have a career. I also felt that at Accenture I could define my career path and where it would take me. I joined Accenture’s New York office as Systems Integration & Technology Consulting analyst, aligned with the Technology Consulting workgroup. To me, the best part of being in Technology Consulting is that I have an abundance of opportunities and subject matter areas where I can choose to focus my attention and skill set. My first role was helping develop and test Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions for Accenture offices worldwide. I was able to draw upon my educational background in computer engineering and information science to help me in this role. I also think that my involvement in team sports helped me better understand team dynamics and made the transition to consulting workforce easy for me. I’m now staffed on an outsourcing project, which includes application outsourcing, human resources, consumer services, supply chain and infrastructure outsourcing services for the client. I’m part of the Technology and Work Environment transition team where I’m helping prepare Accenture’s Application Outsourcing team for ‘go live,’ which is when they officially assume responsibility for the client’s application services. I’m specifically responsible for tracking and supporting system access for various applications and services that the Application Outsourcing team will be taking over and supporting for the client. My training at Core Analyst School helped prepare me for this role, which is my first client facing project. The course helped me understand how to focus on client needs, effectively communicate and gather client requirements, and ensure we are providing the quality of work that is expected. These skills are highly applicable when working on a client engagement. The thing I find most satisfying about working at Accenture is the people and willingness of everyone to work towards a common goal. Accenture’s culture really allows for you flourish because everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. I also feel that everyone is given their opportunity to shine and strive within the team dynamics. Accenture also provides many opportunities to get involved in the local office and community. I help plan quarterly community meetings for the New York office, actively volunteer for events like New York Cares, and tutor high school and middle school students in math and science.