Expand your network

Many Deloitte alumni have discovered that professional networking can yield tangible business benefits. When Deloitte alumnus Lyle Strachan was in search of a new auditor, it made sense to invite his alma mater to bid. It was also a great opportunity to stay connected with Harley Mintz, a partner in the Private company services group and Lyle’s former colleague. 

Lyle, Executive Vice-President of Finance with the Stronach Group, a privately held company controlled by auto parts entrepreneur Frank Stronach, knew that Deloitte had previously done advisory work for Magna International, another Stronach company. He also knew many of the private company practitioners and was confident of their ability to service the account. These experiences put Deloitte in good stead to compete for the work, and ultimately win the engagement to become the company’s advisors and auditor. “It's a terrific example of how we were able to offer a new client the comfort of the overall Deloitte experience due to the quality of our private and public company teams, as well as our ongoing relationship with a former colleague,” says Harley.

It’s not uncommon for alumni to think of Deloitte when their current company has a business need. “There’s a comfort level there. Our alumni know the firm, they know the quality of the work, and they’re comfortable talking to us about our services,” says alumni partner champion Richard Carson. “They feel better knowing that they have a top-quality firm helping them.” Sometimes alumni facilitate an introduction to a business contact or alert an old colleague to a new RFP (request for proposal). “It’s their way of giving something back to the firm that supported them over the years.” Others give back by referring people they know who might be a good fit for the Deloitte organization and culture. Connecting someone with a promising job prospect at the country’s largest professional services firm can only help boost your networking credibility among peers.

“In this day and age, people have affiliations to many different groups, so it’s tough to stay connected. But Deloitte is such a huge firm, not just in Canada, but on a global scale. We offer real value to alumni, whether it’s giving people a point-of-view document, helping them connect with a former colleague, or updating them on what’s happening in their industry,” says Richard. “And with the expansion of the Alumni Connections program across Canada, we’re stepping it up.” Deloitte is building the culture and the infrastructure to help alumni stay connected to the firm and to one another. “We can help reignite the relationships that you established long ago and help you advance your professional goals. There’s added value on both the personal and professional side.”