Meet our Graduates - Jane Drew

What did you study in college?

I did the HR pathway of Social Science in UCD for my undergraduate degree and then went on to do a Masters in Human Resource Management in Smurfit.

Why did you choose the Deloitte Graduate Programme?

I started at Deloitte as a summer intern in the Global Employer Services team within Tax during college and really enjoyed the experience. I was impressed with how helpful and approachable the people were and felt it would be a good place to learn due to the varied nature of the work.

At the end of the internship, the decision to accept the offer of a place on the graduate programme was an easy one as I could go and do my masters (with financial support from Deloitte) knowing that I had a job that I enjoy lined up.

There’s also great CSR initiatives to get involved in which a great is added bonus. Deloitte runs a firm wide volunteering day called Impact Day which I’ve participated in twice so far. It’s always a great day as everyone from interns to partners get involved and there’s always a real sense of achievement at the end! I’ve done a beach clean-up and painted a school in the past so I’m looking forward to see what this year brings!

I also take part in the Age Action technology classes which run year around. It’s a great initiative whereby several learners who wish to get up to speed with using their phone, laptop or tablet come in the office once a week and get paired up with one of us for a lesson

What did you find most challenging about the working world?

Everyone is assigned to several client teams so each day will be driven by various client projects, meetings and queries. At the start, it was challenging to decide what to prioritise and where to start. However, everyone in the department has been through the same process so everyone is always more than happy to answer questions and show you the ropes.

I was worried about the fact that I didn’t have a background in accounting or tax like everyone else did! I wish I’d known that no one expects you to have any prior knowledge or experience as you learn on the job and that people come from a variety of different academic backgrounds so there was no need to worry!

How has Deloitte helped you build your career?

I’ve recently completed my Irish tax exams so Deloitte has definitely helped me to build my career as a qualified tax advisor by supporting me with course and exam fees and giving paid time off to study.

In work itself, the level of responsibility and challenging work you’re given at an early stage really allows people to quickly develop and progress.

Do you have any mentors and if so what is their value to you?

Everyone who joins Deloitte has an assigned appraiser who you meet once a month for a check-in, to have an informal chat about how you’re getting on and whether there’s any additional opportunities you’d be interested in. This is an invaluable way of making sure you’re getting exposure to the work that interests you and to talk about anything that might be worrying you.

Outside of this formal process, I meet with a Partner once a month to discuss how I’m getting on and my career progression. I would also consider many of the people I work with to be mentors due to the amount of time they’ve invested in sharing their knowledge and experience with me.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce?

The importance of teamwork and really knowing how to work as an effective team.

Learning how to deliver a quality service to the client while also developing the team and giving people opportunities is definitely the most valuable skill I’ve developed since joining.

What’s one thing you wish you knew when you finished college?

Approaching the first day of my training contract, I was understandably nervous and daunted by the three years ahead in a new place. I was also worried about the fact that I didn’t have a background in accounting or tax like everyone else did! I wish I’d known that no one expects you to have any prior knowledge or experience as you learn on the job and that people come from a variety of different academic backgrounds so there was no need to worry!

There is also no need to worry about getting to know people as we sit in open plan bays so you quickly get to know the people around you. It also helps that there’s regular department social activities alongside the larger firm wide events twice a year or so; last year for example, we had not only one but three Christmas parties!

Read more about our Graduate Programmes within Tax.