Discovering the recipe of a two-decade long Deloitte journey

Karthik Banda joined Deloitte US-India Offices (USI) 19 years ago as a developer. In this blog post, he reflects on his journey from being a developer to a leader, where he shares his belief in giving his best to work.
 

The first steps

My journey into the world of computers was not a traditional one. Initially, I was not particularly interested in computers, but as I delved deeper into the field, I found myself becoming passionate about acquiring an in-depth knowhow and specialization in specific aspects of computing. I began expanding my skill set and proving my dedication to the field. Through this process, I realized that my quest for knowledge helped me set myself apart from the crowd.

Unleashing my potential, guided by a mentor

Having a role model is a powerful force that can shape and inspire our lives as they serve as a constant reminder of the potential within us, pushing us to scale new heights. In my case, my roommate from college, with his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm, his passion for problem solving and his pursuit of knowledge inspired me.

I believe that the real measure of success lies in competing with individuals who are on a similar path and not by comparing oneself to others who are already far ahead. By putting in the hard work and investing my efforts into attaining SUN and Oracle certifications, I gained significant knowledge in my field during the initial years of software in India.

Embracing the power of mentorship has been transformative for me, and I encourage others to seek out and cherish the mentors and role models who could help them unlock their full potential.

Thriving through perseverance

The primary reason for my long-standing commitment to Deloitte is the diverse challenges that extend beyond technical complexities and encompass broader business perspectives I have encountered throughout my tenure. Staying with the same organization for so many years has been incredibly rewarding in terms of learning and growth.

The activities that I have engaged in have been instrumental in keeping me motivated and dedicated to the organization. From the early days of joining Consulting at Deloitte US-India offices as one of its first few members, I have continuously adapted to the scale at which we were growing, and the markets were evolving. These opportunities have allowed me to acquire new skills, expand my knowledge, and stay at the forefront of the industry trends.

Additionally, the supportive work culture, and the shared values have created an environment that feels like a second home and makes the work meaningful.

If I had to sum up the learnings from this journey in three steps, I’d say:

1. Create your own brand
   
   Develop a distinguished identity and reputation by intentionally showcasing your strengths, specialization, and distinctive qualities that set you apart. Actively engage in organization-wide initiatives that align with your interests and goals. When you commit to tasks and see them through, it shows your dedication and helps build credibility among your colleagues.
2. Focus on relationships
   
   Nurture and prioritize your network both within and outside your organization. Strong professional relationships foster collaboration, support, and mentorship opportunities. Build a strong professional network with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, gain insights, and open door to new opportunities. Additionally, build a team of individuals with complementary skills who can collectively tackle jobs or projects effectively.
3. Curiosity and skill-building
   
   Cultivate a curious mindset and thirst for learning. Actively seek opportunities to learn and expand your skill set. Developing a wide range of skills equips you to adapt to evolving demands and positions you as an asset within your field.
    

My life at Deloitte has been marked by growth, fulfillment, and a strong sense of purpose. I am grateful for the experiences, the relationships, and the impact I have been able to create, and look forward to continuing this fulfilling journey.

The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers or any organization with which he is associated.