Why did you join Deloitte and what advice would you give to other people applying?

I spoke to someone from Deloitte Consulting at a recruitment fair at my university, and they inspired me to search for graduate opportunities that very afternoon. The way they described their role was exciting and it seemed like the projects on offer were really varied. In terms of the application process, my advice would be not to overthink the online situational and behavioural tests. Just choose the answers you genuinely think are the best fit for you, rather than what you think you should say. If you’re asked to complete a video interview, I recommend finding a blank wall to film from, with no distractions from housemates, parents or pets!

How does Deloitte support your wellbeing?

Deloitte has a wellbeing app for work phones which gave me free access to Headspace, and there’s a wellbeing representative in each team to talk to, as well as your People Leader. I do feel supported and while I haven’t needed to use this service, it’s reassuring that there’s a confidential number you can call at any time if things are getting overwhelming.

How do you feel Deloitte supports an inclusive environment?

In my first week, we were encouraged to bring our full selves to work and I think this is only possible because Deloitte fosters an inclusive environment. I’m a member of the Deloitte Black Network and the Multicultural Network, and was able to put my academic background to use as a Lunch and Learn Lead for Black History Month. I found it really empowering that this role was able to be a form of practice development, because it made me feel like Deloitte valued these events as a core part of their culture.

How did you get your job at Deloitte and what advice would you give others?

I applied to Deloitte through the Summer Vacation Scheme, after my second year of university. The internship helped me to learn a lot about my current role in tax early on. When I started in September, I knew what to expect, which was nice. I would highly recommend applying for an internship, as it will provide you with a better glimpse into your future and help you figure out if it’s the right job for you. In terms of the application process, my advice is to be yourself. Your individuality and unique experiences are what will make you stand out from the crowd.

How do you explain your job to friends and family?

I work for Deloitte’s Global Employer Services. Our clients are companies who are taking advantage of having a global network by sending employees on secondments or short-term business travel to different countries or inbound into the UK. It’s our role to provide tax advice to the assignees directly.

What surprised you about working here?

I was told that I would learn everything I need to know on the job, but when I started I was still worried that I wouldn’t be taught enough. The reality is that Deloitte goes the extra mile to make sure you have the information you need. They create a safe environment to be open about the help you require, just like the support you receive in school.

How was the application process and what advice would you give to others?

The application process took some time but it was enjoyable and interesting. I found that hiring managers were keen to get to know me as a person and wanted to see what drives me, rather than simply relying on test results. The best advice I would give to anyone is to just be yourself throughout the whole process as that is far more authentic and is what attracts us. We want to work with a mix of people from different backgrounds, so being true to yourself really matters.

What’s been your greatest challenge since joining and how did you overcome this?

As a new Analyst I was worried that I might not understand certain aspects of the job and that it could become overwhelming. However, I just kept reminding myself that I am still learning, and so is everyone else. We’re hugely supported in this learning journey at Deloitte and there’s a wide range of opportunities to grow and develop through both training sessions. Nobody expects you to know everything straight away.

How do you feel Deloitte supports diversity and inclusion?

Deloitte prides itself on its inclusive environment, and the continuous work of our teams to improve the way we work together. Within my team there are two committees that support the drive towards inclusivity. These include the Wellbeing committee and the Diversity and Inclusion committee, which I’m part of. As an ethnic minority, I find comfort in knowing that others from an ethnic minority background face the same day to day issues that I do. The groups and networks offer a safe space for us to discuss things, share ideas and listen to the experiences of others.

What was your biggest misconception about working here?

That you always have to have an answer. I’ve learned now that if you can communicate well and build good relationships, not having a concrete answer is alright as you can work with your team and the client to find out what works best for them.

Before I joined I was also worried that my previous experience in journalism would be seen as irrelevant, and that I would have to completely change myself to fit a new role. This couldn’t be further from the truth. My background has helped me have great attention to detail, which is very useful in project management and change communications.

What else is going on at Deloitte?

It’s super social, there is always something going on. It’s impossible not to make friends here.

I’m on the Multicultural Network committee. We hold events such as Black History Month. I’m also heavily involved in organizing the Chinese New Year celebration, which connects me to home as I’m from Hong Kong. There’s a big focus on diversity in the workplace. I’ve volunteered at a centre for youth and people who were recovering from their time in prison/rehabilitation centres. I’m also involved in a pro-bono consulting project with a charity.

I feel I have a lot of support here. I’m very close to my coach, and have also found a couple of other mentors throughout the firm. If I am finding things stressful I go and talk to them, or catch up with a friend. I also make sure to call my family and go bike riding after work – the exercise and fresh air helps me to wind down after a long day.

Were you worried about anything before you joined? How has that worked out in reality?

I was worried that I didn’t have enough industry specific experience and would be completely out of my depth. During my gap year and through university I’d worked as a receptionist at an entertainment company, I’d learned about Anti Money Laundering and various other things in that job which is what sparked my interest in financial crime, but I didn’t really have any direct experience.

It was completely fine though. I received a huge amount of support from my coach, manager and team when I joined and soon felt comfortable. I’ve also learnt so much, and very quickly, by getting stuck in to the job and being reassured by senior members of my team that’s OK to make mistakes and ask questions because I’m learning.

What would you say to persuade a graduate to join Deloitte?

Just do it! You’ll meet amazing people with fascinating stories, learn so much about yourself and your abilities, you’ll be making a difference and, most importantly, you’ll have fun whilst doing it.