My story
Meet Sophia.
Cloud Consultant and Saxophone Player, London
What matters most to me is
I‘m really motivated by the public value of our work. I like to know I’m contributing towards a positive societal impact, knowing that in both small and big ways we’re improving people’s lives through technology.
My journey so far…
I’m a South Londoner born and bred, but I moved to the North East to complete my undergraduate degree. After taking some time out to focus on freelance writing after university, I joined Deloitte on the graduate programme in 2021.
People often assume you need a STEM degree to go into a tech career, but that’s a huge misconception - all you really need is curiosity and a passion for learning. I studied English Literature followed by a masters in Postcolonial Studies, and my communication and logical structuring skills have been extremely valuable to my development as a tech consultant.
More broadly, my postgraduate studies have given me a stronger appreciation of the importance of diversity. I’m currently vice-chair of a Deloitte community called Codename Maxine, which focuses on the inclusion of women and other minority groups in tech. One of the initiatives we’ve worked on is to change the way language is used in software code to make it more inclusive. Communities like this are a great example of how the firm enables its people to be impactful – for me it’s about translating my core values into tangible initiatives that can make a difference.
Work that matters
In terms of my day-to-day role, I really enjoy working with clients and helping develop solutions they can incorporate into their business that will transform the way they work. I work in cloud consulting, which means we use cloud technology to help solve business problems.
Historically, it hasn’t been easy for businesses to migrate to cloud platforms. Our cloud experts provide really valuable support, sharing technical knowledge and advice during periods of significant change. Cloud technology impacts everything from the back-end processes right through to customer products, ultimately generating benefits that help to streamline an organisation’s operations and innovate the services they provide. As cloud infrastructure is increasingly becoming the new-normal, we’re always busy.
Highlights from my week
Monday
I met my team in the office to create some recommendations for our client’s approach to data migration.
In the afternoon I built a model to help the client’s finance team analyse and forecast their IT spend, giving them visibility of their costs to identify any wasted spend.
Tuesday
My manager and I reviewed the model I built yesterday and made a few changes to improve it.
I also hosted a 'Lunch and Learn' event with cloud integration specialist speakers from the firm and one of our technology alliance partners. There were lots of practical tips to take away.
Wednesday
I took the Eurostar to Brussels to meet with colleagues from Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands to hear innovative approaches to client challenges.
The feedback on our own presentation, alternative ways of working and change of scenery left me feeling really inspired.
Thursday
We returned to London and I presented the IT model to our client. They were pleased with the work and wanted to incorporate the model into their strategic planning process. We celebrated our success by going bowling as a team.
Friday
I had a one-hour hands-on training session on IT Architecture and cloud capabilities, to refresh my knowledge of new cloud products we can use for our clients.
In the afternoon I started working on our next diversity and inclusion event on AI and Social Justice. I finished work at 5pm, ready to wind down for the weekend.
My weekend looks like:
After a week at work, I make sure I’ve got plenty of time for relaxation, reading and spending time with friends.
I love music and drama and play saxophone in a Cuban Big Band. We do gigs at a bar in London every month, alongside salsa dancers who are friends of the band.
I also enjoy all the theatre shows that London has to offer. There’s so much vibrant culture on our doorstep.
3 things I’ve learned
1
To overcome imposter syndrome
I’ve learned that whatever your background, you can really belong and succeed in your role. People are often surprised when they discover I have a humanities degree, but Deloitte recognises it’s vital for everyone to be represented in the tech sector, as it shapes every aspect of the world around us.
2
People always have time for you
Lots of people assume Deloitte is a corporate monolith where you pay your dues at junior grades, but the culture is nothing like that. People of all levels make time for you, and you can build great relationships with all your colleagues from the outset.
3
Work/life balance is encouraged
Hard work is important to success at Deloitte, but equally work/life balance is valued and encouraged. We always check in with each other and managers look after their teams’ wellbeing, especially during busy times.
Book recommendation
Naomi Klein
On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal
I’m really interested in the agenda for tackling climate change, and Naomi Klein’s book ‘On Fire: The Case for a Green New Deal’ really hammers home the importance of acting now. She writes in a powerful and persuasive way about a topic that many of us are passionate about, both at work and at home.
Related opportunities
Early career opportunities in consulting
Help clients to lead the way for change, future-proof their businesses, and make a positive impact. From delivering new tech solutions to leading operational transformations, you’ll do work that matters from day one.
Professional career opportunities in consulting
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