Meet Zara, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture

What and where you studied: Computing for Business – Dublin City University

Dates of graduate programme: Joined Sept 2025

Why did you choose this industry, and this company in particular? 

My decision was quite an easy one. Having completed my internship with Accenture, I already had a great insight into the culture and the type of work I'd be doing. I really enjoyed the pace, the variety of challenges, and the collaborative environment, so applying for the graduate programme felt like a natural progression.

Can you describe a typical day in your role? What are your favourite parts of the work you do?

There’s no typical day, which is honestly what I love most about the role. Every week looks a little different. Recently, I've been involved in supporting client workshops and helping shape technology strategy, working closely with stakeholders to turn ideas into practical outcomes. My favourite part is the sense of ownership I have over my work and the opportunity to see my understanding and contribution grow over time.

Did your responsibilities and workload change as the programme progressed? Do you get to work with more senior members of staff and different departments?

From early on I was client-facing and working alongside senior staff, which is something I embraced and made the most of. What has changed as the programme progressed is the level of ownership I have over those interactions. At the start you are getting settled in, and now I play a much more active role in shaping how conversations go, which has done a lot for my confidence.

What skills have you developed since being part of this company’s programme?

Adapting how I communicate depending on the audience has been a big one, whether that is a technical colleague or a senior client. Beyond that, strategic thinking and problem solving. Consultancy puts you in front of complex, often ambiguous challenges regularly, and working through those sharpens you in ways you do not expect.

What have been the most challenging parts of working life since taking up this programme? Is there anything you wish you knew before starting?

Learning that it is okay not to have all the answers. Early on it is easy to put pressure on yourself to know everything, but that is not realistic. What I wish I had known sooner is that being transparent when you are unsure, and leaning on the community around you, is genuinely how the best outcomes happen. The support is there; you just have to use it.

Would you recommend the graduate programme at this company to others? 

Yes - The skills you build, particularly in consultancy, are transferable wherever your career goes. But honestly the community is what stands out most. Having a cohort going through the same journey at the same time makes a huge difference, especially in those first few months when everything is new.

What advice would you like to give to future graduates who are just starting out?

Asking questions does not always come naturally to me, so this is something I have had to actively work on. But it is genuinely one of the most important things you can do. Put yourself forward, say yes to things even when they feel slightly outside your comfort zone, and do not be afraid to speak up. The people who get the most out of this programme are the ones who engage with it fully.