Name: Thomas Gorochowski
University: Warwick University
Degree course: MEng in Computer Science
Current role: Analyst, Accenture Information Management Services (AIMS), Technology Consulting
Date of joining: Thomas joined Accenture after graduating from university in 2005

My first week at Accenture was also my first week of living and working in London, being inducted to the company and learning all the do’s and don’ts of working at a client site. I then spent the next three weeks becoming a JAVA certified programmer, after which I was lucky enough to gain another 2 weeks being taught about business intelligence tools. So by the time I started my first role I felt in good shape and was raring to go.

What made this organisation stand out from the others?

Although Accenture gives you great opportunities to take on big responsibilities quickly and to travel, the major thing that strikes me is the people – every day, you find yourself working with similar minded, bright individuals. I also have always been made to feel welcome and part of a bigger team, which ultimately has given me the confidence to do things I otherwise might have found quite daunting – like my first true consultancy role, which was based around implementing a new ad-hoc reporting system. Right from my first day, everyone was really friendly and open to questions.

Since joining the company I have worked with every sort of person you could imagine. Being a member of the ‘Technology Consulting’ group I get to work with clients in all the operating groups – and it’s amazing to experience such a broad mix of backgrounds in a typical client/Accenture team.

Tell us about one of the most important events in your career so far.

Looking back, it was not until I attended my core analyst training in Chicago that I was really made to think. Never had I met so many people from so many countries. What topped it off was they all worked for Accenture. From then on the scale of the company and the sheer amount of opportunities that were available to me really hit home.

When joining I think the most important thing for new joiners to do is fully understand what the company is about, what the job involves and if the culture of the firm aligns with their own views.

What has surprised you most about working for Accenture?

One thing that is not always mentioned about the company are the opportunities outside of normal work. There are literally hundreds of different groups and societies that allow you to meet like minded people and share your interests. These are a great way to get to know people from completely different parts of the company and expand your personal network as well as having a great time in the process.