What was it that drew you to a career at Capgemini originally?
Capgemini’s global presence as a leader in consulting, technology services and digital transformation appealed to me as I’m passionate about working within a broad range of industries and delivering results to diverse client projects. The prospect of participating in industry-leading courses within the field of data and analytics and driving my career in a direction of my choice throughout a 12-month graduate program made Capgemini stand out to me as an employer. I’m also eager to travel and work internationally, and Capgemini offers opportunities to do this.
What’s your current role at Capgemini?
I’m currently an Associate Consultant, having joined Capgemini as a part of the graduate program in July 2019.
How have your studies helped you in your current role at Capgemini?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences, majoring in Statistics and Applied Mathematics. At Capgemini, I’ve been given the opportunity to undertake the role of Data Analyst on my first client project. I’m consistently able to utilise the technical skills that my statistical background has given me, but more importantly throughout university I was able to develop my problem-solving skills, innovative thinking and creativity. As there is always the opportunity to learn whilst on project, I really value the soft skills I gained throughout my studies.
What are you passionate about in your role?
As a part of the Insights and Data team, I’m able to drive data-driven decisions and deliver business insights based on statistical evidence. I’m passionate about connecting with clients and communicating the insights gained from analysis of their data in order to make a positive impact on their business operations. I enjoy working within a team that is passionate about utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and, as the field of data science is constantly and rapidly advancing, I’m consistently learning something new and exciting!
What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?
Since starting with Capgemini just over two months ago, I’m yet to experience a ‘typical’ day. My initial weeks of employment were spent in Melbourne participating in Core Consulting Skills workshops, a series of Masterclasses and an Insights and Data bootcamp. Before starting on my first client project in Adelaide, I undertook various self-paced learning activities under the guidance of my I&D mentors, and assisted with internal projects, such as Women@Capgemini week. I’m now working from both Capgemini’s Adelaide office and my client site office, and it’s not uncommon for my day to consist of daily stand-ups, client meetings, data analysis/data science and internal project work.
Tell us about your work life harmony at Capgemini?
As a recent university graduate, making the switch to full-time work was initially slightly daunting, however, Capgemini understands and values the necessity to maintain a balance between professional and personal life. Capgemini also offers flexible working arrangements, such as the option to work from home as needed.
How would you describe the culture at Capgemini?
Capgemini’s employees genuinely model the seven core values – Honesty, Boldness, Trust, Team Spirit, Freedom, Fun and Modesty. Capgemini is a collaborative workplace, and there’s always someone to offer help when needed. People are interested in and enthusiastic about the work that I’m undertaking and everyone in the office is always up for a chat or a coffee run.
What has been the most empowering moment in your Capgemini career journey?
The most empowering moment for me so far in my Capgemini career journey was participating in my first client meeting. Being able to put into practice the skills that I learnt throughout the Core Consulting Skills workshops and Masterclasses that I undertook during my initial weeks at Capgemini, and experience my first client engagement was an event that I take pride in. I continue to feel empowered in being able to deliver excellence to clients and in being an essential component of a team that provides clients with innovative solutions to complex problems.
How does Capgemini help support your sense of purpose in your career?
Capgemini helps support my sense of purpose in my career by ensuring that I’m working on a project and within a role that I’m passionate about. Capgemini believes that every employee should have “La Niaque” which translates to “fire in the belly” or “fighting spirit”. Everyone on my team is eager to see me succeed and my contributions are always valued and acknowledged.
What have you gained from working at Capgemini from a career perspective?
As a graduate within the Insights and Data service line, I’ve been given the opportunity to undertake a continuous learning and development journey. With the guidance and support of my I&D mentors, I’m on track to complete essential tasks such as undertaking workshops on Cloud Computing, Data Architecture and Big Data Engineering, and develop baseline capabilities such as becoming AI Cadet certified. I’ve also been given the opportunity to undertake a data science project on a topic of my choice, which is to be showcased to my colleagues and seniors within I&D. This has put me on a fast-track to progress as a professional within the field of data and analytics. My first client project has given me experience in engaging with stakeholders, working within a distributed team and understanding agile methodology. I’m now more aware of my professional pathway and have vastly grown my professional network.
What are 3 words you’d use to describe Capgemini as an employer?
Inclusive. Collaborative. Innovative.
If you could give 3 pieces of advice to students about applying for a job what would they be?
Research the company that you are applying for and be able to clearly articulate why you would like to work for them specifically.
Be yourself. Most employers can tell when someone isn’t being true to themselves, so don’t feel pressured to be overly extroverted during an assessment centre, or if you don’t know the answer to a question during an interview, just say so.
Network as much as possible and attempt to connect with someone at the company via LinkedIn or email – even reaching out to a current grad to have a chat could prove to be useful.