Lattitude Global Volunteering (China)
Paul Walker, Analyst, Communications and High Tech

Paul spent the first six months of his gap year in 2000 working for a large international accountancy firm and the second six with Lattitude in China before going on to study History at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, he joined the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme for three years, teaching English at Senior High schools in the Osaka region. He joined Accenture in March 2007.

Depending on which way you look at my career path to date, you could say that I have had four years away from a "proper" business career! Embarking on a Lattitude placement in China was one of the most memorable and rewarding periods of my life. With recent government legislation regarding age restrictions coming into play, there has been no better time to take a year out. My only advice would be to do something worthwhile and constructive with your time that adds value to your personal development. Teaching English in China definitely fostered strong communication, interpersonal, organisational and team working skills as well as an enthusiasm to embrace new situations. Large corporations, like Accenture, actively look for these types of qualities from anyone taking a year out.

My first project with Accenture was working for a large Telecommunications company which supplies internet and phone services across the country. As a trusted and long-term advisor for the client, Accenture was called in to help the client meet a strict regulatory deadline for OFCOM. I worked closely with the project manager in a Planning and Coordination role. As a new joiner it is important to get good understanding of a project lifecycle and of the elements that constitute a project, including mitigating issues and risks, tracking the progress of various teams within the project etc.

Working for Accenture is not for the feint hearted. Indeed I found my first few weeks on the project challenging and completely different to any work I had previously encountered. It was certainly a steep learning curve! However if you are the kind of person who likes lots of responsibility, learns to adapt and embrace a completely new situation very quickly and is driven to succeed in difficult situations, then Accenture is right for you. Besides, as a new joiner there is always plenty of support and advice on offer from the team around you.

What do I like most about Accenture? There are three distinct things. Firstly I really like working with people who share my passion and drive to learn quickly and who want to constantly improve themselves. Secondly I enjoy the variety of the work and clients. If there is some particular piece of work or some client you have interest in, then there will be opportunity to get involved at some point in your career. Just be patient and 'build your network' of contacts. Lastly I admire Accenture's commitment to corporate citizenship. You will get three days a year to help out a charity of your choice and there is the Accenture Development Partnership (ADP) Scheme, where you get to use the skills you have learnt after a few years to help charities with projects in developing countries.

What do I like least about Accenture? There are two main things. Firstly, the pressure to get work delivered on time can be immense sometimes and require long working hours. Indeed consulting is definitely not a 9-5 job and will impact on your life outside of work at times. Secondly you might find yourself stuck out in 'unglamorous' locations for a few months rather than living the London life you always dreamed about.

My top tips for any graduate who wants to join Accenture is to show a strong capacity for learning and to be enthusiastic about and interested in Accenture's business practices and clients. With these things in mind you should have the right mentality to succeed in the company.

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