What it does: Strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations
Staff stats: Around 400,000 globally with approximately 4,000 of those in Australia
The good bits: Training and access to leaders, prestigious brand, excellent training
The not so good bits: Project driven deadlines & spikes in workload
Hiring grads with degrees in: Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Health & Medical Sciences; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies; Property & Built Environment; Sciences; Teaching, Education & Human Welfare
Accenture started off as the technology consulting division of (accounting firm) Arthur Andersen and used to be called Andersen Consulting. To cut a long and litigious story short, in the 1990s it was decided to split Arthur Andersen and Andersen Consulting. The latter adopted the name Accenture on January 1, 2001, and listed seven months later. Accenture now services more than 40 different industries in over 120 countries.
A world-conquering multinational with annual revenues of around US$35 billion, Accenture services many blue-chip or otherwise notable businesses. It has operated in Australia for over three decades, Australia’s iconic brands across the areas of Financial Services, Communications Media & Technology, Resources, Products and Health & Public Services.
Accenture is made up of five business units – Strategy, Consulting, Digital, Technology and Operations. Each unit works together to offer clients an ‘end to end solution’. Accenture is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of “race, religion, colour, sex, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression”.
In Australia, Accenture has supported the LGBTI community through initiatives such as partnering with the Mardi Gras Film Festival. It’s also been a leader in workplace flexibility, with various options to suit the individual needs of employees.
In 2009 Accenture launched a global ‘Skills to Succeed’ program. This aims to equip three million people with the skills to get a job or create a business by 2020. In Australia, Accenture partners with non-profits and charities that align with the Skills to Succeed initiatives, such as Dress for Success, Mission Australia and The Smith Family. Accenture has also assisted, most commonly through providing digital technology solutions, the Australian Rugby Union, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Australian Youth Orchestra and Cricket Australia.
As mentioned, Accenture has five distinct business units. All will consider grads from a range of disciplines including humanities, economics, accounting, science, technology, and engineering. Obviously, some aptitude for and interest in the unit’s speciality is expected. For example, if you want to work for Accenture Technology you should be excited by the prospect of designing solutions to solve complicated technological issues.
The recruitment process varies by business unit but largely follows the standard online application-phone interview-assessment centre-interviews with senior managers model. You can learn more on the careers page of the company website.
You can expect to earn around the industry average for an entry-level consultant, with bonuses offered to strong performers. There are also some sweet perks such as overseas training and discounts on things such as insurance, restaurants and groceries.
Given the size of the business, there are lots of opportunities, though graduates shouldn't expect promotions and pay rises to start materialising immediately. But from that point, it’s possible to advance quickly, if you’re willing to work hard and alert senior staff to the results you’re achieving.
Training and development is something Accenture takes seriously and helps individuals navigate their own career path. There are many ways someone can up-skill either on a project itself or through formal training courses run both in house and through external providers.
Given the nature of consulting work, people come and go a lot, meaning there often isn’t a lot of socialising during office hours. That being said, there is plenty of socialising done after work. As well as playing hard, you’ll be expected to work hard so be prepared to put in the hours, especially if you want to be promoted. While there’s a hierarchical structure, senior managers are accessible and encouraging. There is competition amongst ambitious grads seeking to clamber up the first few steps of the career ladder but teamwork is encouraged.
Overall satisfaction rating among grad employees: 4.0 stars
"At Accenture, we think big. We’re passionate about improving the way the world lives and works. Globally, we cover more than 40 industries. Locally, we work with some of Australia’s most iconic brands. This stacks up to tonnes of opportunities where you can apply your passion and make your mark — all just by being yourself.
We pride ourselves on having a truly collaborative culture. Because the way we work together is as important - if not more - than the work we do. Be inspired to make the most of who you are!
No matter what you studied or where you are in life, we've got programs for you. Find yourself challenged in a Hackathon, a case study competition or a technology bootcamp. Or step into the shoes of our consultants with the Accenture Discovery Program, an internship or graduate role.
We want our people to work smarter, be healthier and move more freely. That’s why we have world-leading flexible working, parental leave support and employee assistance programs; and employee networks - like Pride At Accenture - that ensure everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.
Giving back to the community important to you? Our corporate citizenship program encourages everyone to give back, making a difference to those in need. In fact, last year 3,625 of our people volunteered for 22,000 hours!
Globally, we’ve committed to use 100% renewable energy across our business by 2023, and continue to implement measures to reduce our carbon footprint."