An unusual take on diversity at Deloitte from Stefanie Jameson.
'When I meet a previous work colleague, friend or family member, and they ask, 'What are you up to these days?' I know that when I give my answer, I will get a face staring back at me, with not only surprise/shock/confusion, but also the follow-up question, 'Why?'
Well, I am going to try and answer that today and a starting point would be my A Levels. You see, I studied English, History and Politics which naturally set me up to do Law in University. Over the few years in university, (apart from the usual partying studying) I had racked up considerable work experience in Law and I had a training contact offered to me. This all sounds very promising, however...
One fateful day, in University, final year with the usual hectic deadlines, I heard that an employment fair was in the main assembly hall, so I decided to wander down. Now the main reason for me even heading down that direction was the promise of free food, (and I am sure anybody reading this, remembers their own broke student days). Anyway, I entered the assembly hall, wandered around the usual Law stands, and there wasn't much 'banter' or 'craic' as we say in 'Norn Iron' (Northern Ireland....just in case). I stopped by the Deloitte stand, and I was chatting to a wee girl from Belfast for nearly an hour - it was the personality that grabbed me. However, she worked in audit. So she went over and above and gave me a few contacts in consulting...because let's face it, there was no chance I could ever contemplate anything mathematical.
I left that day and thought I would give it a go. I'll see what happens. I didn't really contemplate the long term- 'Stef, what if you actually get this job?'... that came later.
I was lucky enough to be offered a role and, after loving the atmosphere in the Belfast office, it really was a no brainer.
Tech Consulting meant for me that I would be more on the Business Analysis side of things, working primarily in tech projects helping the business- at a basic level- understand what they require from a piece of technology/implementation. I actually find that Law infiltrates Tech Consulting in loads of areas, and I wouldn't swap my background for any I.T. related degree. It is noticeable that I have a different way of thinking, but actually it works.
Looking back, why did I make the decision I did? I guess it falls into 4 categories:
1. The people and diversity is awesome and I could feel that in the environment at my interview, even when I had sweaty palms etc. And I can now confirm this was the right first impression. I joined with 255 analysts, and met so many new people, including over 20 from Belfast from Belfast.
2. Deloitte's reputation...enough said
3. You cannot live comfortably without technology. If anything, it's only going to get more technical, so I got to join afield that is prospering and exciting
4. You are well rewarded for the work you do.
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