Accenture
Feature | Organisation

Delivering High Performance

Accenture
Hear from two Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) graduates about their enriching journey with Accenture – a leading global professional services company.

Through a kaleidoscope of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations, Accenture enables its clients to evolve into high-performance businesses and governments. Meet Jayde Tan Jia Min and Lu Deng Yun, two Accenture employees who are helping organisations attain optimal performance through innovative work.

What led you to Accenture?

Jayde Tan Jia Min: Truth be told, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do upon graduation. My mentor suggested that I consider joining Accenture’s Emerging Technologist Development Programme (ETDP), which is one of the programmes aligned to NYP’s Earn and Learn Programme (ELP). I did some research on Accenture and was drawn to the organisation’s outstanding reputation in the industry.

Lu Deng Yun: Like Jayde, I decided to join Accenture through the ELP. After reading up about Accenture, I discovered that it is a pretty big name in Singapore’s IT and consulting sector. It is a global firm that handles large-scale projects, so I felt that the organisation would provide me with an excellent platform to grow and learn. As part of the ELP, Jayde and I attended courses and underwent structured on-the-job training in preparation for our careers at Accenture. We also got to meet some of our current colleagues through the ELP!

Jayde Tan Jia Min

Jayde Tan Jia Min
Software Engineering
New Associate

“If you seek a challenging environment that fosters innovation, Accenture might just be the place for you.”

What was the application and interview process like?

Jayde: I was tasked to answer a series of questions through a video interview. Thereafter, I attended a face-to-face interview with the Project Manager (PM). It felt like a really informal session where the PM was keen on getting to know me better.

Deng Yun: Likewise, I had to undergo two rounds of interviews, the second one being with the PM. During such interviews, it is always wise to just be yourself. Showcase your interests and passion, and avoid putting up a front.

Lu Deng Yun

Lu Deng Yun
Software Engineering
New Associate

“I particularly enjoy the collaborative culture cultivated amongst employees and the management.”

Describe what you do as Software Engineering New Associates.

Jayde: I am cross-trained in several different areas. Firstly, I develop reports and administration for the client using an analytics tool. Secondly, I handle data migration, which involves transferring of data to our system. I typically adopt a client-facing role in my job scope.

Deng Yun: I work across the IT Service Delivery Lifecycle to analyse, design, build, test, implement and maintain multiple system components and applications for our clients. I am currently working on projects for SAP. Similar to Jayde, I assume a functional role and act as a liaison between users and programmers.

Name some memorable experiences you have had with Accenture.

Jayde: Despite being with Accenture for less than a year, I have worked on several large-scale projects, including the implementation of a countrywide government online IT infrastructure. I was involved in the integration of the government online infrastructure into corporate portals to facilitate Government-2-Businesses transactions. After months of hard work, my team and I celebrated the project’s success at Sentosa!

Deng Yun: I particularly enjoy the collaborative culture cultivated amongst employees and the management. We often hang out after work and participate in team-bonding activities – I have been on a trip to Kuala Lumpur with my team! There are also many developmental opportunities for employees. For example, I underwent a one-month Java training program in Accenture’s Manila office. It was a fun experience, one in which I got to learn about different cultures and interact with different people. We even had the opportunity to visit the amazing beaches at Boracay.

What do you enjoy most about working at Accenture?

Jayde: It is quite flexible here as there is an option to telecommute. Furthermore, I am not restricted to corporate dress codes as I work at the client site. Feeling comfortable in my environment does enhance my productivity!

Deng Yun: The job does come with intense pressure, especially when we are working with urgent deadlines and client needs. Fortunately, my colleagues are always there to make things better. The environment you are in really makes a difference.

What advice do you have for fresh graduates looking to join Accenture?

Jayde: If you seek a challenging environment that fosters innovation, Accenture might just be the place for you. At the same time, you should also be able to handle stress and stay committed to your projects. As fresh grads, we might not have had much experience in the working world. When clients converse with me in technical terms, I do have to ask my colleagues for clarification. Hence, do not be afraid to ask questions, and be patient with yourself!

Deng Yun: If you are expecting a relaxed environment, I would advise you to reconsider your options. The work environment can be stressful and challenging, but you do have the opportunity to handle national projects. This is an opportunity that fresh grads might not be afforded at other firms! Apart from a strong interest in IT, you should also possess a willingness to learn. As technology is ever-changing, you have to consistently keep yourself up-to-date. Plus, the highly supportive culture here means that help is always readily available.