Secrets to Landing Your Dream Graduate Consulting Role at Top Firms

Accenture's Hannah O'Sheehan and Cathy Dunne share expert advice on how recent graduates can stand out in the competitive job market for consulting roles.

According to Hannah O'Sheehan, the graduate recruitment lead at Accenture, the recruitment landscape in STEM careers is constantly evolving. Graduate programs offer an excellent opportunity to build professional foundations.

As companies advance in a digitized world, Accenture seeks applicants with a strong STEM skillset and transferable skills that are valuable in any work environment.

"We want to provide support for candidates with questions about their applications," O'Sheehan said. "That's why our graduate recruitment team is on campus, along with company analysts, to boost your confidence before submitting your application."

She emphasized the importance of making opportunities accessible to everyone, encouraging professionals with additional needs to disclose them for reasonable adjustments during the application process.

"We want to ensure a level playing field for all applicants," O'Sheehan added.

Attractive Skills

Cathy Dunne, Accenture's consulting managing director, highlights that applicants should demonstrate a passion for self-development and identify areas for growth.

"This is crucial because our industry is always changing," Dunne explained. "You need to be open to learning about new developments and understand that you won't be an expert immediately. It's about bringing together perspectives, learning from others, and continuously building your skills."

O'Sheehan noted that graduates from diverse backgrounds are welcome. While experience with technologies like ChatGPT can be beneficial, it's not a requirement or a substitute for real-world skills.

She urged applicants to emphasize the human element in their applications. "We want to hear your voice and from you as a person, not just through technologies," she said.

Dunne advised using critical thinking to stand out. Show that you understand the job's objectives, have passion and knowledge of the industry, and possess curiosity to make a positive impression.

Next Steps

For accepted candidates, the graduate program begins with intensive training to equip you with core consulting skills. You'll then join a project team to apply these skills in a real client-facing environment, with ongoing training sessions to refine your abilities.

Both experts agree that a career at Accenture requires curiosity, a desire to learn, and eagerness to take on challenges, whether you have the skills or plan to develop them. Starting with a graduate program is a key first step in your professional journey.