Please introduce yourself and describe your role at Deloitte.

I graduated from ETH Zurich in 2022, where I studied Environmental Engineering and Statistics. After gaining experience at a smaller consulting firm, I joined Deloitte at the beginning of 2024 as a Consultant in the Cloud Engineering team.

How long have you been with Deloitte, and what attracted you to the firm?

I have been with Deloitte for just over a year now. I was drawn to Deloitte because of the learning opportunities from both the diverse projects and the talented colleagues. I applied for a role in consulting because I was looking for a position that would integrate technical expertise with real-world business contexts, involving diverse people and companies. Cloud technology in particular resonated with me because it serves as the foundation for numerous innovations, such as AI. Without proper knowledge and implementation, companies risk missing out on significant opportunities.

Moreover, while I have a strong technical background and a passion for technology, I am also a people person who thrives in team environments, enjoying collaboration with individuals from various backgrounds.   

What does a typical day look like in your role?

There isn't really a "typical" day, as each day can be quite different. However, my main activities include researching and preparing content for various client workshops and meetings. The content that we work on for the clients can be very diverse, ranging from technical topics (e.g. determining the optimal architecture for their network in the Cloud) to high-level management presentations, that require concise and clear information, without all the technical details. The content needs to be clear and understandable to the client and it needs to be tailored to the specific situation. To ensure the highest quality, I often review and discuss the content with my manager.

Client meetings are often interactive sessions where I present my prepared content and discuss its relevance within the client's context, addressing any open points. For me, this collaborative approach is one of the most interesting aspects of my job.  

Can you share an example of a project you’ve worked on and what your contributions were?

I've had the opportunity to work on several diverse projects, each with unique challenges. One particularly interesting project involved documenting "Architecture Building Blocks" for a client. The goal was to define all necessary documentation for running an application in the Cloud, covering everything from contractual topics (e.g. Service Level Agreements with vendors) to technical details (e.g. network segmentation in the Cloud). This project provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, each an expert in their respective field. It was an excellent chance to delve into intricate details while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the broader cloud architecture within a company.

How would you describe your team?

Our team in Switzerland is relatively small, as we often collaborate with other Deloitte member firms. Despite its size, our team consists of highly intelligent and skilled individuals. The senior members have their specialized fields, whether technical or non-technical, and their leadership has been instrumental in my growth.

What training and development programs have you participated in? Have they helped you grow professionally?

I have participated in two bootcamps. We spent several days in Stoos with colleagues from different teams, as well as the faculty members who organized the bootcamp. The modules were tailored to our grade level and included topics such as business chemistry and storytelling. The module on presentation skills was particularly beneficial for me, as I was initially quite shy and awkward with presentations. Given that presentations are a significant part of my job, improving these skills was essential. The bootcamp provided a safe space to practice and enhance my presentation abilities, which has greatly helped me professionally.

What qualities or skills do you think are important for success in your role?

I believe the two most crucial skills for success in my role are flexibility and the ability to see the bigger picture. Often you may have a clear direction in mind, but input from the client or your manager can shift the course entirely. While this can be frustrating, especially after investing significant effort, it also presents an opportunity to achieve better results. Being open to new input is essential for both professional and personal growth.

Additionally, the ability to quickly grasp the bigger picture and understand the connections between different topics is vital. Clients are often highly knowledgeable about specific details, but we can add significant value by comprehending and integrating the broader context.