Deloitte University unlocks future leaders
1 in 10,000 – How Deloitte University unlocks future leaders’ potential
Deloitte University, located just outside Paris, is the physical embodiment of our commitment to our colleagues and their ongoing career development. This was the case for Karolina Barrett, who was the 10,000th attendee at Deloitte University, and reflects on her recent stay.
"I was struck by the fact that attending Deloitte University meant that I was on a journey that was much bigger than just my own, becoming part of a large learning and developing community right across EMEA." Karolina is one of over 400 colleagues from Ireland who have spent time at Deloitte University, an international learning campus supporting up to 500 delegates a day, from over 100 countries, in their growth and development.
"I believe my teams have noticed the difference in me, and when I attend senior leadership meetings, I’ve received very positive feedback for my contributions."
Karolina Barrett, Senior Manager, Audit & Assurance
Karolina went on to describe how, on arrival, she got a very pleasant and unusual surprise when she turned up to attend her first plenary session. “I was picked out of the attendees amid much fanfare, and it was announced that I was the 10,000th attendee at Deloitte University. It started my experience on a real high and literally hundreds of people approached me to congratulate me and start a conversation.”
Karolina described the course content “from Sunday evening to Tuesday, it was two and a half days of the most intense learning I’ve ever experienced, either personally or professionally.
“It really challenged me to define my personal values, and to work out what exactly I bring to the table – what value I add. I work in Audit & Assurance, but with a background in psychology, so I deploy technology with a view to how it impacts humans.
"I have absolutely no doubt that the whole Deloitte University experience made me stand taller, and become more confident in my own abilities. One of the standouts for me was the excellent facilitators, a mix of Deloitte leaders and outside contributors, who supported and guided us through our learning. I was so inspired I applied to join the facilitator team and did so in May of this year, helping senior consultants to work on their soft skills.
"The big things that DU brought home to me were the need to dedicate as much time as possible to thinking and reflecting, as well as the power of the Deloitte network, and the benefits of exchanging views and experiences to support me in my own career.
"Having access to Deloitte University is precious and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time there.”
