Beyond Graduation: Life as a Technology & Transformation Analyst
Life as a Deloitte Graduate: My Experience
Alina Buga, Operations, Industry & Domain Solutions Analyst, Cork Office
My name is Alina Buga, and I am a graduate of International Commerce from University College Cork (UCC). As part of my degree, I completed an Erasmus year abroad at Universidad de Málaga, studying in the Faculty of Economics and Business. Since joining Deloitte in September 2024, I have been part of the Graduate Programme, working as an Operations, Industry & Domain Solutions Analyst within the Consulting team—now known as Technology & Transformation.
From the outset, Deloitte stood out to me as a firm that not only values innovation and excellence but also fosters a strong sense of community and professional growth. The opportunity to work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, where collaboration, learning, and impact go hand in hand, made Deloitte the perfect place to launch my career.
Beyond its reputation as a leading professional services firm, my decision to join Deloitte was deeply influenced by a personal experience in my final year at UCC where I had the privilege of being invited to the prestigious Dean’s Scholars List, sponsored by Deloitte. Through this, I participated in the Leadership Excellence Boost Programme, which offered monthly personal and professional development workshops led by Deloitte and Cork University Business School (CUBS). This first-hand exposure to Deloitte’s culture, mentorship, and commitment to developing future leaders gave me a true sense of what it would be like to work at the firm—and ultimately solidified my decision to join the Deloitte Graduate Programme.
The application process for Deloitte’s Graduate Programme was straightforward, yet naturally, it came with its fair share of nerves. Given the competitive nature of the process, I focused on preparing a strong CV, refining my interview skills, and approaching each stage with confidence. Balancing applications alongside lectures and assignments required focus, but I genuinely enjoyed the challenge. Each stage of the process, from submitting my application to progressing through interviews, felt like a learning opportunity in itself.
Fast forward to onboarding, and I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations. The two-week induction in Dublin remains the biggest highlight of my time at Deloitte so far. It provided a deep dive into the firm’s culture, values, and work, particularly within Consulting. All graduates took part in self-development workshops on topics like presentation skills, personal branding, and wellness, while also gaining valuable insights from senior leaders. Meeting managers, directors, and partners gave me a clear sense of the opportunities ahead and reinforced why Deloitte is an exciting place to grow and develop my career.
Some of the most memorable moments from induction included meeting two Team Ireland Olympians, who shared their stories of resilience and high performance, and taking part in a case study competition at Castleknock Hotel. This experience was not just about problem-solving—it was where I truly got to know my peers, collaborate under pressure, and build friendships that I still cherish today.
The Graduate Experience
Can you describe a typical day in your role? What kind of projects or tasks have you been involved in so far?
What skills have you developed since joining the programme? As a graduate on the Operations, Industry & Domain Solutions team, I am currently part of the Healthcare team, and I can confidently say that no two days are ever the same. I've had the privilege of working with fascinating clients in the healthcare sector, contributing to both service optimisation and digital transformation projects. My responsibilities have ranged from conducting needs assessments and leading stakeholder consultations to mapping current and future processes to identify areas for improvement. I have also been hands-on with data analysis, focusing on everything from staffing and technology to food production workflows, all aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality.
Currently, I’m immersed in two exciting and fast-paced projects. One involves supporting key PMO programme tasks, while the other focuses on developing an AI implementation framework. This role has strengthened my ability to develop strategic AI frameworks, conduct in-depth research, and navigate procurement processes for AI technologies. This blend of project management and research is not only enhancing my strategic coordination skills but also providing valuable insights into emerging technologies. The opportunity to contribute to both traditional project tasks and cutting-edge AI initiatives perfectly aligns with my passion for these areas, making it an ideal start to my career at Deloitte.
How have you found the transition from university to full-time work?
The transition from university to full-time work has felt remarkably seamless, largely due to two key factors. First, I was fortunate enough to choose a degree that provided a solid foundation for consulting, with many of the tasks I now tackle closely aligned with what I studied and worked on during my assignments. I like to think of each engagement as a final-year capstone project, where I can apply my past learning experiences in a real-world setting. Secondly, Deloitte’s thorough two-week induction played a huge role in easing the transition. It was so well-organised and welcoming that it almost felt like a ‘freshers week’ for professionals, making the transition feel even more natural and engaging.
Team & Culture
How would you describe the support and mentorship available at Deloitte? How does Deloitte’s culture stand out compared to other places you’ve worked or interned?
One of the standout aspects of Deloitte’s culture is the incredible support and mentorship available at every stage. Unlike other places I’ve worked, Deloitte has a well-structured system that ensures you’re never navigating your career alone. Every new analyst is paired with both a coach and a buddy—your coach provides long-term career guidance, advocates for your growth, and helps you set professional goals, while your buddy is there for day-to-day support, answering any questions and making the transition into the firm seamless. Beyond this, there’s a strong culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, where colleagues at all levels are always willing to offer assistance. Whether it’s through formal coaching, or the everyday willingness of teams to support each other, Deloitte fosters an environment where you feel encouraged to learn and grow with confidence.
What’s been your favorite part about working in this environment?
My favorite part about working at Deloitte has been the dynamic and collaborative environment. Every day brings new challenges, and I love how no two projects are ever the same. While the fast-paced nature of the work can be demanding at times, everyone works together to deliver high-quality results.
Whether it’s learning from experienced colleagues, collaborating across different teams, or having the freedom to take ownership of tasks early on, I’ve felt empowered to grow both professionally and personally. The exposure to innovative projects, especially in AI and digital transformation, has made this an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
Learning & Development
What kind of training and learning opportunities have you had?
In addition to the extensive onboarding training that every analyst completes, I’ve had the opportunity to take full advantage of Deloitte’s vast resources to deepen my expertise in project management, generative AI, presentation skills, data analysis, and change management. Deloitte’s dedication to continuous development is reflected not only in its vast library of courses but also in the firm’s expectation of a minimum of 50 hours of learning and investment hours annually, ensuring that professional growth remains a priority. Recently, I achieved my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and am currently undertaking a series of AWS Generative AI courses—both of which highlight Deloitte’s commitment to continuous development and professional growth. In addition to formal training, the on-the-job experience has been equally invaluable. From capturing meeting minutes to directly engaging with clients and contributing to high-impact projects, every experience has provided hands-on training that strengthens my adaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Have you had the chance to work with senior leaders or mentors? How do you see this programme shaping your career in the long term?
This Graduate Programme is providing me with an incredible foundation for my career by combining hands-on experience and direct exposure to senior leaders. Through projects, training, and social impact initiatives, I’ve been able to develop key consulting skills while also exploring areas like project management, AI, and change management. The strong mentorship culture at Deloitte, from my coach and buddy to managers, directors and partners, has given me the guidance and confidence to take on new challenges. With access to world-class learning resources and opportunities to work on impactful projects, I see the Deloitte Graduate Programme not just as a starting point but as a launchpad for long-term growth in consulting and beyond.
Fun & Social Aspects
Have you been involved in any social events, sports teams, or networking groups? What’s been the most unexpected (but great!) part of your Deloitte experience?
One of the most unexpected parts of my time at Deloitte has been the incredible opportunities to get involved in social impact initiatives. Volunteering has always been close to my heart, starting from high school, and it’s something I’ve carried through college—so I’m thrilled to continue it in my professional career.
I’ve had the chance to be involved in a variety of initiatives, such as co-leading the workshops for the Junior Achievement Ireland "Ready for Success" Programme, where we facilitated three sessions with secondary school students, teaching them essential workplace skills like interview techniques, CV writing, and goal setting. I also contributed to the Transition Year Work Experience Programme, where I led a Presentation Skills workshop, focusing on key aspects such as structure, audience engagement, and body language.
Alongside volunteering, I have participated in company events like the Graduate Leadership Induction at the Aviva Stadium and various networking activities within the Operations, Industry & Domain Solutions team. These opportunities have been a great way to meet colleagues, share experiences, and foster friendships with my fellow graduates.
Each year, Deloitte sets an Analyst Challenge that brings the graduate intake together to support a meaningful cause while developing key teamwork and leadership skills. As part of this year’s Analyst Challenge, our team worked towards raising €15,000 for three charities combatting homelessness in Ireland. My role in the Analyst Challenge involved working on the purchasing and events teams, facilitating the procurement of goods, co-hosting a party at Good Shepherd Cork, and networking with local businesses to gather spot prizes to enhance the event experience. Recently, I had the privilege of acting as a judge representing Deloitte for the Irish Student Consulting Group (ISCG) National Case Competition at UCC, evaluating 12 teams on their problem-solving and presentation skills and contributing to selecting the winning team to represent UCC at Deloitte's Dublin office.
Advice for Future Graduates
What advice would you give to students applying for Deloitte’s Graduate Programme?
My biggest piece of advice to students applying for Deloitte’s Graduate Programme is to be genuinely curious and open to earning. Deloitte isn’t just looking for people with the perfect technical skills—they want problem-solvers, team players, and individuals who are eager to grow. Take the time to research the firm, understand their values, and think how your skills and experiences align with the role.
During the application process, don’t just focus on your academic achievements—highlight the extracurriculars, volunteering, and leadership experiences that showcase your ability to collaborate and adapt. And when it comes to the interview, be yourself. Deloitte values authenticity, and they want to see how you think, communicate, and approach challenges.
How can graduates make the most of their time on the programme?
Once accepted to the Graduate Programme, the best way to make the most of your time is to be proactive. Say yes to opportunities, whether it’s working on different projects, attending networking events, or getting involved in social impact initiatives. Deloitte provides incredible training and support, so don’t hesitate to reach out to senior colleagues, ask questions, and take ownership of your self-development. The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll get out of it, both professionally and personally.
Future Leaders Academy
An Exceptional Graduate Experience
