Beyond Graduation: Life as a Technology & Transformation Analyst
Life as a Deloitte Graduate: My Experience
Sarah Coghlan, Analyst, Three Park Place, Dublin
My name is Sarah Coghlan, and I am an Analyst in Deloitte’s Human Capital team. I graduated from University College Dublin in 2023 with a degree in Business and Law. Before university, I attended the Blackrock Institute of Further Education, where I earned a Distinction Grade in Business Studies. During the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to intern with Deloitte’s Human Capital team. After spending a year in internal audit at another professional services firm, I quickly realised that it was not the right fit for me. I am delighted to have returned to Deloitte in August of last year, where I am thrilled to be part of the team once again!
I chose Deloitte’s Human Capital Graduate Programme because of the dynamic and people-focused nature of the work. My previous internship with the Human Capital team gave me firsthand insight into the impactful projects, collaborative culture, and opportunities for growth. Securing the graduate position because of that internship made the transition seamless, and the onboarding experience was smooth and well-structured, providing the support and resources I needed to feel confident and ready to contribute from day one. I was onboarded onto a large-scale organisational transformation project for a public sector client. As part of a dedicated stream within a wider team, I collaborate to ensure a smooth, efficient, and impactful transformation. My role is fast-paced and rewarding, with opportunities to work on client sites across the country. A typical week involves team programme updates, check-ins with my senior manager, tracking progress in the status pack, analysing results, and presenting them concisely to ensure our deliverables are clear and client focused.
Since joining the Human Capital Graduate Programme, I have developed a range of skills. Working on such a broad and complex project has significantly enhanced my prioritisation and time management abilities, as balancing client deliverables with internal responsibilities and side-of-desk activities requires careful planning and focus. Additionally, I have taken on the role of coordinating our team’s bi-weekly calls, which has strengthened my organisational and communication skills. This responsibility has given me the opportunity to facilitate team alignment, and ensure key updates are shared efficiently, contributing to a more connected and productive team environment.
The support and mentorship at Deloitte have been amazing. I regularly check in with my Coach, Buddy, and Human Capital Connect. I am encouraged to seek guidance whenever needed, whether for client work or side-of-desk activities. For example, I have recently opted to become a Mental Health Champion and am excited about the upcoming in-person training sessions.
Deloitte’s culture stands out for its genuine focus on inclusivity, personal growth, and well-being. Unlike other places I have worked, there is a strong emphasis on connection and continuous learning. I have attended events like the ‘Neurodiversity at Deloitte’ panel and ‘Finding Balance: Work, Caregiving, and Beyond,’ which highlight Deloitte’s commitment to creating a supportive and diverse workplace.
I’m passionate about team leadership, especially in building strong, supportive teams that deliver meaningful work for clients. At Deloitte, I’m inspired by leaders who model these values every day. As I grow in my career, I hope to develop my own leadership style, helping teams succeed and thrive together. I believe that recognising the importance of team well-being inevitably leads to the delivery of excellent work for our clients.
What I love most about working in Deloitte’s Human Capital team is the freedom to be my authentic self. This is not just accepted but actively encouraged across the organisation. I am most excited about seeing my project through in a way where I feel that I have contributed the best that I could, and that the results are reflective of not only the team’s effort but also of my contribution, no matter how small. My experience at Deloitte so far has been incredibly rewarding, offering growth, support, and meaningful opportunities to make an impact. My advice to incoming graduates would be to immerse yourself in the experience, be yourself, and, most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions!
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