People Series – From Bridges to Business: Vasileios’ Journey at Deloitte

1. Hi Vasileios, please tell us about your career at Deloitte to date, and what motivated you to join from Engineering?

While my career began with the hands-on technical details of civil engineering design, my move to Deloitte reflects how I aimed for a broader perspective. I spent the first part of my career as a civil engineer, working on major bridge projects around the world – from HS2 in the UK to the record-breaking Cross Bay Link in Hong Kong. I even had the opportunity to work on Jakarta MRT, the first metro system in Indonesia! While I loved the technical challenges of engineering, I was determined to expand my horizons. I wanted to work with diverse teams, see the bigger picture, and have a broader impact on projects and organisations. That's what ultimately led me to Deloitte. Here, I can leverage my engineering background to provide insights to clients while expanding my skillset in a dynamic consulting environment.

2. You recently went to Deloitte University following a promotion to Manager, what can you tell us about the experience?

It was fantastic! I attended the Global Manager Milestone Programme at Deloitte University in Paris, a truly modern and impressive facility. The programme brought together recently promoted managers from all across Europe for two days of interactive workshops, group exercises, and networking opportunities. We were split into smaller groups, which promoted a more collaborative and engaging learning environment. We dived into topics like leading teams, coaching others, and delegating effectively. One of the most impactful aspects was the "Skills Labs," where we role-played realistic scenarios, like navigating challenging client conversations or supporting team members. It was a safe space to practice these skills that are required and expected from a manager and receive constructive feedback.

3. Reflecting on your Deloitte University experience, what did you learn that you will take forward in your career?

The programme provided invaluable insights that I'm already applying in my day-to-day work. One key takeaway was the importance of developing a strong personal brand, learning how to articulate my strengths and values concisely and memorably. As a wrap-up, we reflected on how to approach our work differently, generating key themes around how we engage with clients, lead our teams and manage ourselves more effectively. To keep the momentum going, our smaller group scheduled a follow-up Teams meeting for a month later to discuss our progress. I'm excited to catch up with my European colleagues from this fast-paced learning environment and reflect on how this programme has impacted our day-to-day work.

4. What advice would you give yourself now, reflecting back on when you first joined Deloitte? 

Don't be afraid to take on new challenges and seek out new experiences. Deloitte is a place where you can leverage your existing skills while exploring new areas of interest and continuously expanding your knowledge. Take the time to connect with colleagues from different backgrounds and areas of expertise – you never know what you might learn or what opportunities might arise from those connections.