The first steps to a future at Deloitte
From our BrightStart Apprenticeship to graduate schemes, early careers programmes can offer alternative, accessible and diverse pathways for graduates and school leavers keen to make an impact in the world of professional services, and beyond.
From early careers to experienced roles, fostering a culture where our people are empowered to make a difference where it matters most and expanding their network is key.
For those looking to gain professional qualifications after university, the graduate route is a chance to study while working on meaningful client projects. But a university degree isn’t the only way to open doors at Deloitte. Our earn-while-you-learn BrightStart Apprenticeship gives apprentices the chance to gain fully-funded recognised professional qualifications, while working in areas such as audit, digital innovation or technology.
Meet Tanya, Mayson and Deniz who all chose our early careers pathways. They discuss the opportunities that have opened up for them along their journeys.
Meet Tanya, data scientist and champion for gender balance in tech
Based in Ireland, Tanya Suryawanshi joined Deloitte’s two-year graduate programme in 2022 after gaining her BSc honours degree in software development from Cork Institute of Technology.
The scheme has allowed her to discover the possibilities presented by emerging tech. It’s also helped her to pursue a personal passion – promoting gender equality.
Why did you start your career at Deloitte?
I was drawn to Deloitte because the firm offered AI opportunities at entry level, which very few do. I chose AI because I wanted to get involved in developing cutting-edge solutions that can transform industries, enhance business decision-making, and improve overall efficiency. The ability to leverage machine learning, data science, and automation to drive innovation and create tangible impact in various sectors truly excites me.
I started out as a data analyst in the Data and AI team and now I’m a consultant data scientist focusing on public sector work.
Joining the firm has enabled me to continue doing something I care about. I feel empowered to support progress in gender balance in technology which is important not just to me - but for the industry more broadly.
Tanya Suryawanshi
Tell us a bit about the two-year graduate programme.
Throughout the programme there have been opportunities to develop further, whether that’s through training programmes, courses, mentorship initiatives and that all-important exposure to a wide range of sectors, clients and projects. Straight out of college I was keen to try different things and find out what suited me most.
The training gives you industry knowledge going beyond your role, which is helpful to enhance skills and advance in the field of data science.
I’ve really enjoyed it. I also have a coach who guides and challenges me. And there are lots of events for graduates, so we get plenty of support.
What kind of projects have you been involved in?
I’ve mostly focused on public sector clients. I’ve used new technologies like Generative AI; especially to automate routine tasks, develop personalised communication solutions, and enhance decision-making capabilities.
What are you passionate about?
When I started university, I was the only girl in a class of 40 and the reality of gender imbalance in tech hit me. I was keen to be part of the solution, which spurred me on to become a director within Women Who Code Ireland - a non profit organisation.
It empowers women to excel in tech careers - this could be anything from providing networking opportunities, mentorship, training and more.
At Deloitte, I became aware of iWish, a mentorship programme that promotes teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects to teenage girls through our volunteering portal and had the opportunity to mentor a university student for six months.
How have you found the culture at Deloitte?
There’s a strong flexible work culture which is helping me to study part-time for a Master’s degree in data science.
At Deloitte Ireland we all have an Inclusion Passport, where you list personal priorities you need to dedicate time to, so that might be studying, being a carer or picking siblings up from school. I’ve listed my Master’s so I can set time aside for my Friday evening lectures.
What would you say to someone considering the graduate programme?
This isn’t a standard rotational scheme – there are many different career paths so you can do what interests you.
And what do you do when you’re not working or studying?
I enjoy travel and photography. Recently I’ve been to Norway and loved taking photos of the Northern Lights, the stunning fjords, and the dramatic landscapes. I’ve been involved in Deloitte’s photography club, so there’s even support for hobbies! I appreciate it when a company focuses on continuous development, growth and learning – that’s key for me.
Meet Mayson, a user experience specialist passionate about design
Mayson Alqahtani is passionate about creativity and innovation especially in user-centric design and experience. She’s interested in developing intuitive, user-friendly solutions that not only meet design standards but also deliver meaningful and lasting impact.
Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mayson joined our BrightStart scheme in 2020 and is a member of Deloitte Digital’s marketing and customer team, focusing on user experience (UX).
Mayson has gained valuable work experience while continuing her studies – she’ll get her Bachelor’s degree in e-commerce from Saudi Electronic University later this year. She’ll also be promoted to consultant at the end of the BrightStart scheme.
Why did you choose Deloitte?
It’s an excellent place to learn and grow and I was drawn to the BrightStart Apprenticeship scheme because of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment while building valuable skills in UX. There are so many opportunities to get involved in innovative fields from UX design to delivering websites for new businesses, applications and ideas here in Saudi Arabia.
What does a BrightStart’s week look like?
Three days a week we’re fully focused on Deloitte work, engaging with clients from sectors like banking, public and private services. For example, one day might involve collaborating with a banking client to redesign their website, ensuring an improved user experience and enhanced functionality. I also work on designing user journeys for clients in sectors like aviation and public services.
The other two days are for focused study. We have a mix of on-campus and online classes – I enjoy the balance of meeting with colleagues and managing my remote study. We also get study leave during exam time, which is really beneficial for revision.
What have you learned so far?
I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects that have helped me develop both professionally and personally. This has included research, UX design and prototyping. I’ve also run usability testing - so an example of this is ensuring a new feature to a website or app works through testing with users in real time. I’ve mostly covered UX activities through the BrightStart scheme – and I’ve discovered that this is definitely my area.
How much support do you get from Deloitte?
A lot. This is both through structured development such as training and learning or through speaking to a diverse range of colleagues whether they’re just starting out in their careers or are more experienced.
I’ve met some inspirational people here. My colleagues are easy to talk to and give me advice when I need it.
And hybrid working means I can be at a client’s site, connecting with my colleagues at the Deloitte Digital centre or at home focusing on my studies – and that flexibility is hugely helpful.
Can a BrightStart apprentice make an impact?
Absolutely. As a BrightStart Apprentice I work on solutions to real world projects and offer a fresh mindset, so I love bringing my creativity and new ideas to a project.
Do you have any words of wisdom for people considering the BrightStart scheme?
You can start your career in a very exciting place because there are so many opportunities to learn, projects to join and talented individuals around you. At the end of the scheme you can come away with a Bachelor’s degree and a role that you already have experience in.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Art, film-making, photography, music – I collect vinyl records. I also like to stay up to date on emerging trends and technologies, especially in the digital space.
Meet Deniz, director in Value Creation Services and alternative career path pioneer
Deniz Gunes’ Deloitte journey began as a BrightStart Apprentice in 2015 and it’s taken him from London, via the boardroom and Colombia, to a new adventure in Denmark. Now a director in Value Creation Services, he’s become a go-to for all things apprenticeships.
How did you decide Deloitte was right for you?
I was born and raised in Scotland but after high school I moved to England and did a gap year internship with IBM. While on that scheme I was accepted to university, but I’d met people who were joining professional services firms and I wanted to find out more. For me, university was just a way to get a job.
I came across the Deloitte BrightStart Apprenticeship scheme and was intrigued by a position in the restructuring services department in London, which involved supporting companies in difficult financial situations to enhance their performance. I applied and everything went well. The final interview was with a partner who hadn’t gone to university but still became a leader – that stuck with me.
What did you learn from your apprenticeship?
For three years I worked for the firm while studying for my chartered accountancy exams and I’m now a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. I felt proud to gain not only a professional qualification but also to gain the industry experience that first attracted me to Deloitte.
Afterwards I joined Value Creation Services and I’ve stayed there, moving to the Copenhagen office last July. We focus on hands-on operational performance improvement and try to help companies before they become distressed.
Can you share some of your highlights?
I sat on Deloitte’s first Steer committee, which was made up of junior people from across the firm. We were a sounding board for the executive team and offered a different viewpoint. It gave me new insights into the thought process of a senior leader and the importance of involving a cross-functional set of stakeholders when making important decisions.
Back in 2017, I was among the first delegates chosen from Deloitte globally to attend One Young World, the summit for future leaders held in Bogotá, Colombia. Hearing the different experiences of people from other countries was something I’ll never forget.
Have you had much support from others during your career?
There have been many colleagues who I’ve looked up to and learned from. I also have an external mentor who was introduced to me by a teacher when I was at high school. He invited me to shadow him for a week in London and it opened my eyes to professional services. He’s been a massive supporter of mine.
What’s your ambition?
We’re building a Value Creation Services team from scratch in Copenhagen and the Nordics. Developing people and helping them to progress motivates me enormously. Over the next five years, I’ll be focusing on developing a successful team with an inclusive culture, with a strong focus on learning.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love music and grew up playing guitar and other instruments. I spend my free time going to gigs and other music events. I try to exercise regularly, exercising at the gym in the morning before the workday begins. I'm also a keen traveller and recently backpacked around Southeast Asia before moving to Denmark.
Header photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
