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New joiners 1st 100 days part 2

Posted At : August 11, 2010 11:09 AM | Posted By : Tim Antos

This blog was compiled by Tim Antos

The new joiners to the Consulting Development Community (CDC, Capgemini’s Consulting’s two year graduate scheme) have now been with us for over 100 days. In the second of a series of 3 blogs we look back at what they had been up to since they joined.

Robert Ord anther of the CDC new joiners gave his perspective of his 1^st 100 days at Capgemini:
Upon joining I worked on a Consulting bid, which some called ‘baptism by fire’! It was an intense week where I learned about how things work at Capgemini. Once the bid was submitted, I joined the global border management team where to date I have spent three days at the World Congress on Information Technology 2010 in Amsterdam, developed an awareness of border themes, supported bids and facilitated monthly meetings. I am thoroughly enjoying the role and I am getting involved with the Prince’s Trust, preparing for a 100 mile challenge, establishing a group of graduates with an interest in the Energy, Utilities & Chemicals sector and, of course, enjoying the CDC social environment

Tim Antos another of the CDC new joiners started within our Accelerated Solutions Environment (ASE) which is Capgemini’s dedicated environment to help clients address their toughest challenges quickly and collaboratively. He gave his perspective of his 1^st 100 days at Capgemini:
My first role has been in the ASE where I’ve had fantastic exposure to some of the biggest challenges facing Capgemini and our clients. I have worked with Capgemini bid teams, local councils implementing shared services, health services addressing critical cost challenges, telcos reshaping the way they work and on internal projects developing Capgemini strategies to name a few! Outside the ASE I’ve been leading the utilisation focus of the CDC Internal Marketing, beating our French counterparts at rugby in Paris, fundraising and training for the Wild challenge 100 mile race and getting involved in Million Makers a charity challenge turning £1,500 into £10,000!

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Privacy: The right to be left alone?

Posted At : June 14, 2010 7:37 PM | Posted By : Tim Antos

This blog was written by Robert Ord. Robert is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in March 2010.

Security, safety and privacy. All words we have come to know and love in our day-to-day lives. You may be picturing long queues at airport scanners or having to remember the multiple passwords you have for internet sites. You may even be thinking of your personal technique for covering your pin entry at the kiosk. Whatever security, safety and privacy mean to you, have you ever given a thought to where your data ends up or who has access to it?

Working in a Capgemini community dealing with Border Management, it is words like these that we are talking about. Having the right information at the right time is critical to maintaining the safety of the population. Border agencies need to know who is arriving and where they are going. They need to know what your interests are to determine if you are a threat to the public. These decisions are based on information generated by you; biometrics, profile, activities and friends to name a few. Given the choice, how far would you allow this information to be shared freely?

The news would tell us that we care about privacy. Facebook recently had to change their whole privacy system to answer demands of the public. The colossal data store in Facebook’s (and others) possession is very commercially valuable. I have to ask myself how much trust I place in organisations like this to guard my data as I overtly guard my pin number. Will they mind if they accidentally let slip who my friends are or my mobile number? Well I would. That is part of my identity, the fundamental backdrop of safety, security and privacy. Our identities in the wrong hands can be a frightening and dangerous force.

It is a similar story for virtually all project teams in the professional services world. We handle sensitive data as a matter of routine and we have an obligation to protect this data. A current topical example is the age of The Cloud and the impact it is having on safety, security and privacy. Applications over the internet open new concerns of how to keep data private and secure. Public/private partnerships have the luxury to discuss privacy and designing a suitable framework. Consultants are called upon to assist with these difficult choices, but even making the decision on who should be invited to such a discussion is difficult to consider; open data sources contain millions of records.

I was very privileged to hear a world expert on this subject during a panel discussion at the recent World Congress of IT 2010. A point he made was to define the Latin routes of privacy: denied something. This could be a key in future personal data protection. I do not always have the option of open discussion in items of social importance, but where I do, I have the option to not give my data in the first place and for my data to be left alone. However, we must all take heed a popular quote, “if you try and protect 100% of everything, you end up protecting nothing”.

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“So what do Management Consultants do exactly?”

Posted At : May 24, 2010 2:03 PM | Posted By : Tim Antos

The blog below was written by Laura Duggen. Laura is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in March 2010

This is the question that I am almost invariably asked when talking about my job – generally it immediately follows the “So, what do you do?” question. Everyone you speak to knows that management consultants exist but have no real idea why they exist or what use they are, and whilst we are not quite regarded with the same level of suspicion as bankers, nonetheless there are likely to be a few “give them your watch and they’ll tell you the time” type jokes and general mockery. Trying to explain or answer the question is normally ill-advised. In true British fashion, whatever you say will provide further excuse for mocking from your friends. Which is all very well, but it did make me wonder– what is the ‘right’ answer to that question, and why is it that no one seems to know what we do?

I graduated in 2007, and spent some time working in a start up company before working for the water industry for a couple of years and making the decision to join Capgemini. I know why I wanted to be a management consultant; the variety of work and the intellectual challenge, and also why I wanted to join Capgemini specifically; the collaborative approach (a Capgemini term, which roughly translates as the idea of working ‘with’ as opposed to ‘at’ or ‘to’ our clients), and the feeling of cultural fit with the people I’d met. When I joined, I knew that I was going to do three weeks training but did I know precisely what I was going to be doing after that? Honestly, no. I didn’t know where I was going to be working (Scotland as it turned out) or who I would be reporting to, or what my day to day activities would be, but whilst some of my friends shuddered in horror at the very thought, for me it was part of the attraction. I haven’t been a consultant for long, but I have quickly learnt that flexibility, enjoying change and being willing to adapt to whatever comes your way are essential qualities for this job, and ones that are shared by all Capgemini consultants I have met.

Since I’ve joined I’ve seen consultants work in project management, communications, stakeholder management, HR, training programmes, website migration and supply chain. I’ve known them working in sewage treatment works, on trading floors, in breweries and with factory production lines. This is naming only a fraction of the roles and environments that you might end up being involved with and the only thing I can say for certain is that you can expect the unexpected!

Hopefully you can start to see the conclusion that I came to. The reason that it’s difficult to answer the question ‘What exactly is it that management consultants do?’ is not because we do nothing, but because we do so many different things. What we do in essence, is provide the expertise, guidance and support that helps our clients address their challenges and deliver value. This is determined by the client, their culture, their organisational structure, their industry, their timescales, their budget and their challenge. It’s as simple, or as complicated, as that. So whilst I’m sure there are many wiser and more experienced people out there who would be able to say this much more eloquently, for now I’ve found my answer – ‘It depends.’

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Choosing to embark on a career in Management Consulting

Posted At : March 17, 2010 8:01 PM | Posted By : David Kunzmann

The blog below was written by Caroline Cook. Caroline is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in September 2008.

Choosing to embark on a career in Management Consulting was something of a side-step for me, and one that has provided variety, challenges and opportunities that I never imagined possible when I began the application process. 18 months ago (prior to joining the Capgemini Consulting graduate scheme) I was working in a niche Digital Creative and Marketing agency; my skill-set firmly built around visual design and an understanding of media theory and user behaviour – not a conventional Management Consulting background… or so I thought!

Since joining Capgemini, any initial concerns that I’d have difficulty keeping up in a business environment have proven to be completely unfounded. If anything, I’ve been able to harness my background to benefit my Consulting career! I still never cease to be amazed at the opportunities to apply knowledge from one (completely unrelated) area to another; interaction behaviour becomes designing e-learning methods to support change programs; design and branding are great when polishing proposals and presentations; accessibility legislation transfers nicely to huge public sector information overhauls; programming logic helps to design processes. Needless to say, the list is pretty extensive!

In my experience the key is to find the right opportunities. The Consulting graduate scheme is tightly integrated within the wider business (globally - not just within the borders of the UK) which facilitates this very effectively. In addition, we benefit from a structured and highly-effective training programme so that any knowledge gaps can be filled. In fact, the only thing that’s totally stumped me since joining is finding a way to answer the (seemingly unanswerable) question: “So... What exactly is it you do as a Management Consultant?” Answers on a post-card please.

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The variety of opportunities makes consulting a great option for graduates

Posted At : March 5, 2010 5:17 PM | Posted By : David Kunzmann

The blog below was written by James Simpson. James is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in March 2009.

The opportunity to work across multiple industries and gain experience of different services was one of the main reasons that attracted me to apply for a career as a Management Consultant. For anyone currently going through a similar application process, I can tell you that in my first year at Capgemini Consulting on the CDC programme my expectations have definitely been met in gaining this variety of opportunities.

Since joining, I have had experience of projects in Utilities, Retail, the Education and Health sectors. My assignments have varied from helping to implement operational improvement programmes, designing a new five year strategy for a UK wide health network and supporting the implementation of Government policy through to delivery. In addition, I spent four months on an internal role within the Capgemini Wardour Street offices supporting one of the key Capgemini Account teams supporting their future sales strategies and monthly forecasting budgeting processes.

There is no such thing as a “typical” assignment as a graduate at Capgemini Consulting, but any opportunity you are presented will give you the opportunity for continuous learning and development that will help serve as a fantastic basis for your future career. In my first year I feel I have learnt so much from the people I have worked with and the training I have received. I now also recognise how much more there is still to learn!

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Top tips for living out of a suitcase

Posted At : January 7, 2010 3:58 PM | Posted By : Fran Wilkinson

The consulting lifestyle can, at times, be akin to that of a hobo. Following a discussion with your resource manager you could be drafted onto a project at the other end of the country. Although this presents a challenge to an established routine (e.g. night-classes or long-term gym membership), the trade-off is the opportunity to see new places and enjoy the benefits of staying in a hotel.

Having spent 10 months of the last 16 working outside of London (including a stint in Switzerland), I think I’ve just about mastered the art of living out of a suitcase. Here are my top tips:

Invest in a decent, lightweight, small suitcase with wheels. Yes, I know wheelie suitcases are mobile obstacles for other commuters, but trust me; it’s a lot easier than lugging a holdall around – and your back will thank you for it!
Travel light – you will never wish you had that extra pair of shoes with you
Try and do your packing before the weekend – that way you don’t have a last minute panic on Sunday evening
Have a designated ‘work’ toiletry bag with a separate toothbrush, face cream etc to your ‘home’ supplies – saves a lot of time and hassle
If working abroad, try to only take hand luggage – if you are creative with packing you can fit a surprisingly large amount of stuff into permitted cabin baggage; many airlines will let you take a laptop bag in addition. Remember to buy miniature toiletries to avoid security nightmares at airports
Wear comfortable clothes to travel in – those killer heels might look fabulous but might not seem so great after a 2 mile walk in them. Sacrifice fashion for the sake of comfort during your commute. Just remember to change out of your trainers before that important client meeting!
Make the most of the hotel facilities – many hotels will have gym (or even spa) facilities, so you can use your evenings to keep up your fitness or even treat yourself to a massage.
Enjoy the cuisine – staying in hotels saves you the hassle of cooking so make the most of the opportunity to try out some new dishes. Be warned, your waistline will not thank you if you over indulge (I speak from experience here!)
Visit some of the local sites/attractions – some museums/art galleries have late night openings. It’s a great opportunity to see more of the area than the train station/your client’s office/your hotel.
Set aside some time for yourself – it’s good to socialise with your project colleagues, but you don’t have to do this every night. Nobody will take offence if you choose to spend the odd evening on your own catching up on work or Corrie!

Hopefully this will help you take the pain out of travelling and enjoy the perks of the consulting lifestyle!

Frances is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in September 2008.

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Recruitment fairs

Posted At : January 2, 2010 5:33 PM | Posted By : Nick Seeley

We’re in a grand old hall, packed out with firms. I’m here, as a member of the CDC, to give a perspective on life in Capgemini’s management consulting graduate scheme. I find Capgemini’s area and being the first there try my creative hand with our stand. There’s a good atmosphere around and people seem excited about the day. Not long since I was here as a student, I think about my time in the company so far and what grand wisdom I can impart…

Since March I’ve built up a much clearer picture of our clients and the different kinds of work we do in management consulting. This has come through a variety of client and internal work, presentations and training, as well as catching up with colleagues in the office more informally – people are very approachable. I’m also with colleagues from our technology and outsourcing areas of the business who can talk about their experiences in their respective graduate schemes.

The fair opens and it gets busy really quickly. Lots of people are venturing towards our stand, clearly drawn in by the attractive display – which I notice our recruitment manager has totally changed round.

Some people know a little, curious about what consulting is – as a profession it is often not as well understood as, say law and accountancy. I talk about how we with work with clients on a wide range of business problems from understanding their market and what products to make, to how to make them efficiently, and how sell them, along with functions that support the business like HR.

Others know more and are interested in how Capgemini stands out, plus whether we do more than IT… On the former I talk, for instance, about the Accelerated Solutions Environment (ASE), on the later – we’re often known as a technology consulting business though there’s a lot more to us than that (see Matthew Ford’s blog entry). Our CDC manager, Deborah Hough, is also at the fair and is able to give a perspective of someone with lots of experience in consulting.

I talk to a lot of different people over the day and it’s interesting to see the variety in backgrounds and why they’re interested in consulting. From history and biochemical engineering students, literature and languages to economics and business, through undergraduate level, masters to PhD. There’s a surgeon interested in our health sector team, a theatre director wanting a change in direction, plus MBA students who’ve done a huge range of things. This kind of variety is reflected within Capgemini – on my current project I’m working with some whose previous field was computer modelling of the brain!

The fair comes a close and time’s flown by. It’s been a good day, though I do note with anguish the unused tea and cake vouchers – clearly plenty still to learn – and I head to a café before jumping on the train back to London.

Nick Seeley is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini in March 2009.

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We are in the people business

Posted At : June 1, 2009 7:17 PM | Posted By : Justin Chin

Whereas other industries use the latest technologies, methodologies and tools to develop solutions, consulting engagements rely on the developing trusting relationships with people (clients and colleagues alike). The ability to listen to what is said and what is not said is vital to develop trust with people.

On Capgemini’s graduate scheme, you have numerous opportunities to work in different industries and client sites to learn and understand different people’s motivations and aspirations. Understanding their differences and adapting accordingly is always a challenge, and a great way to learn how to work and interact with people.

In the last year, I have had the fortuity to work on several varied client projects, from creating a communications plan for a public sector education organisation, running team building event days, to supporting the project management office of a large government change project. In each and every engagement, I had to understand why people were motivated to work the way they do, and to develop effective solutions to get them where they wanted.

I am interested in understanding how people interact with each other. Consulting is a people business and with the opportunities available, this is why I chose a career in consultancy at Capgemini.

Justin Chin is an Associate Consultant who joined Capgemini Consulting in March 2008. He is currently working on a process mapping deliverable for a public sector organisation in London.

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The ASE & Me

Posted At : February 6, 2009 1:08 AM | Posted By : Nicholas Ashford

One of Capgemini’s unique selling points that differentiates itself from the competition is the ASE. Which is an acronym and doesn’t give much away. What it stands for is Accelerated Solutions Environment. The clue is in the title. In a nutshell, the ASE is about solving complex problems and driving out critical decisions from the very top of organisations.

I’m about a year into the Capgemini graduate scheme (CDC) I have spent the last four months on secondment in the ASE. Everyone has a unique journey through the CDC. My time in the ASE can certainly been a very different experience to any other type of consulting you can imagine - think movable walls, world class facilitators, the latest in audio-visual and technical equipment for starters – each event is both unique and bespoke, tailored exactly to the clients needs. Having worked with over 1 in 3 of FTSE 100 companies for the last 15 years, the ASE has consistently proven itself to be at the very top of the game.

So what has that meant for me? I have spent time working with the highest level management of both public and private companies whilst being coached by some of Capgemini’s most senior and talented people. The level of exposure to some of the country’s top CEOs is astounding and the training you receive in facilitation is second to none.

Hours are up and down, you could find yourself working 9am-5pm, working from home or working 6am-1am, but the payout is huge. When you solve a problem that a client has been wrestling with for 6 months in 3 days and their gratitude is proportionate, you get a buzz that lasts for days.

A unique place, with unique opportunities, what I have learnt is how to get the very best out of people in a very short space of time. And that has to be a good thing.

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Induction

Posted At : January 28, 2009 8:34 PM | Posted By : Jennifer Gordon

Preparations are currently underway for the March 2009 intake induction programme. I joined Capgemini in September 2008 with 25 other CDCers and found the programme to be a great introduction to Capgemini Consulting and our new colleagues. The induction was a two week residential programme split between Woking and London and based around an architecture theme. It was designed and facilitated by two fellow members of the CDC who really made us feel at ease because they had been through it all before. They were always on hand to offer us support and answer any questions we had and they ensured that the induction was really fun.

The time was focused on getting to know each other and how things work in Capgemini Consulting. Each day was intense but great fun, consisting of presentations from various people from Capgemini, case studies, games and workshops. As well as the formal presentations and exercises we also learnt a lot about life as a consultant: living out of a suitcase, hotel life, long days, little sleep and early morning train journeys. Every evening we had a meal together, taking it in turns to fulfil the role of “master of fun” and organise the evening’s games. Who knew you could have so much fun with pipe cleaners? We also partook in some more adventurous activities including go-carting and laser quest.

We attended dinners, drinks and events to get to know other people in Capgemini Consulting. I don’t think I had met so many people in such a short space of time since Fresher’s week. It was a struggle to remember where 25 other people came from, went to university, travelled to and worked at before they started at Capgemini. And there were also buddies, reviewers, management and the rest of the CDC to get to know. One of the highlights was ”the London Rush”, a treasure hunt across London, introducing us to our CDC families.

I learned so much on my induction and it was definitely one of the best training courses I have ever been on. At the end of the fortnight I felt exhausted but happy to have met so many great people and excited about starting work at Capgemini!

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