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Consulting Development Community induction process

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

The CDC induction process lasts about 3 weeks which is split between the university in France and an induction by other graduates in London. During the university week we went through the basic skills that are needed for a consultant. The course is full of a wide range of people ranging from new recruits to potentially VP’s from all over the world. Every consultant that joins Capgemini has to go on CSW so it’s an eclectic mix.  It was great to work with such a variety of people from all over the world and grades. The whole week was a brilliant learning curve and one of the key skills that I learned was the ability to give and receive feedback, something which is invaluable in your time as a consultant. The curriculum is built around a case study and after each module you will present back the tools you used around the case study. The moderators do give you curve balls and challenges but it’s very good fun.

The induction is a more specific on the Consultant Development Community (CDC, get used to that acronym) in the UK. We received presentations from the CEO of UK consulting, Head of HR, Operations & IS to name just a few. We really did get the impression that we were immensely valued within Capgemini and that we were there to make a difference from the very start.

During the whole 3 weeks of induction you are fully prepared for your first day on project. No matter how much you are prepared though nothing prepares you for your new found fame! The internal marketing stream do a really good job or promoting you to the rest of the business even before you join so be prepared for meeting colleagues in the lift that know your name and a short life story!

Collaborative Group Working

As part of the CDC’s Learning & Development programme, I recently attended the ‘Collaborative Group Working’ (CGW) course, which I’d highly recommend to anybody.

Collaboration is at the heart of Capgemini’s methodology and centres on working with the client every step of the way. The CGW course teaches you to put into practice the different core consulting tools and techniques, learning how to use them creatively through behaviour and use of space to encourage collaboration.

Using psychoanalytical assessments such as Belbin and Coloured-Thinking, we were each informed of our strengths and potential weaknesses in a team environment. Over the next two-days, as well as playing to our strengths, we also strove to step out of our comfort zones and build our confidence in less familiar team roles.

We also learnt how to facilitate workshops, in order to draw out information from a range of stakeholders, without influencing the outcome. This is a key skill that will prove invaluable throughout your career in Capgemini, especially in roles at the Accelerated Solutions Environment (ASE).

CGW is a really action-packed and interactive couple of days. All attendees are encouraged to put their new skills into practice, and given the opportunity to offer and receive feedback. In the spirit of feedback, I’d say this course is excellent and really helps you to discover a lot about yourself.

Frances Wilkinson is an Associate Consultant who joined the CDC in September 2008. She is currently working on a major bid.