Last Tuesday I visited UC Davis to meet candidates for hire into Consulting Analyst positions. It was both a personal career builder and an opportunity to meet new people. The visit also invoked some serious déjà vu (I was in their shoes just eight months ago). But that time honestly feels like a world ago, which is why the visit was especially good for me as an Analyst blogger.

Listed below are my two cents on interviewing. I may not have been doing the interviewing, but as a greeter I picked up lots of cues from candidates and was able to share my input on them. I don’t by any means claim for this list to be the “end all-be all” to getting hired, nor is this official company advice. I found that, amongst other things, the best candidates follow these simple tips:

Accenture has community meetings every few months where we discuss the future of the organization and any changes that may impact your career. In the consulting workforce, these meetings are held based on your location and industry group. The Reston office just held a community meeting for the Communications & High Tech workforce this past Friday. For those of us on the lower end of the totem pole, these meetings are important in helping us to understand the big picture. While I sit and write queries for my client, there are executives out there using my work and the work of my entire team as an example of how Accenture has brought value to the client.

These meetings are also a great way to network and start moving your career in the right direction. I learned so much about the upcoming projects and who I need to talk to if I am interested in getting on board. It was a great opportunity for me to start the wheels rolling on my next assignment.

Melany said it. New analysts probably won’t choose their assignments to a project or role. With that said, it can only serve to an analyst’s advantage to be vocal about which projects and roles he or she would like to be a part of. For Melany, it was the relationships she made on her project that landed her the role she now plays. This can be said for anyone at Accenture, not just analysts. Knowing your objectives and making them known to your colleagues goes a long way. It's definitely both what and who you know that will advance your Accenture career.

On a side note, I’ll be working the interviews on the UC Davis campus next Tuesday, November 7. I look forward to meeting all who attend. Be sure to bring along your excellent communication, leadership, and analytical problem-solving skills.