Accenture: Tell us about the beginning of your career journey.
Navya Prasad: After completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree from Bangalore University in 2012, I started my career as an account assistant with an electronics company. I learned plenty about financial basics such as filing individual income tax returns and dealing with tax exemptions, processing employee salaries and managing third-party payments.
In 2015, I joined a multinational professional services firm as an advanced associate. My career was on the right track and I was enjoying every bit of it.
A: It must have been daunting to take a break in the early years of your career. What led to it?
NP: When I became pregnant in 2017, I faced health issues that made it difficult for me to travel to work every day. I decided to take a career break for at least a year.
It was tough to give up a job I really enjoyed. But I made the most of my free time by reading and staying actively engaged on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. And before I knew it, I became a mother of a beautiful baby boy.
A: How did your journey to "Career 2.0" begin?
NP: My son was three months old when I signed up for Accenture job alerts and received an e-mail from the Accenture Career Reboot program team highlighting exciting open roles. At this point, I was in a dilemma as to whether I was ready to go back to work. The much-needed financial stability that would allow me to give my son a good life motivated me to make a fresh start and apply.
I still remember how nervous I was on the interview day. But the Accenture Human Resources team made me feel comfortable and at ease. It was smooth sailing from the word go! I was determined to get my career back on track, and Accenture offered me the platform for it.
A: What has been the best part of your transition to Accenture—both in terms of your work environment and the people?
NP: Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better career restart. As part of the Finance and Accounting team, I am responsible for charging through bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance for clients. What I love about Accenture is working with the brightest minds in the industry. I’m proud to be part of an organization that empowers so many women like me to have a successful "second inning" at work and seamlessly integrate back into the corporate world.
A: What keeps you inspired at work?
NP: Through the Career Reboot program—an initiative designed to recognize that our people are people with full lives outside of work—I’ve been able to bridge learning gaps and build new skills and capabilities. The program is helping me think out of the box and deliver client excellence.
A: Any advice you can offer to parents and others considering a return to the workforce?
NP: It’s up to you to own your destiny. Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and leave no space for regret.
