‘If you have a passion for technology, let that show in your application’

Graduate profile: Sarah Whelan, Accenture

Sarah Whelan: 'There are so many different roles and titles and specialities that it’s hard to know what one to pick.'
Sarah Whelan: 'There are so many different roles and titles and specialities that it’s hard to know what one to pick.'

Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you studied in college

I’m Sarah Whelan, born and raised in North Dublin. I studied Electronic and Computer Engineering in DCU and graduated in 2019. Like a lot of graduates, I wasn’t completely sure what job I wanted. There are so many different roles and titles and specialities that it’s hard to know what one to pick.

How did you find out about the grad programme?

I found Accenture at a Careers Fair and I knew right away that this was a company that could give me the flexibility I needed to discover exactly what I’m passionate about. When I got the call with the offer I was over the moon, and I joined the company soon after in March 2020.

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What is the graduate programme like?

Having worked here for just over 2 years, I’ve seen most of what’s on offer. I’ve been involved in three different client projects across different industries and got the chance to work with new technologies that I’d never seen before.

Outside of client projects, there are different clubs and groups that have been a fun distraction. There’s everything from sports clubs to more professional networks.

Explain what the work experience was like

During my time here, I’ve been involved in both the technical and business sides of helping clients – something I don’t think I could get anywhere else.

One of my favourite parts of working here is that there is always someone available who can help with any problems or training opportunities or even just to chat.

What’s your advice to graduates applying to the programme?

To those out there who are looking to apply to Accenture, the best advice I can give is to be yourself. If you, like me, have a passion for technology, let that show in your application and interviews.

Soft skills like teamwork, communication, time management etc. are all important skills that are often forgotten. Put everything on the application.

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers is Health Correspondent of The Irish Times