How would you describe the work environment at Accenture?

I have always felt that work at Accenture has been extremely interesting and continuously challenging. You meet a lot of very, very talented individuals, and there is a great deal of appreciation for your skills. If I try to identify the word that is most descriptive, it would be "exciting." Part of the reason that I joined Accenture was because I was looking for something that I thought would provide a new challenge each day, and literally every day is different when you work here by virtue of the nature of the work that we do.

Why should ambitious, career-minded graduates target Accenture as a future employer?

Oh, very good question! For the opportunity for professional growth and skill development. One of the things that you will definitely get to do here at Accenture is to develop your existing talents while acquiring new skills and capabilities. I think it positions you extremely well if you hopefully stay with us or if at some point in your career you decide that you'd like to make a change.

What do people have to do in order to succeed at the company?

I believe that the first thing that an individual has to demonstrate is competence in the area that you work in. You have to demonstrate that you can do the work, that you can execute what's been asked. If it's technical, if it relates to supporting our infra-structure, if it relates to external marketing—you have to demonstrate competence. The second thing that I think becomes important is that in our organization you get responsibility so quickly that you have to show some level of acumen around managing people and managing somewhat complex environments to a solution. That becomes extremely important. Then, finally, I would say a third notion, and this is primarily for individuals who would like to eventually become a Partner—and everybody doesn't have to aspire to that, but if you want to be a Partner, you have to demonstrate a level of expertise where you can market and sell the capabilities of the company.

What do you think is unique about Accenture's diversity initiative? Why is it successful?

We are doing some things a little differently now that I think make us successful. We are spending a lot of time working with our senior leadership. That's not to say that we didn't have their interest and visibility before, but I spend the vast majority of my time working with our senior executives on diversity-related opportunities, such as recruiting and promotion—I'm proud to be responsible for all of the company's internal and external initiatives and programs related to the recruitment and retention of women and minorities. I report directly to our CEO, Joe Forehand, which speaks volumes as to the importance our company places on diversity. So it's about how we can significantly improve our ability to attract people and also see them grow in our organization.

Does Accenture have mentoring programs?

We do have a formal mentoring program that operates within each of our business units. There is also a dimension that I have introduced into our diversity program called sponsorship. A mentor is someone who will talk with you, coach you, and guide you. You can actually have multiple mentors, and that can be fabulous. But a sponsor is someone who will work with others on your behalf. What I have tried to do is to make sure that our minorities and women have good sponsors. So when it comes time to talk about salary increases or promotion or elevation to the next career level, people have the right kind of sponsorship network.

Do you have any advice for new graduates entering the workforce?

I respond with what I refer to as the PHD—not the doctoral Ph.D., but rather an acronym for Planning, Hard work, and Determination. First, in Planning, everyone needs to have a personal life recognizing that things won't always go your way or as planned, but staying focused and being determined to achieve your goals and objectives. plan. That plan can change, but it's important to have a direction that says, "In one year, this is what I would like to have accomplished; in three years, this is where I envision myself; in five years, this is where I would like to be." Secondly, Hard work: be prepared to invest in yourself. If that means working extra hours to really get good in a particular area, do it. Make a personal investment in developing your career and becoming really good at something. The last one is Determination, which to me is all about recognizing that things won't always go your way or as planned, but staying focused and being determined to achieve your goals and objectives.

Why did you make Accenture your career choice?

Well, I'd heard a lot of good things about Accenture through friends, because we were all searching for jobs at the same time. In May of 2002, it was very hard for new graduates to find employment, and basically I had to hustle. I just had to ask around—friends, family, church members—if they knew of anything that was available. I had interviewed with a lot of companies on campus and attended career fairs as well, but in my particular case, I would say networking was the key. I utilized contacts available to me at Howard and in turn, was able to get in touch with Howard alumni who worked for Accenture. Never underestimate the power of networking! I liked what I heard and the people I met throughout the interview process. It was a good match because I was looking for a company where I had the opportunity to be able to do multiple things.

What makes you proudest about working for Accenture?

It's the people really; that's what makes the company. That's really the driving force. There are so many people from so many different backgrounds who have such bright ideas, and you are putting all of these people on a team, and you come out with all of these great solutions. Being surrounded by this type of environment is really exciting to me. Everyone is driven, motivated, and very innovative. We are all coming from different backgrounds and we are all trying to reach that one goal, and that's to succeed as a company as well as on a personal level. To be a part of a team that helps create and helps a client set up new systems is really an accomplishment in itself—as is being able to say that you were a part of that, and that you worked with and met with so many different people during that experience. Not only "I was a part of that" but "Wow, I had a great time doing it too!"

Why do you think minority students have ranked Accenture as a top diversity employer?

Accenture has taken the effort to associate them-selves with minority groups and communities like NSBE (The National Society of Black Engineers) and the National Black MBA Association. We not only reach out to large organizations but come into smaller organizations and find diamonds in the rough. Accenture becomes involved with these groups, which helps bring in even more minority groups and diversity to the company.

Any words of advice to new graduates?

My advice would be to find a company where you feel most comfortable. You may have tons and tons of interviews, but if you don't feel that vibe from that company from the start, then it might not be the company where you will do well. You want to be able to feel as though you are a part of the group, and not that you were hired just because you are a minority—you are hired because of the abilities that you have and the skills you have gained throughout your years of school. I have found this at Accenture. Go with the company that recognizes your talent and not just the color of your skin. See if the company is open to your ideas on how to bring in more minorities. I believe that Accenture really relies on its employees and its people to help them towards becoming more diverse.

What does it take to succeed at Accenture?

You have to be proactive, because everyone here is at a top-notch level. Everybody is motivated, every-body is career-oriented, everybody is unique in their own manner. But if you show that you are proactive and that you are willing to help out in any form or fashion, I think you will be at your absolute best.