Future Media Group

CareersSA: Graduate Profiles

6 March 2017

Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Accenture

Vincent Magaqula (22)

Management Consultant: Accenture
University of Pretoria
BCom (Investment Management)

My position as a Management Consultant at Accenture is the perfect job for me. I specialise in
communications, media and technology (CMT), which is really at the cutting edge of innovation. I
usually work as part of a project team constituted to deliver on a specific brief and I am based at the
client’s premises for the duration of the assignment.

The scope of the projects I work on varies considerably and can include anything from situation
analysis and strategy development to project implementation and evaluation. The output required is
also exceptionally varied and can be anything from change management strategy to new product
development. My role on the team is to assist with the research and analysis required on each
assignment and to provide input into conceptualising, developing and implementing the required
solutions.

In my final year at university, I carefully researched firms operating in the management consulting
space and chose to apply for a position at Accenture because I felt the organisational culture was
such a good fit for me. I am deeply committed to being an agent for change, transformation and
empowerment in South Africa and that is very much the corporate ethos at the firm. I also value
how committed Accenture is to continuing professional development and to enabling its staff by
giving them the opportunities to cultivate both their hard and soft skills. Professional development
courses encompass disciplines as diverse as design thinking, innovation in business and public
speaking. Trainees and staff also get the opportunity to take advanced courses at universities in
Chicago, London and Kuala Lumpur.

In consulting, there is no such thing as a typical working day but, in general, I arrive at work at 07:30,
which gives me some time to check my e-mails, review my schedule and prioritise any urgent work
that may have come up. I then work on my designated tasks and, before going home, I plan and
prioritise for the next day. Each day brings new challenges and, with them, incredible learning
opportunities.

In my private time, I am a Social Ambassador for enactus, a global community of student, academic
and business leaders dedicated to enabling individuals and communities through the power of
entrepreneurship. I am currently assisting with the establishment of four township start-ups, and
manage to fit in some tutoring and motivational speaking a well. I also follow local and global politics
closely as I believe in being an active and engaged citizen. International relations and diplomacy are
special interests for me and I am particularly interested in how nations engage in a globalised world.

The advice I would offer to graduates entering the workplace is to keep an open mind and to actively
explore all opportunities. Be eager to embrace new experiences, cultivate a professional attitude
and develop your emotional intelligence. This is as important to success in business as your hard
skills are.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Ikhlaas Kahn (22)
Strategy Analyst: Accenture
University of Cape Town
BBusSc (Finance and Accounting)

Joining Accenture has meant a big life change for me. Not only have I moved from an academic
environment into the workplace, I’ve also moved from Cape Town to Johannesburg because I felt
there were better career opportunities here.

As a Strategy Analyst, my responsibilities include research into various industry sectors, gap analysis,
tactical business planning and advising clients on the different business options available to them. I
also provide input into business development strategy, participate in the process of defining value
propositions and help to develop operating models.

I chose to apply to Accenture because I felt its goals and values were compatible with mine. In
particular, Accenture prides itself on its integrity, which is a value that is very close to my heart. As a
dual US-South African citizen, I was also attracted by the firm’s global reach, as well as by the fact
that it works across a spectrum over 40 industries. This gives recent graduates like myself
unprecedented scope for personal and professional growth. The firm also runs a skills outreach
programme, which is something I intend to become involved in, and which will give me the
opportunity to make a meaningful difference at community level.

As I work on different projects, no two working days are the same. In general, I like to start my day
by checking my e-mails for any new updates or developments. I then review my plan for the day,
attend briefing sessions and meetings and work on my specific assignments. I find I am able to be
comfortably vulnerable at Accenture. The way in which the firm works gives me the confidence to
embark on new challenges, secure in the knowledge that I have its full support.

This is particularly important as we find ourselves at an extraordinary time in history; one in which
we are building machines that will extend our human experience immeasurably. The development
and application of AI (artificial intelligence) is one of the most exciting things we are involved in here
at Accenture. By encouraging and supporting innovation, we are pioneering the process of
incorporating AI into both business processes and everyday life.

In my free time, I engage in a number of cultural and social activities. I enjoy everything from my
regular workouts at the gym to park runs on Saturday mornings and browsing farmers’ markets on
Sundays. I also enjoy watching TED talks and catching up on some comedy or sports programmes on
TV. On a more serious note, I am in the process of completing my CFA charter, which takes up a lot
of my time at the moment.

My advice to new graduates entering the workplace is to participate and engage on every level. Be
eager to embrace new experience and to develop both your professional skills and your emotional
intelligence. Cultivate a positive attitude and never forget how important determination and
perseverance are in the long run.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Faith Nokuthula Ndlala (24)
Technical Analyst: Accenture
University of Cape Town
BCom (IT Management)
BCom (Hons) (Information Systems)
MCom (Information Systems)

I have always regarded education as a top priority in my life because, from an early age, I knew it
would open up new doors for me and provide a platform for lifelong growth and development.
Studying IT and Information Systems has been an incredible journey and has brought me from a
small, rural community to the very forefront of social, technological and economic change. Since
joining Accenture, I have been able to develop and enrich this skills base in many ways, not least by
strengthening my soft skills, which are very important in the workplace.

As a student, I was a beneficiary of the Accenture Scholarship Programme, so coming to work for the
firm was a natural choice for me, although it was not a requirement. During the course of my
studies, I was assigned a mentor from Accenture and this gave me insight into the firm’s values and
corporate culture. I knew it would be a fit for me because it is an environment in which people
matter and in which one can forge one’s own career path.

Choosing a career in IT and information systems was a risk for me as I really could not foresee what
would be involved, but it is a risk that has paid off in so many ways. I have been exposed to ideas
and ways of thinking that I could never even have imagined before. From my very first day at
Accenture, I realised that it is not only an innovative organisation, but also a learning organisation,
which makes me very excited about my future here.

In my role as a technical analyst, I work as part of a team to deliver on our clients’ requirements. This
involves identifying gaps in their information systems, developing a strategy to address these gaps
and then implementing appropriate solutions. On a broader level, it also involves conceptualising
and developing systems that will enable clients to remain competitive in a fast-changing operating
environment.

In general, I work normal office hours, although I obviously have to be flexible when required.
Accenture stresses the importance of a work-life balance, though, and this is important to me as I
am committed to spending quality time with my family. I am also very interested in fashion and, in
my leisure time, I follow trends and enjoy putting outfits together. It may seem counter-intuitive, but
this is an interest that has really helped me to develop my sense of self and my confidence.

If I were to give any advice to graduates entering the workplace, it would be to keep an open mind
and not to limit yourself in terms of what is possible. There are so many opportunities for growth
and development in the workplace and one needs to be alert to those in order to take advantage of
them. Seize the opportunities that come your way but, as importantly, be committed to making your
own opportunities.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Charné Fourie (26)
Digital Analyst: Accenture
University of the Witwatersrand
Open Window Institute for Arts and Digital Sciences
BSc (Architecture) (Wits)
BA (Visual Communications) (Open Window)

I have always been a creative person and my first instinct was to channel this into a career in
architecture. However, after practicing as an architect for a year, I realised that the opportunities to
work on really creative projects were limited and I decided that I wanted to try a different direction.
I did a lot of research into degree courses available in the creative disciplines and found that the
Open Window Institute offered a very broad platform; one that would enable me not only to
develop my creative skills, but also to use them in the digital environment.

Coming to work for Accenture may not have seemed like an obvious choice after this course of
study, but after doing an internship here in 2016, I realised how much scope there was for me to
build a challenging and engaging career. The consulting environment offers so much more than an
agency environment would and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

As a digital analyst, I work on projects that involve building a creative and interactive interface
between companies and their stakeholders. This can include anything from web development to
designing apps and integrating AI (artificial intelligence) into the client’s digital systems. Most
importantly, it involves helping to constantly improve the user experience; to make the digital
environment intuitive and user-friendly.

By nature, I am an early bird and I get to work early so that I can get straight into the tasks planned
for that day. At the end of the day, I evaluate what I’ve done, assess what still needs to be done and
plan for the next day.

One of the most exciting things about working at Accenture is the calibre of people I get to work
with. There are graduates from many different disciplines here and the teamwork model enables us
to work together and learn from one another in a multi-disciplinary way. One of the coolest things in
progress at the moment is a project focused on digitising processes for the Department of Justice.
This will not only involve making the justice system more efficient, but will help to ensure that
people within the system have a real and positive experience of justice being done.

In my personal time, I enjoy drawing and painting, which I find relaxing and which is a good
counterpoint to the more technical nature of my work. I also play several musical instruments and
am currently learning to play the ukulele. It is an unusual and quirky instrument and, in many ways,
gives expression to my own inner quirkiness.

My advice to young people in choosing a career path would be to find a discipline and a way of
working that makes you happy; one that is engaging and fulfilling. As the saying goes, if you love
what you’re doing, you never do a day’s work in your life.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Old Mutual

Faith Saunders (24)

Business Analyst: Old Mutual Investment Group
University of Cape Town
BCom (Hons) (Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management)

I have been a Business Analyst at Old Mutual Investment Group since February 2016 and the past
year has been a steep but rewarding learning curve for me. I work on the Group’s order
management system, which provides support for traders, both within Old Mutual and in other
organisations. Different teams working in shifts throughout the trading day conduct data analysis,
reconcile information on the Old Mutual order management system with other trading systems, deal
with queries and requests from traders, explore and analyse functionality and undertake projects
aimed at continuous improvement of the system.

The nature of the work is time sensitive, as reconciliations and analyses need to comply with
regulatory requirements. We work in three shifts a day, the first one starting at 07:15 and ending at
16:00, the second one starting at 08:30 and ending at 16:45 and the third one starting at 10:00 and
ending at 18:00. I work on the early shift and am usually in the office by 07:00, which gives me time
to settle in and check my e-mails before the analysis process begins.

Each person on the team, which includes a lead analyst, senior analysts and junior analysts, is tasked
with analysing a set of data from the previous day’s trade. This usually involves reconciling cash
and/or holdings to ensure that securities information and transaction records match. If there are any
deviations, we have to investigate these and rectify them. We then do cash forecasts for the day and
these have to be completed by 09:00 when trading begins.

This is the time of day when we usually have a high volume of queries from traders, which need to
be handled expertly and efficiently. After lunch, we usually work on specific assignments, such as
reviewing re-purchase (loan) agreements and exploring and amending system functionality based on
feedback from users.

I am a very organised person and this structured way of working suits me very well. It is also exciting
to be able to work with a wide variety of people, including traders, portfolio managers and other
analysts, as well as to have one’s finger on the daily economic pulse of the country.

The coolest thing about Old Mutual is that it invests in the development of its people. It offers a
wide range of advanced training courses, as well as access to mentors. It also offers a highly
supportive working environment.

In my free time, I use the on-site gym to keep fit and enjoy spending time with friends. We are
working through a list of interesting things to do in Cape Town, from visiting wine farms to taking
pottery classes and going on hikes.

My advice to new recruits would be to research potential employers thoroughly with you are still
studying and get a feel for the various corporate cultures. Once on board, engage with your
colleagues and actively build relationships. They will see you through good times and bad.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Nozipho Mpanza (25)
Graduate Tax Trainee: Old Mutual Investment Group
University of Cape Town
BCom (Accounting)
BCom (Hons) (Tax)

As a Graduate Tax Trainee, I work within a team that includes a manager and three senior
colleagues. We do individual, group and corporate tax reviews, provide advice on tax-related
matters, handle queries about tax compliance, analyse information from SARS and provide
interpretations of new regulations and the latest rulings on individual matters for our clients. We
also handle a high volume of ad hoc queries on a daily basis.

I do rotations to different departments throughout the year, spending three months at a time in tax
advisory services, tax compliance services and international tax services. This gives me exposure to a
broad base of issues and challenges and enables me to work with many different people. I am proud
to say that I was the first-ever trainee to work in tax advisory services, which was a fantastic
opportunity.

I decided to apply for a position at Old Mutual after I attended one of the company’s Careers Expos,
where I had the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with the Graduate Programme Manager.
After I had submitted an application, I went through a series of interviews before being offered the
position.

In terms of working hours, we have some flexibility, which I benefit from. Our normal hours are
08:30 to 16:45, but I usually come in at 09:00 and leave at around 17:15. This allows me to have a
good work-life balance. When I arrive at work, I take some time to go through my e-mails and review
what is on the agenda for the day. Mornings are particularly busy and this is usually when I attend
meetings or consult with my colleagues. The afternoons are devoted to research and to drafting,
refining and revising reports and other documents.

The best part of my job is that I get to work with such highly experienced professionals in a such a
well-respected company. My work is interesting and engaging, and I have really learnt a lot since
joining Old Mutual.

In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking and spending time at different locations along the Cape coast. I am
also on a journey of discovery when it comes to wine and whisky. I attend wine and whisky paring
dinners, visit wine farms and whisky distilleries, and am building up a good wine collection.

My advice to accounting and tax students is to be clear about the direction you want to go in while
you are still at university. Take advantage of holiday internship programmes and networking
opportunities so that you can get a sense of what different firms have to offer. Choose the firm you
want to work in with both your personal and professional goals in mind so that you can find the right
fit. After you enter the workplace, manage perceptions carefully and build relationships. They’re the
foundation stone of a long and fulfilling career.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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EY

Pieter Strydom (23)

Senior Audit Trainee: EY
University of Cape Town
BBusSc (Finance and Accounting)

While I was still at school, I researched auditing firms and bursary opportunities carefully. I felt that I
could build a very rewarding career at EY and applied for a bursary through the firm. Not only was I
granted the bursary, but EY gave me tremendous support throughout my studies. I like its
personalised approach to developing its staff and am looking forward to a long, successful career
here.

My role as a Senior Audit Trainee involves assisting in the auditing process for a variety of different
clients. I usually work on-site at the client’s premises and am part of an audit team of between five
and ten people, depending on the project specifications. Working in an auditing firm gives me
unique exposure to many businesses operating across all sectors. This, in turn, enables me to
experience different approaches and perspectives, as well as to build relationships both within and
outside the firm. Trainees can later specialise in a specific sector if that is what they would like to do.

Working hours are flexible and depend on your own effectiveness as performance evaluation is
output-based. Office hours are from 08:30 to 04:00 but, as I am a morning person, I tend to be at
work by 06:30. This gives me a chance to check my e-mails, do admin and plan my day.

I work with my team manager and my colleagues very closely and there is also a lot of client liaison
involved in the auditing process. Audit teams need to have an in-depth understanding of the their
clients’ businesses and this gives me incredible exposure to companies of all sizes operating in
different sectors throughout the country. One of the things I really enjoy most about my work is that
EY supports and endorses entrepreneurs. I am proud to be working for a firm that is enabling and
empowering the movers and shakers of the future.

The coolest thing at EY at the moment is Growth Navigator, which is a unique, interactive platform
developed by the firm to assist its clients in assessing their company’s ability to deliver on their
growth plans. Growth Navigator is the product of years of working with the most dynamic
companies and growth leaders and is available to EY clients worldwide.

On a personal level, I have a good work-life balance, which I value. In my leisure time, I enjoy going
to the gym, reading, playing touch rugby, hiking and spending time outdoors. EY also organises
planned socials and sports leagues, as well as a monthly cocktail event. I enjoy participating in these
as they not only give all of us a chance to unwind, but also the opportunity to get to know one
another better.

My advice to both students applying for bursaries and graduates entering the workplace is to do
your research into the firms you are interested in because cultural fit is essential.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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Mpume Tabudi (23)
Senior Audit Trainee (Assurance): EY
University of Johannesburg
BCom (Hons) (Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management)

As a Senior Audit Trainee in my second year at EY, I work on the more complex and high-risk aspects
of each project and assist in the process of wrapping up each audit. I also assist third-year trainees
where necessary, especially when their workload is particularly intense. In addition, I am responsible
for assisting first-year trainees to deliver on their tasks in an optimal way.

I came across EY during a career fair at university, where I spoke to one of the graduate recruiters
about opportunities with the firm. There and then I decided this was the place for me and I applied
for a training contract. Shortly after that I went through the interview process - and here I am!

In general, I work from 08:00 am to 17:00, but this can vary from one assignment to another. Factors
such as the specific audit team’s preference and the client’s office hours can affect the working
hours on each engagement. Whatever these may be, we usually work an average eight-hour day.

Typically, I begin my day by going through the to-do list I have compiled at the end of the previous
day and by dealing with any other issues that may require my immediate attention. In the mornings,
I follow up on outstanding items and respond to e-mails, after which I focus on the specific tasks that
have been allocated to me. Tea breaks and lunch breaks give everyone on the team a chance to clear
their minds and to have some social time together.

The best part of my job is the fact that I have been able to learn so much in such a short period of
time, especially about how to adapt to change. Clients and teams are constantly changing and this
has helped me to learn skills that no textbook could have taught me.

The coolest thing EY is doing right now is incorporating new technology into its audits in order to
save time and increase efficiency for both the firm and our clients.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, which keeps me balanced
as a person. I also enjoy exercising and playing a number of different sports, which is a great way of
relaxing and unwinding. But most of all, I love just chilling on the couch and catching up on a bit of
TV.

The best advice I can give to graduates entering the workplace is to make informed decisions about
your career. Work is a big part of your day, so it is very important to be in an environment in which
you are happy and can build a long-term career. Do your research and choose a firm that is the right
fit for you. In short, put yourself out there, create your own opportunities and be your own biggest
fan.

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Careers SA: Graduate Profiles

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