Saki Takahata, Human Resources Recruiting, Accenture Japan Ltd.

Armed with knowledge of cutting-edge technology, we support corporate business transformation

■ Profile

After graduating from the University of London Business School, she joined a Japanese manufacturer as a new graduate and gained experience in recruitment and training. After moving to Accenture, she has consistently worked in new graduate recruitment. She took maternity leave in 2018 and returned to work in 2019. She has been in charge of new graduate recruitment since 2020.

 Accenture is a company that is well-versed in cutting-edge IT technology and uses it to solve corporate problems. We asked them about the excitement of working in an industry that changes every second and the type of people they are looking for.

■Please tell us about the characteristics and future prospects of the IT industry.

　For over 50 years since its founding, Accenture has been using technology to help its corporate and public sector clients transform their businesses. While the importance of technology in business is now recognized and an increasing number of companies are focusing on technology services, we believe that the ability to utilize cutting-edge technology, which we have accumulated through our global network, cannot be achieved overnight. Our mission is to leverage this cutting-edge technological knowledge to solve our clients' challenges and support their growth. Keeping up with the speed of technological evolution is no easy task, so companies competing in the global market will continue to need support in transforming their businesses through technology.
　The exciting thing about this job is that we can make a big impact on the world through the results that our clients, including major domestic and global companies, achieve.

■What is the appeal of working at Accenture?

　From the first year after joining the company, we have employees take on the challenge of difficult work (laughs). This means that everyone is provided with an environment where they can always stretch themselves a little to do their job. Some employees may even be made team leaders from their first year. Every day, we want employees to take on the challenge of work that requires new knowledge and skills to be able to handle.
　This "environment where you always have to stretch yourself" is what allows us to grow so quickly. I believe that people who can enjoy this kind of growth will be the ones who will lead Accenture in the future.
　There are frequent opportunities to communicate with superiors and career counselors who are available to give advice on careers, in addition to your supervisor. This is a company that listens to your interests and actively works to create a comfortable working environment. However, you won't get what you want just by waiting, so you need to be proactive and think and act on your own initiative.
　There are people who listen to the work I want to do and give me opportunities to grow. And my growth will strengthen Accenture, benefit our clients, and become the seeds for social change. Working in my own way, for myself, while also contributing to people and society, is an ideal working style.

■What kind of students do you want to hire?

　Our job is to support our clients' transformation, but because each client's situation and goals are different, no two projects are the same and each one changes. Therefore, we want people who can accept and enjoy such change to join us. This also includes being eager to change yourself.

■Please give us a message for university students

　Being able to choose what you want to do is actually an amazing thing. However, to do so, you need to understand yourself well. I hope you will value your intuition about what brings you joy and what makes you feel positive. Also, interacting with a variety of people will broaden your world. When communicating with the interviewer, try to think about how their way of thinking differs from your own, and approach it with the enthusiasm to enjoy the differences in values.

Student Newspaper April 2020 Issue by Yuki Kayanuma, First Year Student at Toyo University