Closing Interview at the Big A! : There is no point in developing a perfect product if there is no market

The past few days, I have been very busy with my work and extracurricular activities and
projects. One positive development is my working prototype in paypal payment system. I am
also happy that the online store we are planning to do with Carla in Cebu is getting
larger in the picture. Im also glad that my mother is really helping me. She is still the
best mother in the world! Yesterday, I taught my mother on how to use the email in the
Internet. Good thing she learns easily and she was actually fascinated about it.
Today at 3pm, I will be having my closing interview at the Accenture. I haven't been writing
any account before this closing/final interview since I presume that I may not be hired in
this company. This will be the deciding point on whether on they will give me a job offer or
not. Right now, Im searching the web on techniques for a successful interview.
Before this closing interview, I have undergone a phone interview last March 30, situational interview last April 6. I was actually wondering why they didnt give me a technical intrview
which really makes me think if it is positive or negative development. Imagine I didn't pass
through the technical interview which is personally for me is a complement.
Now that Im applying for a better job, I realized that I should get out of my house and
harness the power of networking with fellow professionals!
Phone Interview Questions:
- Programming Languages & Level of Expertise
Situational Interview Questions:
- What was the worst work experience you ever had?
Possible Closing Interview Questions:
- Tell me about urself?
* Mention Top 5 things this person should know about me:
1) Licensed Engineer, ECE, Cum Laude & DOST Scholar, experienced in networking and soft dev
and is very organized and unique person (myCD USB organizer)
2) Expert in networking network management systems (open source)
3) 4 years experience in networking, unix (linux/bsd), software development
4) Lead developer of NetMon Beta-1.0, MRTGViewer, Pawikan, PregiSMS (in-charge of the
network monitoring system of PREGINET at http://noc.pregi.net) & Team Leader of NetApps
5) Have traveled to other countries which are work-related and presented technical papers
- What advantage do I have compared with other applicants?
* Organized, Perseverance, Diligence, Ambitious, Full of Ideas, works long hours even without pay, can do anything, learns easily, adaptive person, respectful, wants to be
unique, develops tools that others are not using, prefers to learn advance systems,
possesses characteristics of a humble & model leader, experienced in working in a team
or big project, entrepreneural/business skills, hard working, competitive spirit, multi-
skilled(software/hardware), knows principles of every technology, serious worker,
disciplined employee, comes from an advanced R&D company, Unix geek, hacker, experienced
in communications and high technology, high level of education, outstanding academic
accomplishments, outstanding previous work accomplishments, flexibility, experience in
network applications development, experienced in project-based work, planning/hardwork
and determination(PhD), continuous education (CCNA), driven, motivated, and very innovative,
career-oriented, unique in different manners,
- Why would you want to transfer to Accenture?
* Career advancement, Gain more work experience and maturity, unleash new ideas
- What kind of job you want to do when you are employed in Accenture?
* R&D, solutions/software/system development in networking, Cisco networking, developing
software for network monitoring and management, installs/setup hardware/software systems
to customer premises, lead a big team of developers, propose new projects, train people,
fully utilize engineering and software skills, develop new technologies, consulting job,
analyzes current systems and design better systems, make my ideas happen, develop leader-
ship skills, improve systems and processes, integrate systems, write technical papers/books,
focus on communications and high technology, lead a network applications development team,
want to work with a diversity of people and professionals, develop existing talents while acquiring new skills and capabilities,
- What do I forsee 5 years from now?
* Developed new technologies, traveled to Asia
Pacific re-designing company systems, advanced career and professionalism in comm and tech,
established an online business, spawned new ideas into real projects & solutions and
built a house in the province for my family.
- How do you make yourself indispensable to a company?
* Taking fullcharge and leadership in one of the company's operations. Show them that
you can do anything for the company and bring honor and profit for the company.
- What's your greatest strength?
* I am a very organized and multi-tasking person. (show him myCD)
- What's your greatest weakness?
* I dont vices and can't get along easily with people with vices. But I usually get around
by giving them some time to join with them but not always.
- Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.
* When I was assigned a new Team Leader of NetApps and there was this team member who
opposes everything I say. But, I didn't give up. I showed that I am their leader and showed
that we have to work together to accomplish our common goals.
Interview Tips:
- Show "can do" attitude
- Show a calm, relaxed and confident look
- Eye contact
- Facial expressions (smiles)
- Posture
- Gestures (simple only)
- Whites and their Eyes Technique
- Nose in their Face
- confidence (leaning forward in chair)
- open/warmth (open lips/smiling)
- dont use "honestly"
- show & tell technique - show an example of your very best work (explain why)
- sneak preview
- raspberry fudge swirl in a plain vanilla world
- tell the interview that you are the right person for the job (belive in urself)
- visualization technique
- provide points on how the company can benefit from you
Personal preparations for the Closing Interview:
- know more about the company (what they do & where u would fit in)
- Ask interviewer what job am I being considered by Accenture?
ACCENTURE EMPLOYEES FEEDBACKS:
ACCENTURE


KENDRICK D. ADKINS
TITLE:
Partner and Chief Diversity Officer
EDUCATION:
B.S. Engineering, University of Michigan; Graduate School of Business, Accounting and Finance, University of Michigan
WITH COMPANY SINCE:
1976
ADVICE FOR NEW GRADUATES:
Planning, Hard work, and Determination.

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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JEENA A. DARAMOLA
TITLE:
Consulting Analyst, Government
EDUCATION:
B.S. Systems and Computer Science, Howard University, 2002
WITH COMPANY SINCE:
October 2002
ADVICE FOR NEW GRADUATES: Be proactive!

ACCENTURE

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources, and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills, and technologies to help clients improve their performance.
EMPLOYEES: More than 80,000 people in 47 countries bring valued experiences and back-grounds to the company to help innovate and deliver results to our clients.
PROGRAMS FOR MINORITIES: Several programs at Accenture are designed to foster an inclusive culture, including diversity training, minority mentoring, women's initiatives, and local office diversity councils and events.
SEND RESUME TO: If you're in school, visit www.campusconnection.
accenture.com. If you have experience, visit www.careersusa.
accenture.com.
WEBSITE: www.accenture.com

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.
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It's 5:30pm and I have just eaten my snacks after that exhausting and tensed interview
with Mr. Chad Samaniego, Senior Manager of Accenture. The interview started at 3:06pm
and it lasted for about an hour. The end-result of the interview, I would say that I may
or may not be able to get an offer from them. Mr. Samaniego is a 12-year employee of
Accenture and has been so experienced in different fields just like me. He is a kind
person and he even apologized for being late for 6 minutes. He first noticed my USB flash
drive and asked if it is a wireless card. The interview is in a small room at the 30th
floor of one of the highest buildings in Makati, the GT International Tower wherein
25-30th floors are being leased by Accenture. As I entered the building, I was so nervous
because it is the most grandeus interview i ever had. Imagine being booked for an interview
in the central business district and in the nerve of the Accenture business. Throughout
the interview, I get the chance to know more about accenture.
Accenture is a consulting, outsourcing and solutions provider which has worldwide clients.
There are two major bodies working for Accenture, the Delivery and the Consulting. The
consulting is the one that talks with the clients and markets Accenture's business offerings.
The Delivery is the one that does whatever projects being contracted to Accenture. The
Delivery consists of SI (Systems Integration), Applications Maintenance, and ____?____.
The SI group focuses on developing systems for a specific client in the US or in other
countries. The Applications Maintenance group does relatively simple job of maintaining
a customer's applications or systems which may be done remotely through a network from
the remote client to the Accenture. The SI consists of team of developers, team of testers,
and a team of architect/designers. The architects/designers takes responsibility on
designing the network part of the project or the design of the system. The Accenture
business has a strategy of doing only projects who have specific clients already in
contrast to an R&D type of business such as ASTI. They don't initiate a development
effort (or rarely does R&D) on systems or products that they will sell to potential clients.
Well, I think this strategy of Accenture is what makes it a billionaire company and one
of the most profitable type of business in the world. Basically, the Accenture business
follows the rule "There is no point in developing a perfect product if there is no market
for it". The offices of Accenture in Manila-Philippines are primarily focused on the
delivery of business and solutions. The Manila office doesn't talk with the clients, they
just do whatever project was given by the consulting group which is based in other
countries. It means to say that the Accenture in the Philippines is the technical workforce
of Accenture while the ones located in most of other countries are involved in sales
and direct contact with Accenture clients which are mostly, or 99.9%, are based outside
the Philippines.
After the interview, I get to realized that what if this is what the government is doing?
Why don't the government do wat the Accenture is doing, that is, develop products or systems
only if there are sure market/clients. Why don't the NetApps Team, which I currently handle,
do same kind of strategy. Well, to do this, I will need to a team of marketing people
who would directly talk with the clients and sign contracts with us. For every client, we
can customize applications and provide consultancy with them. This kind of strategy is
what is lacking in most of the government-owned IT departments. Would it be my legacy to
be able to implement such kind of strategy or will it be my career in Accenture?
Right now, all I can do is wait for Accenture's job offer. I have nothing to lose if in
case they didn't accept me. But, one thing is for sure, Accenture would be a nice workplace
to spend my life and be able to take part in the private business of outsourcing and
consultancy. Imagine working in Accenture and having known how the company works. That
would give much exposure on how does this blooming outsourcing business is doing.
Accenture is one such as ricefield which has golden fruits harnessing the benefits of
a committed, strengthened, dedicated, experienced and focused strategy which really
controls the world's businesses as their clients. The people behind this company are so
brilliant!!!

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>>Read this story on the things I encountered while starting to work at the Big A!
>>How excited I am to transfer to a new company...
>>Im excited to start my first day at Accenture!
>>New Joiners Experience (NJO)
>>Today is the second day of training and we still dont have an instructor.
>>A feeling of hope in the new career and hopelessness in the political/economic conditions