Today I spent the day learning about and discussing storage, virtualisation, data centres, networks and the concept of bring-your-own-device (BYOD). Yesterday focussed on IT operating models, organisational design and capabilities assessment. Welcome to 1^st year Analyst training for the Effectiveness and Infrastructure service areas!

To some this might seem normal, to others completely foreign. Prior to joining Consulting as an Analyst in Technology, I had no real technical background and absolutely no idea what the virtualisation of a desktop was. We’ve now completed an initial induction to Consulting and Technology and taken a number of exams that have ranged from business analysis to software testing. We’ve just had our first 6 weeks on projects, but are back in the classroom and now able to use each other’s real-life examples to understand what we’ve been learning.

It can seem daunting at times, but there is always support from those who are either more business or technically savvy than yourself (or both!). Great people to seek advice from include your colleagues, Appraiser, Service Area Analyst Dean or people within specific industry or Deloitte capability communities.

The key thing I have learnt over the past couple of months is that there is no real answer to what experience you should have prior to joining, or even once you’ve joined. Roles on engagements change and vary in technical expertise. One person may focus on business analysis and change and another on application migration. I’m not sure I’ll ever be a technical expert, but I will be able to start discussing the business or IT implications of a data centre or BYOD strategy with clients. Technology involves a range of people and their skills and we add value to the client in different yet complementary ways.

The challenge for me now is to find that right balance of technical involvement and learn as much as I can as an Analyst in Technology.

Catherine