Mica Ellis
Supply Chain and Sourcing & Procurement
Deloitte
I was reaching the end of Sixth Form and at something of a crossroads in terms of where and what to do post A-Level results day. I had spent the past few months visiting universities during their opening days, similar as I had done two years previously to view local sixth form colleges.
I had enjoyed business studies at school, so it seemed natural to go on to study this at a degree level. However, a nagging feeling in the back of my mind told me that I had experienced enough of education and was eager to put all of this theory into practice with a ‘real’ job in London. I had heard positive stories of some quality apprenticeship schemes and began to research opportunities.
Deloitte very quickly came onto my radar as a company that, with determination and effort, I could achieve a perfect balance of workplace experience and the option to study for an industry-recognised qualification. I applied and was fortunate enough to be selected for a place on the BrightStart programme working within the Consulting division.
Fast forward two and a half years and how things have progressed. I have worked across a variety of public sector clients within procurement, implemented large technology platforms to be used nationally, as well as assessing the end to end planning functionality of multiple large, private sector consumer goods companies. No one day in Consulting at Deloitte is the same. The culture of the workplace is to nurture and encourage people to experience many different ways of working and to find what suits them most.
At Deloitte I became particularly drawn to Supply Chain as an area of the business I would like to explore further. Working with some of the largest global businesses, has allowed me to travel extensively both nationally and now overseas to work on client site.
Working alongside new colleagues and senior members of a client team gives you an opportunity to see new ways of working. It can be daunting and overwhelming at times, but my it’s been a humbling experience to be contributing to a client’s core team as a valued member and invited to offer my opinion. Who could have possibly imagined being given the opportunity to sit next to the global supply chain leads of the one of the largest confectionery companies in the world at 20 years of age?
For those who are reading this and are potentially considering a career within consulting, I would definitely recommend it. For every opportunity you are given it is another opportunity to build on your existing skills, knowledge and experience. There is an opportunity around every corner at Deloitte Consulting.
I read a quote soon after I first started at Deloitte from Sir Richard Branson which perfectly encapsulates my career to date “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”