Accenture Graduate Scheme 2024: Application Process, Salary & Career Guide
Updated October 31, 2024
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- What Is Accenture?
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- What Is the Accenture Graduate Scheme?
- Accenture Graduate Scheme Programs
- Accenture Graduate Scheme Salary
- How to Apply for the Accenture Grad Scheme
- How to Ace Your Accenture Graduate Scheme Application
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The UK Accenture graduate scheme offers a range of employment programs in consulting and technology services, including analytics, cyber security, strategy, and digital engineering and manufacturing.
These entry-level placements provide comprehensive training, mentorship, hands-on work experience and career development opportunities.
The Accenture graduate scheme offers an exciting opportunity for graduates looking to enter the professional world of consulting and technology services.
In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about it, from an overview of the programs on offer to how to succeed in the application process.
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What Is Accenture?
Accenture is a global management consulting and technology services firm headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Established in 1989, it has grown to become one of the largest firms in the sector, with offices in over 200 cities across 49 countries and a global employee count of 733,000.
In the UK, it has main offices in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle.
Accenture offers a wide range of services – including strategy consulting, digital transformation, technology solutions and operations support – working with clients to solve complex business challenges and leverage emerging technologies.
It has expertise in several fields, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital engineering
- Cloud computing
- Data analytics
- Customer experience
- Finance
- Marketing
- Sustainability
This broad array of services and solutions allows it to work with clients in various industries and sectors, helping them adapt to a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Accenture Core Values
Anyone looking to become an employee at the firm, including those interested in the 2023 Accenture graduate program, needs to understand its core values.
These underpin the company’s culture and approach to business. As a representative of Accenture, you’ll be expected to strongly align with them.
These core values are:
- Stewardship – Acting responsibly to safeguard and manage clients’ assets
- Best People – Committed to hiring, developing and retaining top talent
- Client Value Creation – Focused on delivering tangible value that benefits clients
- One Global Network – Leveraging a connected, worldwide knowledge and capability network
- Respect for the Individual – Valuing and respecting the unique contributions of each individual
- Integrity – Commitment to honesty, ethical conduct and doing what is right
What Is the Accenture Graduate Scheme?
The Accenture graduate scheme is a structured employment opportunity that offers emerging talent the chance to launch their careers with a leading consulting and technology services firm.
Designed to provide on-the-job training and practical experience, the key features of the Accenture graduate scheme include the following:
- Professional development – Graduates who join the program are exposed to extensive training and development opportunities focused on both technical and soft skills.
- Rotational placements – Many pathways on the Accenture graduate scheme offer rotational placements where participants work on a variety of projects and assignments.
- Mentorship – Graduates are often paired with experienced mentors or buddies within the company who provide guidance and support.
- Challenging projects – Graduates are assigned to work on real client projects, which offer hands-on experience and a chance to make a meaningful impact.
- Networking – Participants in the program have the opportunity to network with experienced professionals, clients and fellow graduates.
- Career progression – The Accenture grad scheme is designed to develop future leaders within the company, and successful completion can lead to various career advancement opportunities.
- Competitive compensation – Graduates in the program receive competitive salaries and benefits, which vary depending on their location and the specific graduate scheme they join.
Accenture Graduate Scheme Programs
Various programs are offered as part of the UK Accenture graduate scheme, tailored to different areas of expertise and business needs.
- Consulting – Participants work closely with clients to solve complex business challenges on the Accenture consulting graduate scheme. They provide strategic advice to improve efficiency, increase profitability and drive growth.
- Digital Engineering and Manufacturing – Graduates in this program drive digital transformation in engineering and manufacturing industries. They work on projects involving automation, smart manufacturing and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
- Strategy – The Accenture strategy graduate scheme focuses on developing and executing strategic initiatives for clients. Graduates in this program work to identify market opportunities, assess competitive landscapes and formulate plans to drive business success.
- Cyber Security – Participants here are tasked with safeguarding clients’ digital assets and data from cyber threats. They develop and implement security strategies, manage risk and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Analytics – On the Accenture analytics graduate scheme, participants conduct data analysis using tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. They help clients make data-driven decisions, uncover insights and optimise business operations.
- Finance – The finance program equips graduates with the skills to provide financial management advice to clients. They analyse financial data, develop budgets and assist in making informed decisions that drive financial success.
- Operations – In the operations program, graduates optimise business processes, supply chains and service delivery for clients. They identify inefficiencies, reduce costs and enhance operational effectiveness.
- Human Resources – The Accenture HR graduate scheme focuses on talent management, organisational development and fostering positive workplace cultures.
- Proposal Management – This program involves crafting, managing and coordinating proposals and bids for new projects and business opportunities
It’s important to note that these programs are subject to change in line with the company’s requirements.
For example, until recently, an Accenture software engineer graduate scheme was available, but details for this have now been removed from the website. This scheme is still available, however, to applicants in Ireland.
Always check Accenture’s official graduate recruitment page for the most up-to-date information.
Accenture Graduate Scheme Salary
Accenture offers competitive rates of pay to those joining its graduate scheme. However, the exact salary you receive will depend on the program you applied for.
For example, the Accenture consulting graduate scheme pays a starting salary of £33,500 with a £10,000 joining bonus.
The cyber security program also has a starting salary of £33,500 but with a joining bonus of £5,000.
For the Accenture HR graduate scheme, you’ll receive a £30,000 salary with a £5,000 joining bonus. Salary information is advertised for all of the available programs, so be sure to check before you apply.
In addition to the Accenture graduate scheme salary, participants also receive a number of employee benefits including:
- 30 days annual leave
- Pension contributions
- Private healthcare
- Option to purchase employee shares
- Discounts on travel, hotels and leisure activities
How to Apply for the Accenture Grad Scheme
The application process for the UK Accenture graduate scheme starts in the autumn and is open to final-year students and those who have already graduated.
It’s a multistage process that can take between four and six weeks from start to finish.
Step 1. Online Application
To be considered for the Accenture grad scheme, you must complete an online application.
Accenture uses the recruitment platform Headstart for this.
You’ll need to fill out a profile detailing basic information, your academic background and your work experience.
You’ll also have the chance to highlight any personal achievements or activities – like awards or volunteer work, for example – and the key skills and competencies you think make you a strong candidate.
The whole application should take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.
Step 2. Accenture Discovery Portal
The Accenture Discovery Portal is an interactive online assessment.
It’s designed to measure your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking and your ability to make sound business decisions in a real-world context.
There are two main parts to this assessment.
1. Situational Judgement Test
This part of the assessment is a simulated consulting project.
You’ll be presented with a real-world business problem, along with supporting information and a set of client objectives.
You’ll then work your way through a series of interactive activities, such as simulated video calls and email exchanges.
Throughout will be a number of situational judgement test questions, which will ask you to rank suggested courses of action as those you’d be most and least likely to take.
2. Numerical Reasoning Test
The numerical reasoning test assesses your ability to interpret and calculate information presented in tables, charts and graphs.
All questions are multiple-choice, and you must select the right answer based on the data provided.
The Discovery Portal is not a timed assessment, so you’re free to work at your own speed. However, most candidates complete this stage within 60 to 90 minutes.
Step 3. Assessment Centre
Successful candidates will then be invited to an assessment centre at one of Accenture’s offices.
Here, you’ll participate in several exercises designed to help the hiring team understand more about your abilities and your overall suitability for the Accenture grad scheme.
Exact exercises will vary based on the program applied for but typically include:
- A paired exercise – You’ll collaborate with a partner to work on a specific task and will be evaluated on your teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- A VR exercise – These exercises are designed to simulate real-world scenarios and assess your problem-solving, analytical and decision-making capabilities in a dynamic digital environment.
- A strengths-based interview – Accenture uses this interview format to determine how well your natural strengths and interests align with the demands of the job role and, subsequently, how well you’re likely to perform if offered the position.
Step 4. Technical/Final Interview
If the Accenture grad scheme you’ve applied for warrants it, the final stage of your application will be a technical interview.
This is a specialised discussion that usually involves an assessment of:
- Technical expertise – Your proficiency in technical areas relevant to the role you’re pursuing.
- Knowledge assessment – Your knowledge of specific tools, technologies and methodologies used in your area of expertise.
- Problem-solving – You may be presented with technical challenges or scenarios to solve, demonstrating your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world situations.
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How to Ace Your Accenture Graduate Scheme Application
Do Your Research
Before you start, familiarise yourself with Accenture’s services and, importantly, the core values that influence its culture.
You’ll be expected to show alignment with these throughout the selection process, so understanding what they are and how they apply to you as an employee is essential.
It’s also important to research each program to find the one best suited to your skills and interests.
You can only make one application per recruitment cycle, so be sure it’s for the right role.
Be Thorough
The hiring team aims to build detailed candidate profiles early on, so provide as much information as possible in your Accenture grad scheme application.
Emphasise your academic and extracurricular achievements, job experiences and relevant skills to show your capability and what you can bring to the company.
Join In
All applicants to the Accenture grad scheme are invited to join its weekly live chat sessions online.
These sessions provide information on the Discovery Portal and assessment centre stages and allow you to ask any questions you may have.
Take Practice Assessments
Before your Discovery Portal session, be sure to take situational judgement and numerical reasoning practice tests online.
This will help you understand their format and the type of questions you’ll face, building your confidence in the process.
Prepare for Your Interviews
For most Accenture grad scheme programs, you’ll face two interviews - one strengths-based and one technical.
Strengths-Based Interview
These are difficult to prepare for, but it helps to take the time to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and how they might help or hinder you in your future role
Preparing answers to common behavioural interview questions and situational interview questions is also a valuable exercise, as it gets you thinking about your natural workplace behaviours.
Technical Interview
For this, review and refresh your expertise to make sure you’re up to date, and practice explaining your skill set clearly and succinctly
Take Care of Yourself
The job application process can be time-consuming. It can also be stressful, so be sure to prioritise your physical and mental well-being.
Eat well, get plenty of quality sleep and take part in activities that help you relax and unwind.
You want to feel upbeat and confident in your abilities and present your best version at every stage.
Accenture is known for offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages to its graduate hires, making it an attractive option for entry-level professionals.
The salary for the UK Accenture graduate scheme ranges from £30,000 to £33,500 per year, with specific compensation based on the role and location.
Additional benefits include a joining bonus, pension contributions and private healthcare.
The Accenture consulting graduate scheme is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree – either achieved or predicted – in any subject.
To be considered a strong candidate, you’ll need to demonstrate excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
Be prepared to undergo a comprehensive selection process that includes online tests, interviews and an assessment centre.
The exact opening date for the Accenture graduate scheme varies from year to year but typically falls in the late summer or early autumn.
Closing dates are specific to individual programs and may be brought forward if a large number of applications are received.
Regularly check Accenture’s official careers website for the most up-to-date information on application opening dates and deadlines.
Accenture receives a large number of applications for its graduate programs, making competition fierce, though this can vary based on role and location.
London Accenture graduate scheme places are typically the most sought-after. Still, you’ll also find opportunities in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester.
To increase your chance of success, be sure to thoroughly prepare for each stage of the application process and show strong alignment with Accenture’s core values.
Accenture looks for graduates with strong problem-solving skills, the ability to adapt to diverse challenges and a genuine passion for innovation and continuous learning.
Additionally, applicants to the Accenture grad scheme will be expected to demonstrate effective communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Technical skills and interests, especially in areas related to digital transformation and technology, also make candidates stand out.
The highest-paying roles at Accenture are typically found within the company’s executive leadership and senior management levels.
These roles include positions like Managing Directors, Partners and Senior Executives.
Compensation at this level includes base salaries, performance-related bonuses and equity-based incentives.
Accenture splits its expertise into five service divisions. These are:
- Strategy and consulting
- Technology
- Operations
- Industry X
- Song
Accenture is often compared to the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG). Still, they operate in different segments of the professional services industry.
While the Big Four are primarily known for their auditing, tax and advisory services, Accenture specialises in technology consulting, digital transformation and management consulting.
Though they serve some similar clients, the core services and areas of expertise of Accenture and the Big Four are distinct.
The 2024 Graduate Programme will open on the 25th of September.
Final Thoughts
The Accenture graduate scheme offers a range of employment opportunities, from strategic consulting and digital transformation to finance and HR.
It gives those just starting out the opportunity to launch a successful career through hands-on experience, extensive training and a supportive network of colleagues.
While the application process may be tough, it’s also designed to ensure that you’re the best fit for the company and vice versa.
Approach it with a positive mindset, and do your research to give yourself the best chance of success.
