The day kicked off with HR telling us we're great to get this far, then a Senior Manager popped in and to loosen everyone up (six of us ranging from PhD students to 1-2 yrs work experience people) asked to go round and give a 2 sentence background on ourselves and what we're aiming for now. Fairly harmless but good to get to know people's names and make an impression if you can. He then delivered a wonderful 15min powerpoint presentation on Accenture.
Exercise 1 - In-Tray
[Edit]30 min test with pen and paper all sat together in the boardroom. This specific case was a project hand-over where you had to read and filter all the material and emails in a pack of about 16 pages with graphs, timelines and text; identify issues that will affect i) project delivery ii) project financials iii) other; then pick and prioritise main issue in each case and suggest one mitigating solution; and finally draft an email to the project lead detailing your activities for the week. There is a lot of info, not all relevant so don't waste time looking through all the graphs and tables; focus on main points and ignore the rest. It's better to have rough thoughts written down than spend time thinking and put very little pen to paper. Maybe think about spending a couple minutes reading through the main task page so you know what information you're looking for then flick through the whole booklet for about 30secs to see what there is and get a rough overview. For example, if you looking at project delivery issues - a project timeline graph is probably going to be useful whereas a table detailing contractor rates and hours isn't. And though there were detailed financial tables, I'm sure they don't expect you to scrutinize it as you only have 15 mins for the whole lot!
Exercise 2 - Case Study
[Edit]20 mins prep in a separate room, 20 mins discussion with a recruiter or the senior manager. The specific case: TWD wines and spirits have invested in an online presence and are now looking at the customer/ consumer market when traditionally their business is wholesale. Revenues are up but profits are down and IT is not functioning properly. There's a booklet of material including company summary, staff interviews, emails from the CEO, their supply chain diagram and two articles on consumer behaviour. You're feeding back to the pm who's talking to the CEO of TWD; what are the key issues and what solutions would you suggest. In preparation, I can't emphasise enough the importance of condensing all the information down to perhaps 3 main issues. Start with these then know exactly where, how and why you identified them so you can demonstrate that you have assimilated the information and are able to use it constructively. Have solutions in mind for each of the issues but don't feel you need to be down with the lingo, just keep it simple and make logical sense eg. implement a more suitable higher spec IT system so they can store more data, re-organise the structure of the company, put together a communications plan to improve morale by getting everyone involved etc. The exceptional candidate will link these solutions to case-study examples found on the Accenture website and present it in a kind of sales-style pitch. Most important, don't waffle, keep STRUCTURED.
Exercise 3 - Group Exercise (teams of 3)
[Edit]30 mins. Produce a proposal for building a school in Mozambique for 200 kids, with educational themes and complete list of materials required. Put this in a 5-month project plan. After 20 mins we were told that we would each have to deliver a 30sec presentation on a key point about the project. Naturally this one's all about team work. Begin with team communication; the brief is given to each member and the normal reaction is to all turn over and read in silence. Better tactic might be to ask how the team would like to approach this ie. reading out loud together or spending a couple minutes alone. As a team, decide on what the task is asking, break it down into elements and if possible use the flip-chart. Move through each task systematically and keep an eye on the time. For the presentation, say everything you need to in 30 secs, you will be cut off otherwise.
Final Interview
[Edit]Everyone's back in the room and an analyst/ graduate comes to have a chat and answer questions while people are called through to have their final interview which is far less formulaic and less formal than the 1st interview by this stage.
10-15mins with HR or Senior Manager mainly to discuss how you felt the day went. I was asked also, what 3 competencies do I feel are necessary for a career at Accenture, then to follow up, list examples where you have exhibited those competencies. It didn't help that I kept forgetting what competencies I had chosen; asking the interview what you had said 2mins ago is not a good way to end the day!! And then there's the opportunity to ask questions yourself. The more challenging and precise the question, the more the interviewer will think and the more chance he has of remembering you positively.
19 December 2010 - 3:42am
evergreen1234567
anyone having assessment day on jan 6th 2010 (thurs) at 1.30pm?
19 December 2010 - 3:25pm
Nadia123
Hello there!
Guess what... I am having the assessment interview on 6th Jan!!
Have you started preparing?
Cheers
19 December 2010 - 3:57pm
evergreen1234567
Hi Nadia123! Yay! Sent u a message detailing more. But wohoo, anyone else having 6th Jan Assessment interview for ACG?
All I have now for the interview are the samples from the Accenture website, and info from this thread.
In-tray: Many said time was an issue, so maybe need to note that. Otherwise, from the practise set it looks do-able. Altho I think best thing is to try it under timed conditions to get a real feel, don't want to be confident only to find out running out of time on the day itself.
Case study : I think it's more of doing it on that day, depending what we get - anyone recently who's been there might be able to shed some light into what topic they had. More of common sense sort of thing, altho from the practise example, they do give you A LOT of information to churn. =S
One - to - one interview: Best to think of examples of competencies from now, and have examples that match these competencies. Read that they ask you what competencies we think we need at Accenture, then they ask you to give examples based on those. But it may not always be the case, as they can always ask you competencies they already have listed (on the confirmation/invite e-mail, I think there were about 5-6). Altho I think since we have prepared thru first round, this shudnt be a great deal but it wud be good to leave a lasting impression esp with questions at the end. I think with my first round, it was really nice having a little chat at the end of the interview leaving a good impression to the interviewer .
Group exercise: Is the one that I'm most worried, simply because although they claim you will be working with strangers at Accenture, at least in the real job you will have more than a couple of minutes to actually get to know your team. In this excercise, however, we probably would know each other for a few minutes (if any), then straight down with the task. Worst if some know-it-alls tend to dominate the discussion, poof! Bear in mind, apparently they don't say this when they give u the task (altho I may be wrong), but at some point towards the last few minutes of the task they tell you that you need to do a 30-60 second short presentation each. So best to prepare even before they have asked to buy time. Would be good to network here beforehand too, might get same group (chances are there, so no harm trying). Maybe work on a few examples together (Mozambique school or there was another one about charity in Africa).
Hope to hear from more people. Thanks!
26 December 2010 - 4:10pm
chrisc
I had my assessent centre on the 22nd of December and can confirm that the first post is exactly right. The case studies described are the same as the ones we had to do. I got an offer to start in Feb 2012. So thanks for the great original post
26 December 2010 - 5:03pm
evergreen1234567
oh wow! that's good to know chrisc. thanks for letting us know. and congratulations on your offer! =)
26 December 2010 - 5:10pm
Nadia123
Hey Chrisc, congratulations!!!!!
Can I just ask.. I though there was a third round after the assessment centre.. did you have any or is the assessment day the last stage?
Thanks,
Nadia
26 December 2010 - 6:33pm
evergreen1234567
I asked the same thing to the HR the other day when they phoned to schedule my interview. I think the lady said the third round was for those who applied for ATS not ACG. :S
26 December 2010 - 10:01pm
chrisc
If your applying for Strategy or Technology alignment AND they think you're good enough at the assessment centre AND you express a preference then you go through to a third interview.
6 January 2011 - 4:08pm
Alexandros.T
awesome summary!! I have my assessment centre on the 12th of January (wednesday) and I was wondering if there is anyone else booked for that day. It would be really helpful i think, if we could have a talk prior to the interview so that we feel more confortable with each other!
10 January 2011 - 5:14pm
MSho
Hey, I have my AC on the 12th Jan too.
If anyone has already had an AC and are keen to share their experiences, it will be highly appreciated.
- )
11 January 2011 - 3:00pm
evergreen1234567
went to the AC last week, the summary above is exactly what happened. or you can also read http://www.wikijob.co.uk/forum/consultancy-consulting-firms/accenture-beginning-end-20102011-applications.
Good luck!
11 January 2011 - 3:57pm
tushkki
what are u preparing for it mate...i have just gone through the website...nothing great...
11 January 2011 - 5:00pm
cook
Tbh I am not sure there is a huge amount we can prepare. I've had a look at the case study and in-tray exercise on the site and I am going to have a few qualities / competencies that I think you need to work for acc prepared. I'm not sure how to prepare for 3 exercises that are blind (i.e we won't know the content until the day). How are you feeling about it?
11 January 2011 - 5:15pm
tushkki
tbh by what the guys have posted on here looks like the intray is a challenge...like u said it i dont think we can do much about it rather than just go and give our best...i just pray we get some people who work rather than pure HR guys...
11 January 2011 - 9:31pm
paxmk
hey did anyone go for the assessment day on the 5th of Jan? Have you heard back?
12 January 2011 - 3:42pm
jay-mo4
I was at the 5th january afternoon session, still waiting on the call to find out how I did...
13 January 2011 - 12:43pm
marr_M
I applied for the placement scheme to start in 2011 online and after around 1-2 weeks recieved an email saying "Congratulations, we would like to invite you to attend our second round assessment for a position within Accenture"
I was just wondering if anthing similar happened with any one else as I thought a first round interview was required, Ive booked the interview for the 15th of feb
17 January 2011 - 12:38pm
tigga
Hi Alexandros,
My name is Tom, I think I did the group exercise with you. How did you feel the whole day went and in particular the group exercise? Have you heard anything from them yet? I haven't heard anything...I hate this part, waiting to hear the outcome! Anyway good luck mate.
Tom
19 January 2011 - 6:46pm
ford
Hi marr_M,
Just wondering when you applied, as I'd like to apply now but am thinking it might be too late for interviews/assessment centres so just wondering if it's worth it!
19 January 2011 - 11:57pm
marr_M
I applied just before christmas. I believe the deadline is the 31st of January so although the application is quite long, it may still be worth applying.
My assesment centre is in february and they do reply within 5-10 days so there is enough time.
Best fo luck!
20 January 2011 - 9:50am
MSho
Hey,
I had my AC on 12th Jan. Has anyone heard back? I got an email from an Accenutre employee inviting me for a third round, but a bit confused since it seems its from Canada, and also I didnt actually show a preference so why the third round? Anyone else experience this?
Thanks
20 January 2011 - 5:25pm
csong
Hello everyone,
Just got an email confirming I'm going to the 2nd round. I wonder if anyone could tell me how long it usually takes from now for the 2nd round to happen. I have booked flight tickets, but definitely don't want to miss anything!
25 January 2011 - 1:24pm
ankitengineer
HI Tigga & Alexandros
Just wondering have you guys received any response regarding the outcome?
I had my assessment yesterday so just wondering how long do I have to wait??
25 January 2011 - 2:53pm
tasha1232
Hey ankitengineer!
I was at the AC yesterday too, were you at the 9am one? I hope we hear soon! From the looks of it candidates in January 2011 have waited a good few days to hear back, whereas in other months they generally heard within 2 days!
Natasha
25 January 2011 - 4:47pm
ankitengineer
Hello Natasha
Yes I was there at 9am. I just couldn't wait. I hope we hear back soon.
Ankit
25 January 2011 - 4:48pm
ankitengineer
Hello Jay-mo4
Have you heard back anything from Accenture?
Please let me know.
Thanks
Ankit
25 January 2011 - 5:59pm
tasha1232
Hey!
Yeah I know! I will update this when I hear! I hate all this waiting around!
Natasha
26 January 2011 - 1:28pm
jay-mo4
hey ankit. no, still not heard back from them.
called on friday which was the end of 10 working days, but they said that they didnt have any feedback yet, and that i would hear this week. still waiting, 13 working days down...
anyone else heard anything back?
1 February 2011 - 1:45pm
ankitengineer
Hello Natasha
Have you heard back anything yet?
I havent received any calls/emails.
Ankit
1 February 2011 - 4:14pm
jay-mo4
give them a call or e-mail:
grad.schedu.hrs@accenture.com
and ask them what's going on
I waited 13 working days and had to chase them up twice about the result, only to find I was not accepted.
Best of luck to you all
12 February 2011 - 10:29pm
loveandbasketball
Hi all,
Anyone on the 15th of Feb (9am)?
Thanks for the insight very useful and much appreciated
13 February 2011 - 12:35am
marr_M
Ioveandbasketball,
I have my A/C on the 15th of Feb at 9am, does yours end at 13:30? I thought it was meant to be 4 hours.
Also, how have you been preparing? I've just been trying to use the stuff on the Accenture site and Wikijobs to get a feel of the day, it seems like theres not much that you can do to prepare though :S.
13 February 2011 - 1:08am
marr_M
Hey, I hope your A/C centre went well, I just wanted to ask what time it finished as my slot says 1:30 but need to plan the day out. Also, do they give any breaks between the tasks? Is there any advice you can give me about preparing for the a/c as I also have no idea where to start lol!
Thanks.
22 February 2011 - 9:24am
anrisavage
Hey all, I have my AC scheduled for the morning of 7th March. Anyone else also booked for this date?
23 February 2011 - 7:44pm
KGB1981
Hi guys, nice job done in this post by all of you! A lot of insights and experiences shared!
I have my AC in a few days and I would really appreciate if anyone could give me any tips regarding the in-tray exercise! How difficult is it after all? The example at the website is only 2 pages... :((
What should I have in mind regarding the project delivery or financial issues? Any ideas on what exactly I should be looking at?
Thanx a lot in advance...!!!!
24 February 2011 - 8:39am
tasha1232
Hey KGB
I wouldn't worry about the e-tray exercise! It's not really something that you can practice for. The main thing to remember and watch is your time, it is important that you finish each bit! The task is split into two. The first side asks you to list the main project deliver, financial and other issues. I done this for each of the different 'projects'. Then you are asked to list the main issues in priority. The second part of the task is to draft an email to your manager explaining the key issues, prioritising them and if there are any problems why. You are to write the draft email on the other side of the sheet (large A3 piece of paper) so it will take a bit longer than anticipated as you will need to keep flipping it over to check your notes. Again, I structred my email in terms of projects.
In terms of interpreting the information, its pretty straight forward. Their are three projects. And you are given a booklet with different information on it (eg deadlines, events to organsise, graph of errors within systems) you then need to link up all the information. for example, one chart gave information stating that the errors on the project are 50% more than anticipated. Another chart gave information that the two people in charge of this have been on holiday for the past two weeks (NOTE - this information will not be grouped together). Then, you should note that this is an issue (project deliver issue) and that the staff in charge being on holiday may be one of the reasons why this has happened. Also note that this should be addressed prior to the new project 'going live'. The booklet only has around 7 pages of information, a lot shorter than I imagined.
Project deliver refers to timing etc Financials are simple the bugets (some projects will be over or under budget) its as simple as reading a balance statement. Other issues refers to events etc
Hope this helps! Good luck with your AC. If you have looked through wikijobs you will be fine - no nasty surprises!
- )
Although I did run out of time for drafting the email!
24 February 2011 - 10:14am
KGB1981
Hey Tasha1232...
Thanks a lot for all the information provided! It's always good to hear from somebody who has taken the test! I'll have all your recommendations in mind and.... fingers crossed!!!
How was your assessment overall? I hope you had an offer finally!
PS: Were you assigned a buddy prior to that? Is it bad that I don't have any questions for the time being to ask?
28 February 2011 - 2:36pm
patricialavinia
Hi!
I have the AC on the 4th of march at 9am. does anyone else have it then too??
2 March 2011 - 1:05am
monika2488
nope)) i was replying 2 patricialavinia that i also have AC this friday:))
4 March 2011 - 9:54pm
ulugbek55
@ monika2488, patricialavinia
Hey guys, how was your AC? Could you briefly share your experience?
I would be much grateful!
8 March 2011 - 9:24am
anrisavage
To my AC team on 7th March, how did you guys find it? Good luck and let us know how you get on!
9 March 2011 - 9:49am
anrisavage
Guys I got an offer! Absolutely over the moon! Let me know how you all get on, be great to keep in touch.
16 March 2011 - 3:41pm
BigMac88
Me too!!!! Im not sure if you remember me from the assessment centre this is Macdonald, do you know of anybody else??
16 March 2011 - 4:07pm
anrisavage
Macdonald that is fantastic news! I knew you would get it... Have you started filling out all the forms and getting references together? I'm nearly there, quite a long process. I've not heard from anyone else yet. When are you starting? Once again, congratulations!
19 March 2011 - 9:53am
Nothanksillpass
Hey, I went to the AC on March 15th. I got an offer yesterday :D. I was wondering if anyone else from my group got an offer too? Bruce
21 March 2011 - 1:52pm
Micky B
congrats mate!!!!!! i was with u in the AC and i think we did the group exercise together, i'm mikhael dont know if u can remember. I'm still waiting for a reply, getting a bit worried to be honest. did u apply for any particualr alignment? coz i indicated strategy and HR person said that they would have to refer my AC marks to that team before giving an offer, so may be thats y its taking so long... I HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21 March 2011 - 2:45pm
Nothanksillpass
Hey Mikhael,
Yes, I do remember you. Thank you. Remember, it's upto 10 days (sometimes longer) so don't worry if you haven't heard back. I said I'd be interested in technology alignment. I think for strategy there's a 3rd round?
All the best
Bruce
21 March 2011 - 4:17pm
BigMac88
I start Nov 2011, haven't started filling out the forms yet they just emailed me yesterday with the on boarding stuff, congrats to you as well!! see you nov if you start then!!
21 March 2011 - 5:06pm
Nothanksillpass
BigMac88, Hi, Congrats on the offer. What forms are they? Have you got access to the waiting room? What are the conditions of the contract?
Kind regards
Bruce
22 March 2011 - 10:03am
anrisavage
I'm starting in May, have done all the forms, quite a process to get through! See you in November! Congrats again.
9 April 2011 - 8:29pm
BorisBorev
Hi all, I am scheduled for Accenture Assessment Centre. Your posts are very useful. Thanks for that. However, I did not understand how exactly you are assessed? Are there assessors monitoring your actions all the time, or is there an interview after you prepare the answers in which you justify yourself, or are they reading your 'email' after you finish with it? Also, based on what are you assessed. On the way you work, or on the final outcome of your job?
14 April 2011 - 1:15am
Shrav10
Hi Boris,
There are assessors monitoring you in the group task the entire time. You are assessed on the way you work within the team, and how as a team you produce a final outcome in the given time. I found keeping to the time limit the most challenging thing, its very easy to not finish in the time given!
In the case study though, you are left alone in a room with some other candidates, and you're preparing the answers in that time - this part is unassessed. The assessment for this part begins when you are one-to-one with the interviewer after the 20mins preparation time.
As for the In-tray, you are solely judged on what you write down, no-one is assessing while you read and note down your answers. (P.S. also on this part, you have to write down 2 sections, one as the issues and the other an email summarising your findings - don't spend much, if any, time on the email, it counts for very little. It's the identification of the actual issues that they're looking for!)
Hope that helps mate
14 April 2011 - 1:16am
Shrav10
Also, was there anyone else who went to the AC on 23rd March in the afternoon? If yes, how'd u get on, positive news I hope?
14 April 2011 - 8:07am
BorisBorev
Hi Shrav10, thank you very much. It is very helpful, indeed. Byes
21 April 2011 - 1:00pm
j.zahharova
Hi!
I've got the Assessment Centre on 5TH OF MAY at 9AM.
If anyone else is going there on this day, let me know! Team work ;)
I'm a bit nervous, but I think it's gonna be a lot of fun!
Congratulations to everyone, who got the offer! Well done!
26 April 2011 - 5:04pm
nounou
Hi,
I was just looking over the accenture website and trying to find the page for the sample case studies and in-tray exercises but couldnt locate it on the careers page?
Can anyone give me advice on that?
Thanks
26 April 2011 - 7:37pm
j.zahharova
Hi,
I think you are looking for this page:
Good luck!
28 April 2011 - 7:47am
s.viking
Hi everyone,
I've got my AC on the 3rd of May at 9am... anyone out there with the same day?
Good luck to all
8 May 2011 - 6:38pm
IBGrad10
Hi,
Is anybody scheduled to attend the assessment centre for ACG on the 31st of May 2011 in the morning session (9am)? If yes, please get in touch, it would be nice to know each other before the assessment.
Good luck to everyone!
15 May 2011 - 12:32pm
KilPin
Hi, anybody here who has the AC on Wed 18th of May @13:30? Would be happy to get in tough before. :)
15 May 2011 - 12:33pm
KilPin
Hi, anybody here who has the AC on Wed 18th of May @13:30? Would be happy to get in tough before. :)
20 May 2011 - 2:16pm
kwrw
Hi all,
I am scheduled for an AC on the 6th of June at 9am. Anyone going in at the same time? It would be great to be in touch beforehand.
Congratulations to all who got the offer.
7 July 2011 - 1:54pm
lazers
Hi everyone,
Got my ac on the 11th june (monday) tried to download the practice in tray exercise from accenture, but my computer wont download the whole thing! has anyone got an accenture practice in tray they could send me? Defo worried bout the in tray the most!
30 August 2011 - 1:55pm
superman1983
Hi all,
if anyone need more info about Accenture Assessment Center, and needs some tipes , contact me pls
alid1010@hotmail.com
14 September 2011 - 11:55pm
ServiceDesk
Hi superman, I got my assesment in 1 week, can you please telll me a bit more about what to prepare on and how and what t oexpect?
14 September 2011 - 11:55pm
ServiceDesk
Hi superman, I got my assesment in 1 week, can you please telll me a bit more about what to prepare on and how and what t oexpect?
8 November 2011 - 12:25pm
ism10tb
Had an assessment centre on the 2nd of Novemeber, but I havent heard back yet, Did anyone attend the assessment centre on 2nd, the afternoon session... Did you hear back yet?
8 November 2011 - 3:22pm
helpdesk
Had an assessment centre on the 27th October...been 8 working days since I had the interview. Was wondering if anybody who had the assessment centre on that had heard back from Accenture yet?
8 November 2011 - 3:46pm
kin123
hey ism10tb and helpdesk,
I have my assessment tomorrow and was wondering if you could give any tips and advice for it. Also what sort of scenarios cropped up for the in-tray exercise and case study? Would be great if you could also let me know the questions asked during the final interview to help me prepare.
Many thanks
8 November 2011 - 10:14pm
ism10tb
Group exercise was the Mosambique example that's here on wiki... Intray is very similar to the example the website... .Almost the same thing, just with some additional information like the budget, graph memos etc....
Casestudy was about UK Pertoleum and Southern Oil. Recently merged and are trying to break into the consumer market... Just like the case example on the website, they give you information on interviews and what not. TYou have to identify the issues in the case study, possible solutions and then you have to prioritize yoour solutions. If you asked me what i would have done differently, Write neatly and write the issues as you come across them during the time you are given to read the questions. because you would barely have enough time to write them down after reading the whole case study, you have only 30mins. Also, you would have to tell the interview about the issues, and it would be easier for you if you have it written down nicely, because you will have a problem trying to read your handwriting and give the interviewer the issues.
Last interview:
Why Accenture, what are the service lines and the indurstries, What skills have you learned from your previous work expelriences? Where do you see yourslef in 5 years? That was about it
Let me know if you want to know anything else
6 January 2012 - 9:20am
jobblogs12
Hi everyone, has anyone attended the assessment centre recently? if so, what is the group exercise topic?
Thanks!
6 January 2012 - 1:07pm
ism10tb
I attended last novemeber. group exercise was the one about building a school... Asks you to come up with a list of what you would need and a curriculum of what would be taught... There is information in the brief that would give you an idea of what would be needed.
6 January 2012 - 1:07pm
ism10tb
I attended last novemeber. group exercise was the one about building a school... Asks you to come up with a list of what you would need and a curriculum of what would be taught... There is information in the brief that would give you an idea of what would be needed.
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thanks a lot!