The Bag Left Behind

Any experienced traveler knows that it is never wise to check a bag.  However, increased airport security measures have plagued this notion in recent years.  So, we face a weekly dilemma.  How does one pack several pairs of shoes (one brown, one black, one workout… at a minimum) and all necessary toiletries (if you can pack all of your toiletries in a single, quart-sized ziplock bag, it’s time for a makeover) in a small carry-on bag?  And typically, in this line of business, you will travel to the same location many weeks in a row.  Do you really want to lug those bulky shoes and that $10 bottle of shampoo back and forth every week?   No?  Well, let me introduce you to my best travel buddy, The Bag Left Behind.

The Brightest Star in the Galaxy

Being a Staff Consultant in a company of nearly 90,000 people is much like being one little star in the Milky Way.  Given that you are reading this blog, you are probably used to shining and being the best in every one of your endeavors. If you are like me, not knowing how to succeed is an anxiety trigger. Feeling like one more of the bunch, small and indistinguishable is frightening. However, for overachievers like us, there are certain things that will stay constant and will allow you to surpass expectations and shine—and we like shiny stars at Capgemini!

Running Effective Meetings

Our clients attend tons of meetings.  Sometimes, I’ll try to get on someone’s calendar to discover they are booked for the entire day (even during lunch!).  One of the ways we deliver value to clients is by running effective meetings.  Not only do we use their time more efficiently, but we get a chance to showcase best practices in terms of meeting management.

Capgemini Attire - Easy Do's and Don'ts

So you’ve finally crossed over.  The days of loud college halls, taking tests in pajamas, and dressing for class to suit your mood have passed.  You’re now in the “white collar”  world. Now that those days of “anything goes” regalia are behind you, it’s time to get ready for your new look…the look that will push you forward to the next level and keep you moving forward in the right direction.  Let’s start off simple, shall we?

The Five-Tool Consultant

In baseball, a five-tool player is one who excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, base running skills, throwing ability, and fielding abilities. Since we are currently in the season of America’s great pastime, I thought it would only be fitting to draw up an outline of five-tools (characteristics) that I think help shape the mold for any Type-A, ambitious young analyst to follow.  Chances are if you’re an undergrad you have only theoretical knowledge of the business world. Not that I myself am a certified SME (consulting jargon - an entirely separate article covering this to follow); but having just completed my first year in this exceptionally unique industry, here is my list of five tools:

Staying Fit on the Road

When you’re on the road four days a week and eating out for every meal, it’s often hard to stay fit.  My friends at work and I call it “the consulting fifteen,” the weight you gain your first year of consulting.  Along with the myriad adjustments one has to make when transitioning from college to the real world, new consultants quickly learn the difficulty of achieving a work-life balance.  Many times the first place it shows is around the waistline.  Here are some tips that have helped me and others stay healthy while on the road.

MBA Recruiting vs. Undergraduate Recruiting

Ready, set, go!  And we're off!  This is how I feel every year around this time.  Fall is in the air, the leaves are turning colors, school has started, and BAM!  Another recruiting season.  I have already attended a few recruiting events this year (with many more to go - so maybe I'll meet you - if I do, please mention the blog as it will make my day).  Anyway, MBA recruiting is a completely different ballgame compared to Undergraduate recruiting.  I'd like to use this time to clarify some things...

Our Capgemini Consulting Intern Program

Last week, we officially wrapped up our CS (Consulting Services) summer intern program.  We had interns from top business schools and from a variety of industry backgrounds.  I was fortunate enough to be one intern’s “peer buddy.”

Sometimes It’s the Subtle Things...

Sometimes it’s the subtle things that can cause a candidate not to make the cut, because you have to remember we are a services company and people are our primary asset.  We want all-stars to ensure our clients are wowed!
I’ve been privileged to be involved in Capgemini’s campus recruiting program for two years now (going on three this fall!), and before that, I was a campus hire myself.  I’ve had the privilege of being on both sides of the recruiting table, and I’ve learned quite a lot about what to do and what not to do during interviews.  I’ve witnessed stellar candidates nail the interviews, and I’ve also seen some candidates who looked great on paper not do so great when interacting.  Remember, we want you, the savvy reader, to do well! Think of this as a mini-training course.

Am I ever going to use this again?

Thinking back to my school days, I remember my classmates and myself complaining about tests, homework, and assignments by saying, ‘Are we ever going to use this in the real world?’ Now that I have been out in the real world for over a year, I wish I could jump in a time machine and tell such disgruntled students the truth: Absolutely! That’s not to say that every ounce of knowledge bestowed upon you in school will be utilized in your career, but I have found that many skills I learned then have helped me to be a more successful worker – especially in consulting. Here are a few of the things that I learned then and that I still use now: