Balancing Passion and Profession: Insights from Ramona and Alexander at Deloitte
Dive into their inspiring journeys as they share tips on balancing work and personal interests.
- January 21, 2025
- 5 Min. reading time
- Sponsored by: Deloitte
Explore the professional journeys and personal interests of two dedicated individuals at Deloitte: Ramona, a Senior Consultant in the Sustainability Services Team, and Alexander, an IT Audit Manager. Both Ramona and Alexander have successfully balanced their careers with their personal passions and share what has helped them achieve a fulfilling equilibrium between work and life. Through their stories, we gain insights into their backgrounds, hobbies, and valuable advice for those starting their careers. Join us as we learn how they navigate their roles at Deloitte while pursuing their interests outside of work.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
Ramona
I am passionate about sustainability, and at work, I have the opportunity to advise clients on their sustainability reporting and decarbonization journeys. This involves helping them achieve transparency, reduce emissions, and drive long-term environmental impact. My background is in engineering, with a master’s in chemical and bioengineering and a doctorate in process engineering. The best thing about my job is the people I work with—my team. We genuinely enjoy both the work we do and the time we spend together. Our team is a diverse mix of lawyers, auditors, geologists, and more, which is crucial for tackling complex issues like the climate crisis and allows us to learn from each other. Outside of work, I prioritize staying active, including participating in sports. I also enjoy organizing events, learning to dance, and spending time with friends.
Alexander
I specialize in IT audit within a diverse department that includes colleagues from various fields such as Data Analytics and Cyber Security controls. Originally from the United States, I grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark. Six years ago, Deloitte brought me to Switzerland through a mobility program, and I fell in love with the country and its environment so I decided to stay permanently. Working at Deloitte means being part of a young, dynamic team, and we often spend time together after work for social activities. For me, great people are key to happiness and have been one of the main reasons I've chosen to stay.
2. What’s your hobby or passion outside of work, and how did you get started with it?
Ramona: Before starting university, I was a competitive swimmer, spending every day in the pool either training or teaching young children how to swim. Today, I remain very active, competing in triathlons, taking on open-water challenges, running, and skiing. I am at my happiest when I feel I have balance in my life.
Alexander: I have a passion for hiking and exploring, always eager to discover new trails and high peaks. My interest in hiking began with an employee hiking group at Deloitte, which welcomes participants regardless of their gear or fitness level. As I gained more experience, I started tackling more challenging and technical peaks across Europe and even a few in the United States.
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3. How do you manage to balance your work responsibilities with your personal interests?
Ramona
I recommend finding an employer that offers flexibility. While some meetings will block certain hours in my calendar, I have the freedom to, for example, go swimming or take a run during the day. It is important to feel that your manager and colleagues trust you to get the work done. I also believe that breaking up the day can help you stay more focused at work. Knowing I have a run planned during lunch or a sports session in the evening keeps me motivated and focused, and helps me manage my time more effectively throughout the day. Moreover, experience has taught me that during stressful times, when the temptation to skip a workout is strongest, it’s actually even more crucial to prioritize those sessions. For me, staying active is key to maintaining my balance.
Alexander
In our team, we have flexible working conditions that allow us the freedom to work from home or at the office. For me, flexibility means being able to choose the working style and environment that best suits my needs. The most important aspect is being able to perform your job effectively with the setup you have chosen. One of my top tips for recent graduates who have hobbies, whether in sports or other activities, is to look for a company or a supportive manager that allows you to balance personal and professional goals. Although it may seem unrelated, many of the skills I've learned at Deloitte, such as project management, budgeting, and forecasting, have also helped me thrive in my hobby. These skills are essential when planning and executing larger-scale hikes and tours.
4. What are your recommendations for someone starting out their career?
Ramona: Reflect on what you enjoyed in your previous job or education, as well as what you're passionate about or eager to learn. Also, identify the aspects you didn’t enjoy or would like to change. Seek opportunities that genuinely excite you and evaluate whether you can connect with the people you'll be working with. It’s crucial to do something you enjoy alongside people you respect and like, as you spend a significant part of your day in that environment. If you find yourself unhappy in your role, don’t hesitate to make a change if it's within your reach. Finding the right job straight out of university isn’t always easy and might include numerous interviews. But this is also a chance to learn and further refine the criteria for what you’re looking for in a role. For me, a strong team, effective leadership, and opportunities for growth are essential, and I’m grateful to have found a position that aligns with those values.
Alexander: For me, it was always important that my work aligned with my interests. I enjoy working with IT tools, IT equipment, and big data, and I have an interest in business. Combining these elements led me to IT Audit. So, take the time to find out what interests you. This might mean doing more than one internship or graduate programme, or, like in my case, working in a professional services company where you get exposure to different areas of work, various environments, and diverse types of colleagues.
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