Top tips for starting your career – from recent student to business professional
Insights from Alexis Papapetrou on choosing the right path, networking, and taking your first professional steps.
- March 18, 2025
- 5 Min. reading time
- Sponsored by: Deloitte
In this article, Alexis Papapetrou, a Technology & Transformation Consultant at Deloitte, shares his learnings and advice for those about to start their career. From discovering the right profession to taking the first steps in building your professional network and career, Alexis provides valuable insights.
One of the first and most crucial steps in your career journey is to identify your passion and how it translates into a career in the business world. This involves self-reflection, exploring various career options, and understanding your strengths and interests. Attending career fairs can be an invaluable resource in this process. These events offer a unique opportunity to interact with industry professionals, gain insights into different roles, and network with potential employers.
Once you have a clearer idea of your career aspirations, it's time to take actionable steps to kickstart your professional journey. This includes building a strong resume, honing your interview skills, and seeking internships or entry-level positions that align with your goals. Additionally, leveraging mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals can provide you with the support and knowledge needed to navigate the early stages of your career.
What led you to pursue a career in technology consulting at Deloitte?
As I entered the final year of my mathematics degree, I found myself, like many other students, uncertain about which career path to pursue. My passion for mathematics stemmed from my love for tackling the unknown and facing challenges that required a comprehensive set of tools and strategies to solve.
To explore my options, I attended career events hosted at my university and connected with professionals on LinkedIn to learn more about roles that I found interesting. I discovered an opportunity with Deloitte's AI & Data team and decided to apply. The diversity and comprehensiveness of Consulting roles, especially those involving client projects, really appealed to me.
Looking back, starting my career in Consulting was the right decision. The exposure to various client industries and the wide range of project topics within the AI & Data team allowed me to develop a robust skill set and gain invaluable experience. Consulting provided a dynamic and challenging environment that aligned with my interests and strengths, making it an ideal place to build my career.
Looking back, starting my career in Consulting was undoubtedly the right decision. The exposure to diverse client industries and the wide range of project topics within the AI & Data team enabled me to develop a robust skill set and gain invaluable experience. Consulting offered a dynamic and challenging environment that perfectly aligned with my interests and strengths, making it an ideal place to build my career.
Another advantage has been the social aspect of working in Consulting. Many of my colleagues are at a similar age or career stage, specializing in different topics, which makes going to work fun and feels like an opportunity to catch up with friends. The people aspect really makes a difference and enhances the overall work experience.
Relevante Jobs
How do you go from having a degree to securing a job?
Reach out to people, attend career events and network, and in every interaction be genuinely inquisitive, you will be surprised by how many people are willing to offer their valuable advice.
Something to keep in mind is that your first role might not be your dream job or even ideal career path but can open opportunities that you can leverage later - so to an extent try to be flexible when applying to jobs.
I would also always encourage anyone to apply for a given job opportunity even if they think they are underqualified. A job opening description may not be exhaustive or clear on what the prioritized qualifications for hiring are, hence, even a partial fit of your profile to the description could be enough to secure the job!
What are your tips for someone wanting to build their skillset at the beginning of their career?
Building a strong skillset at the start of your career is crucial for long-term success. Here are some tips that I found invaluable:
Seek Mentorship: Learning from experts in your field can significantly accelerate your growth. I quickly identified mentors who provided guidance, filled gaps in my knowledge, and offered advice when I started at Deloitte. I have found most people are willing to take time to share their knowledge if you ask for help. Find a company with a work culture that puts emphasis on career growth and learning and encourages these types of mentorships!
Utilize Internal Resources: Take advantage of any internal materials, online learning platforms, and training programs available within your organization. At Deloitte, I leveraged these resources extensively to enhance my skills and stay updated with industry trends. I also believe this is something you can do independently.
Gain Diverse Experience: Exposure to multiple industries and various types of projects is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience. This not only broadens your knowledge but also helps you develop essential soft skills. Consulting is unique in its ability to offer such diverse experiences, but there are other roles where you can seek opportunities to collaborate on varied work projects.
Engage with Clients: Working with clients who have diverse styles, experiences, and expectations can significantly enhance your understanding of the professional environment. This interaction not only improves your collaboration and communication skills, which are essential in any career, but also provides valuable insights into various job roles and specialisms. Engaging with clients can be a great source of inspiration, helping you to identify areas of interest and potential career paths you may not have previously considered.
By following these tips, you can build a robust skillset that will serve as a strong foundation for your future career.
Your skillset is our expertise
At Deloitte, we are committed to ensuring your skillset Never stops growing. From welcome days designed to help you build your network, to dedicated learning paths that include role-specific qualifications and mentorship, you will be supported every step of the way.
Take the next step in your career by joining us at one of our upcoming events. Discover more about our career opportunities and how we can help you make an impact. Together we can drive meaningful change.