Industry Insights: Technology Consulting with Capgemini
Published by: CCA
Industry Insights is a way for students to interact with current professionals in high-demand industries, where these industry leaders discuss current and future trends in their sector, as well as incredibly sought-after tips and tricks to make a mark. Today, hear from James Schlunke, the Head of Early Careers from Capgemini, as he speaks about the skills, strategies, and future trends inside the Technology Consulting space!
What soft skills distinguish great consultants from good ones?
Communication, problem solving, positivity, creativity and the ability to harness team spirit!
What does a successful intern/graduate look like at your firm?
It is not necessarily about the degree. We look for someone with both strong business instincts and a passion for technology (even if they aren’t technical). We want people who get involved with the extra curricular opportunities in the business and those who are positive, open minded and work well with other people.
How can students from a non-technical background get into tech consulting?
As per point 2, all you need is a passion for it, not necessarily technical training. It’s definitely a good idea to do your research on.
How important is domain knowledge (e.g. supply chain, finance) as well as technical experience in consulting?
It certainly can be, for example, accounting students usually are able to become very good SAP Finance consultants because of their ability to understand the processes and terminologies.
Technical can be a requirement, but it depends on what kind of consulting, usually it is not unless the person is a developer or involved in a technical stream. However, having technical knowledge certainly does allow the consultant to greater emphasise with the client’s problem and can help them leverage this to offer better solutions. For example, our Engineering practice hires engineers as consultants as they are better at grasping the clients subject matter, however they are not performing engineering tasks per se.
How do you handle ethical considerations when recommending AI-based solutions to your clients?
At Capgemini we have a Code of Ethics for Artificial Intelligence (AI) which guides our organisation on how to embed ethical thinking. It is illustrated by concrete examples from projects or solutions that we deliver. Reference to its principles stimulates ethical reasoning and is intended to launch an open-ended process of discussion within the company, with our clients, and with all stakeholders.
Our Code of Ethics for AI concerns both the intended purpose of the AI solution, and the way we embed ethical principles in the design and delivery of AI solutions and services to our clients. It should be read in combination with applicable legislations with which Capgemini is, of course, committed to comply.
What is the lifecycle from client briefing to solution delivery, for a regular tech consulting project?
It can really vary! We have had projects which last for a few months and some that last for years. If you choose a career in consulting, you will most certainly experience a great deal of variety.
How does the company ensure its consultants stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-evolving tech landscape?
At Capgemini, we are fortunate to be partners with some amazing organisations like AWS and Salesforce which help us provide world class learning and development to our consultants. We also are ensuring that our staff have knowledge of generative AI, no matter where they sit in the business!
What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on in tech consulting, and what did you learn from it that could be valuable to students entering the field?
I was once a project manager for building a Webapp solution that connected schools with undernourished children to food providers. This was actually an idea borne out of an internal competition to use technology to make the world a better place. It was introduced and driven directly by our graduates! I think it shows that even early in your career, if you have motivation and imagination, you never know where your ideas might take you.
How does the firm approach digital transformation projects for clients, and what is the typical impact on businesses?
Capgemini's consulting approach emphasizes leveraging technology and a human-centered perspective to drive business transformation and achieve client goals. We combine strategy, technology, data science, creative design, and engineering expertise to help our clients innovate and adapt to evolving business needs, ultimately helping them "get the future they want".
What emerging technologies or platforms are shaping the future of tech consulting, and how should students be preparing for these advancements? What are some of the key trends you’re seeing in these sub-sectors?
It’s sometimes hard to predict what will dominate the market, however, you cant go wrong with investing your time to understand AI & Cloud computing (particularly AWS/Azure). I would also encourage students to remain curious and read technology publications/news liberally.
This article is published by CCA, a student association affiliated with Monash University. Opinions published are not necessarily those of the publishers. CCA and Monash University do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of information contained in the publication.