Deloitte
It's your future. How far will you take it?
Bennet Sammann
Early ID Program Manager, Deloitte Services LP at Deloitte
Name: Bennet Sammann
Position: Early ID Program Manager, Deloitte Services LP
Education: University of Iowa, Special Education
Location: Chicago, IL
How did you get your start at Deloitte?
In March of 2006, I followed a colleague from my previous employer to Deloitte—I quickly realized that having a strong network is very powerful! I joined Deloitte as a campus recruiter for our audit practice. After spending two years in that role, I transitioned into a MBA campus recruiter role supporting our consulting practice. Most recently I joined our early identification team where I am a program manager for various early identification initiatives, across all businesses.
Can you give an example of something a student or other applicant has done that really impressed you during the recruiting process?
The most impressive candidates are confident and prepared. Being prepared allows a candidate to speak confidently about experiences he or she has had in the workplace and in the classroom. Strong candidates have done their research on Deloitte and can illustrate how their past experiences can help add value to our organization, clients and colleagues. We see potential in each and every candidate, the interview is an opportunity for candidates to sell themselves by promoting their skills, abilities and interest in our organization.
What “insider tips” do you have for anyone applying to Deloitte?
I’m impressed when candidates have taken the time to do some research and learn about us, like the type of work environment we have, the clients we have and the kind of work they will be doing. Candidates should learn as much as they can prior to interviews, but should also come prepared with thoughtful questions. An interview provides the candidate with an opportunity to ask questions about topics they can’t learn about by perusing the website. Taking the time to prepare thoughtful questions will help a candidate understand if Deloitte is the best place to launch a career and to be successful. It’s a two-way street during an interview, we are looking for the right candidates but we want to make sure we are addressing their questions as well.
What mistakes can a candidate make that will take them out of the running for a position?
Candidates can be overlooked in the process by appearing to lack professionalism or not preparing for the interview. If you mean business, show us! How you present yourself makes a lasting impression. It’s appropriate to wear a business suit to an interview, and when in doubt, overdress. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an interview. If you are not familiar with the area, confirm directions to the interview location. Be sure to shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. Being prepared will help minimize anxiety!
How should a candidate follow up after an interview?
It's good etiquette to thank interviewers for their time. Make sure you get a business card from the interviewers and send a personalized “thank you” following the interview. In these days of high-speed technology, email is an appropriate form of follow-up after an interview. I always enjoy receiving the hand-written note in my mailbox, but it is definitely not expected! As important as it is to thank the interviewers for their time, it is equally important not to inundate them with multiple emails, phone calls or surprise visits.
What is the biggest misconception people have about working at Deloitte?
In my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions that candidates have is that they will feel lost in such a large organization. The reality is there are so many opportunities to get involved and to make your mark at Deloitte. For me, I have been on the executive committee for the AbilityFirst Business resource group for the past 3 years. This has given me the opportunity to get involved internally at Deloitte and meet people within the organization who I wouldn’t necessarily cross paths with otherwise. It has also provided me with the opportunity get involved in the Chicago community, all while raising awareness about people with disabilities in the workforce. That’s been my passion and my way to build my network. I would encourage anyone that joins Deloitte to choose a passion and get involved! It could be by participating in a community involvement initiative joining our Women’s Initiative or another Business Resource Group or seeking out opportunities to sit on an advisory committee. By being involved and active, you build your network and all the sudden it doesn’t seem so big!
Position: Early ID Program Manager, Deloitte Services LP
Education: University of Iowa, Special Education
Location: Chicago, IL
How did you get your start at Deloitte?
In March of 2006, I followed a colleague from my previous employer to Deloitte—I quickly realized that having a strong network is very powerful! I joined Deloitte as a campus recruiter for our audit practice. After spending two years in that role, I transitioned into a MBA campus recruiter role supporting our consulting practice. Most recently I joined our early identification team where I am a program manager for various early identification initiatives, across all businesses.
Can you give an example of something a student or other applicant has done that really impressed you during the recruiting process?
The most impressive candidates are confident and prepared. Being prepared allows a candidate to speak confidently about experiences he or she has had in the workplace and in the classroom. Strong candidates have done their research on Deloitte and can illustrate how their past experiences can help add value to our organization, clients and colleagues. We see potential in each and every candidate, the interview is an opportunity for candidates to sell themselves by promoting their skills, abilities and interest in our organization.
What “insider tips” do you have for anyone applying to Deloitte?
I’m impressed when candidates have taken the time to do some research and learn about us, like the type of work environment we have, the clients we have and the kind of work they will be doing. Candidates should learn as much as they can prior to interviews, but should also come prepared with thoughtful questions. An interview provides the candidate with an opportunity to ask questions about topics they can’t learn about by perusing the website. Taking the time to prepare thoughtful questions will help a candidate understand if Deloitte is the best place to launch a career and to be successful. It’s a two-way street during an interview, we are looking for the right candidates but we want to make sure we are addressing their questions as well.
What mistakes can a candidate make that will take them out of the running for a position?
Candidates can be overlooked in the process by appearing to lack professionalism or not preparing for the interview. If you mean business, show us! How you present yourself makes a lasting impression. It’s appropriate to wear a business suit to an interview, and when in doubt, overdress. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an interview. If you are not familiar with the area, confirm directions to the interview location. Be sure to shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. Being prepared will help minimize anxiety!
How should a candidate follow up after an interview?
It's good etiquette to thank interviewers for their time. Make sure you get a business card from the interviewers and send a personalized “thank you” following the interview. In these days of high-speed technology, email is an appropriate form of follow-up after an interview. I always enjoy receiving the hand-written note in my mailbox, but it is definitely not expected! As important as it is to thank the interviewers for their time, it is equally important not to inundate them with multiple emails, phone calls or surprise visits.
What is the biggest misconception people have about working at Deloitte?
In my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions that candidates have is that they will feel lost in such a large organization. The reality is there are so many opportunities to get involved and to make your mark at Deloitte. For me, I have been on the executive committee for the AbilityFirst Business resource group for the past 3 years. This has given me the opportunity to get involved internally at Deloitte and meet people within the organization who I wouldn’t necessarily cross paths with otherwise. It has also provided me with the opportunity get involved in the Chicago community, all while raising awareness about people with disabilities in the workforce. That’s been my passion and my way to build my network. I would encourage anyone that joins Deloitte to choose a passion and get involved! It could be by participating in a community involvement initiative joining our Women’s Initiative or another Business Resource Group or seeking out opportunities to sit on an advisory committee. By being involved and active, you build your network and all the sudden it doesn’t seem so big!
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