For individuals aspiring to a dynamic and impactful career in the business world, the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program stands out as a premier pathway. Accenture, a global professional services company, is renowned for its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering future leaders. Through strategic initiatives like their partnership with the UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Riordan Programs, Accenture offers unique opportunities for diverse and driven individuals to embark on successful business careers, particularly as Business Analysts. This collaboration not only strengthens Accenture’s workforce but also empowers students from underrepresented backgrounds to achieve their professional aspirations.
The Accenture & Riordan Scholars Program Partnership: A Bridge to Business Careers
The Riordan Programs, established at UCLA Anderson in 1987, have a long-standing mission: to inspire high school, college students, and recent graduates from diverse and disadvantaged communities to pursue leadership roles in management. These pioneering programs encompass education, mentorship, job development, and leadership training, effectively preparing students for the rigors of higher education and the professional world. Among its impactful initiatives, the Riordan Scholars Program annually equips 75 high school students with the tools to navigate college and career paths, often as the first in their families to seek higher education.
Image alt text: Roxanne Mendez, Riordan Programs Executive Director, and Eva Burén, Accenture Global Energy Retail and Consumer Services Lead, in discussion, emphasizing the strong collaboration for the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program.
A cornerstone of the Riordan Scholars Program is its thriving partnership with Accenture. Since 2021, this collaboration has provided select Riordan high school and college students with invaluable internship experiences. This internship program has proven exceptionally successful, with Accenture extending full-time employment offers to numerous Riordan interns, directly feeding into their Accenture Business Analyst Career Program pipeline.
Eva Burén, Accenture’s global energy retail and consumer services lead, initiated this impactful partnership. Recognizing the exceptional talent pool within the Riordan Scholars Program, Burén saw an opportunity for Accenture to engage with individuals possessing not only strong academic skills and passion but also diverse perspectives, a core value at Accenture. This partnership has become a vital component of Accenture’s strategy to build a diverse and high-performing workforce, with the Business Analyst career program benefiting significantly from this influx of talent.
Internships: Your Gateway to Becoming an Accenture Business Analyst
The Accenture internship program, in collaboration with the Riordan Scholars Program, serves as a crucial stepping stone for students aspiring to join the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program. As Roxanne Mendez, executive director of the Riordan Programs, explains, “An internship is a great opportunity because students get real-life exposure in a consulting environment. They learn the requirements for specific functions. They become inspired by real professionals and they see that these careers are available to them, too.”
These internships provide students with hands-on experience in a consulting setting, allowing them to understand the day-to-day responsibilities and required skill sets of a Business Analyst. Interns are immersed in real projects, working alongside experienced Accenture professionals, gaining practical insights into problem-solving, client interaction, and the fast-paced consulting world. This experience is invaluable for those aiming for the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program, offering a realistic preview and skill-building platform.
Accenture’s commitment to this partnership is further demonstrated by the dedicated working group of five employees who volunteer their time to support the Riordan Programs. These Accenture professionals act as speakers, workshop presenters, and judges for events like the annual Stock Market Competition. They meet regularly with the Riordan Programs team to explore and enhance collaborative opportunities, continuously strengthening the pathway to the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program for Riordan Scholars.
From Intern to Full-Time Business Analyst: Success Stories
The success of the Accenture and Riordan Scholars Program partnership is vividly illustrated through the journeys of alumni who have transitioned from interns to full-time Business Analysts at Accenture. Emmanuel Ifediba, a consultant in Accenture’s health and public safety practice and a 2018 Riordan Scholars Program alumnus, is a prime example. Having also completed the Riordan MBA Fellows program, Ifediba credits the Riordan Programs and his Accenture internship with guiding him towards his successful career trajectory.
Image alt text: Riordan Scholar Assael Mendez Osuna, a UCLA graduate, set to join Accenture as a full-time Business Analyst, highlighting the career progression facilitated by the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program.
Another inspiring story is that of Isabel Barraza, a management consultant hired by Accenture full-time in 2023. Barraza, also a Riordan Scholars Program alumna, initially interned at Accenture on an internal GenAI project after being encouraged by Roxanne Mendez. Her internship experience not only solidified her interest in a business career but also paved the way for her current role, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program pathway.
UCLA undergraduate Assael Mendez Osuna, a Riordan Scholar since 2019, will join Accenture full-time as a management consultant analyst upon graduation. His internship, supervised by Accenture’s Sam White, provided him with invaluable mentorship and project experience in augmented reality. Mendez Osuna emphasizes that the internship was “pivotal” in developing key skills like analytical thinking and storytelling, skills directly applicable and highly valued within the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program.
Jonathan Cedillo, a 2023 Riordan Scholar, discovered his passion for business through his exposure to Accenture during the program. Initially interested in mechanical engineering, Cedillo’s internship at Accenture revealed the exciting intersection of business, engineering, and innovative technology. His internship experience, extended multiple times, solidified his decision to major in business and pursue a career in the field, directly aligning with the opportunities presented by the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program.
Image alt text: Jonathan Cedillo, a Riordan Scholar intern at Accenture, showcasing the practical experience gained through the internship program, essential for aspiring Accenture Business Analysts.
Skills and Development: What You Gain in the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program
The Accenture Business Analyst Career Program, especially through the Riordan Scholars partnership, is designed to equip individuals with a comprehensive skillset essential for success in the consulting industry and beyond. Interns and full-time analysts develop critical skills such as:
- Analytical Thinking: Interns are challenged to analyze complex business problems, develop data-driven solutions, and present their findings effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Working on real-world projects, participants learn to identify challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions, and implement effective strategies.
- Client Interaction: Internships provide exposure to client engagements, fostering communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills crucial for client-facing roles.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working in teams on projects, individuals learn to collaborate effectively, contribute to shared goals, and leverage diverse perspectives.
- Business Acumen: Exposure to various industries and business functions broadens participants’ understanding of business operations and strategic decision-making.
These skills are not only vital for excelling in the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program but also highly transferable and valuable across diverse professional fields.
Why Accenture’s Business Analyst Career Program Stands Out
Accenture’s Business Analyst Career Program, enriched by its partnership with the Riordan Scholars Program, offers a unique and compelling career launchpad. Accenture’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, exemplified by this partnership, creates a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals from all backgrounds. The company’s focus on continuous learning and development ensures that Business Analysts are constantly growing and expanding their expertise.
Furthermore, Accenture’s global reach and diverse project portfolio provide Business Analysts with unparalleled opportunities to work on impactful projects across various industries and technologies. This exposure, combined with strong mentorship and a collaborative culture, makes the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program an exceptional choice for ambitious individuals seeking a rewarding and challenging career.
Conclusion
The Accenture Business Analyst Career Program, in collaboration with the Riordan Scholars Program, represents a powerful combination of opportunity and talent development. This partnership not only provides a robust pathway for diverse students to launch successful careers as Business Analysts but also strengthens Accenture’s workforce with highly skilled and diverse professionals. For those seeking a dynamic, challenging, and impactful career in business, exploring the Accenture Business Analyst Career Program is a highly recommended first step. Discover how you can launch your career and make a difference with Accenture today.
