Deloitte: Mentor Spotlight
Collegiate Women in Business (CWIB) would not be the organization it is today without the amazing support we get from companies year in and year out! In today’s article, we will be highlighting Deloitte. Not only does Deloitte support CWIB, but they are also the number one recruiter of students at Virginia Tech. Let’s dive in and get an inside look at what Deloitte is all about!
Two of CWIB’s founders, Shannon Cabrey and Catie Kidwell, have been working at Deloitte since graduating in 2016. Photo credit: Shannon Cabrey
To get started, CWIB reached out to Marilyn Aliaga and asked her about the company culture of Deloitte and the different programs offered to personnel.
1. What is your role, and how did you find yourself at Deloitte Global?
“I am currently a Senior Business Program Specialist at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“Deloitte Global”) and support the Deloitte Global Talent Acquisition team, specializing in Strategy and Operations. Prior to joining Deloitte Global, I worked at Deloitte Consulting LLP, where I supported the Human Capital Consulting practice and spent a couple of years in the Deloitte & Touche LLP Technology Risk Advisory practice as well. I actually interned with Deloitte & Touche during the summer following my junior year at VT and have been with one Deloitte entity or another ever since!”
2. Deloitte’s stated purpose is “to make an impact that matters.” How has a company culture been fostered where people feel like they matter?
“Personally, during my second year with Deloitte & Touche LLP, my colleague and I had an idea for an event that involved asking some our lead female partners to share their backgrounds/stories with younger female practitioners to elaborate on how they got to where they are in their careers. We had the opportunity to pitch the idea to one of our female partner sponsors and soon enough we made the “Letters to My Younger Self” Washington, D.C. event a reality – we had ~75 of our Greater Washington Area practitioners join and hear four female partners read personal letters that they wrote to themselves, where they detailed their setbacks, achievements, and overall advice. It is an awesome feeling to be at an organization where I was able to experience first-hand the investment and support from our leaders, to offer practitioners at every level.”
3. Can you touch on Deloitte’s Leadership Development programs and how you have grown as a leader during your time with Deloitte?
“During my first year at Deloitte & Touche LLP, I looked up to my older team members for guidance and help, but very quickly learned that I was expected to teach and guide interns and younger staff as I progressed in my career. My team leaders have continuously provided me with opportunities to push myself out of my comfort zone through leading client meetings and managing workstreams, but they’ve always been there to support me whenever I’ve needed the help or honest feedback.”
CWIB member, Sara Khorramshahgol, interned at Deloitte this past summer! Photo credit: Sara Khorramshahgol
Next, we asked Kristy Laughlin to speak on her role at Deloitte & Touche LLP and how the company practices corporate social responsibility.
4. What is your role within the company and how did you find yourself at Deloitte?
“I am a Senior Manager in Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Risk and Financial Advisory practice out of the Arlington, Virginia office. I found myself at Deloitte as a student at Virginia Tech, much like how many of you may find your first job! I was an Executive Officer of Pamplin’s “Information Systems Society” at the time, and we invited employers to speak to our student members once a month in Pamplin to explain the various career paths available. Deloitte came to present to us one month and I was instantly drawn to the culture and people within the organization, as well as the leadership opportunities available. I was selected to attend the Deloitte National Leadership Conference that summer and learned more about Deloitte and what types of services Deloitte provides to clients. The following summer, I participated in the internship program and then started full time after graduating from Virginia Tech.”
5. The Chief Inclusion Officer speaks of “tone at the top” and how important setting an example from higher leadership is when fostering an inclusive work environment. Have you felt or seen the effects of this trickle-down method?
“As a Senior Manager, I have witnessed Deloitte leadership emphasizing how critical it is for us to foster team environments where everyone on the team feels that they can connect, belong, and grow. I’ve seen the effects of this when I am in meetings with Deloitte leaders, and they make sure to call on everyone at the table to share their thoughts during meetings, regardless of their career level or background, and treat them with the same degree of respect.”
6. Corporate Citizenship is important to your company – what opportunities have you been presented with to give back?
“This started for me on day one at Deloitte, when I was at the Deloitte National Leadership Conference as a sophomore at Virginia Tech. During the conference, we dedicated an afternoon to working at a local food bank where 500 Deloitte leadership participants like myself volunteered in packing food kits for families in need. As an intern and throughout my career as a full-time employee, I have participated in Deloitte’s annual “Impact Day” where all Deloitte people spend a full day away from the office and out in the community helping others.
Deloitte has also supported me giving back as a Board Member at Virginia Tech, serving as the Vice Chair of the Pamplin Recent Alumni Board (RAB) and as a member of the Accounting and Information Systems (ACIS) Emerging Leaders Board (ELB).”
Virginia Tech students are incredibly lucky to have a successful and passionate alumni network that is willing to share their stories with us. We would like to thank Deloitte for its continued support of CWIB and our mission of empowering, preparing, and connecting our members. A special thank you to Marilyn and Kristy for taking the time to share their experiences with us!
CWIB’s Chief Technology Officer, Kinsey Donovan, also interned with Deloitte this summer. Here is a picture of her at Impact Day. Photo credit: Kinsey Donovan
About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.
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