I Got Hired: Associate in IT Audit at Deloitte

Posted on: 13 April 2023 by Samantha Riella in Graduate stories

Sophie Stringer is a BSc Actuarial Mathematics graduate now working as an Associate in IT Audit at Deloitte.

How did you get to where you are now?

While completing my degree, I followed the typical pattern of applying to as many grad schemes are possible. I was interested in accounting and audit through modules I had taken, and experiences in part time jobs. I was initially applying to financial audit roles but came across the IT Audit department on the Deloitte website, this intrigued me as IT is a developing industry and poses different challenges in the audit environment.

My journey to a Big 4 firm is quite bizarre! I started by completing my undergraduate degree in Actuarial Mathematics, though I really enjoyed the content and theory, I was not ready to enter that industry. As I completed my degree during the pandemic, I became interested in the statistics produced so pursued a Master's degree in Health Data Science, where I became conflicted on whether to pursue further research or a grad scheme so applied to both! After progressing through interviews, I realised that a career in IT Audit combined all of my interests so finally landed in this role!

What has been your best experience as part of your role?

Coming out of the pandemic, my favourite experience has been travelling to London for the graduate induction! It was an amazing experience where 500 grads got to network and socialise, I met people from different service lines and offices to help build a string graduate community in the firm.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?   

The most challenging part has been the steep learning curve of technical knowledge, there are so many systems being used and getting to grips with them has been challenging, but everyone is willing to help explain things! The team's experiences and knowledge are so valuable, and they are always willing to share.

What are your top tips for other students and graduates?

1. It's okay to ask for help! Reaching out when feeling overwhelmed is so important - managers/ lecturers want you to succeed! So having an honest chat about your workload can be very beneficial.

2. Have hobbies/interests that are outside of work/study - go out for food, get involved with a sports club, it's important to have other things going on!

3. It is more important to integrate with your new team than produce amazing work straight away - going for a coffee with a colleague to discuss an issue will teach you more than staring at a computer screen while stuck on a problem.