Dipika
Audit & Assurance, Deloitte
When Dipika became a mum, she was only just finishing her studies. Since joining Audit and Assurance on a graduate scheme, she has learnt to balance parenthood alongside launching her career. We speak to her about her challenges and successes.
Dipika was able to spend time with her young daughter before applying for the Deloitte graduate programme, which was recommended by a friend.
“It seemed like there was a great work/life balance which was important to me as a new mum, and the teams were friendly,” she shares.
Supportive environment
Although none of her peers had young children when she joined, she found that everyone was extremely supportive and understanding of their different lifestyles. Dipika had additional support from one of her directors, who’d recently had a baby as well.
“My team has always been really supportive and encouraged me to ask for help when I need it,” she adds.
Everyone was extremely supportive and understanding of their different lifestyles.
Due to Deloitte’s flexible working policies, Dipika is able to work from home when she needs to and manage her work around school pick-up times.
“I am definitely getting into the swing of it now, and working in such a flexible environment has really helped. If I need to log off and finish something later, it’s never a problem.”
Growing career
Dipika has already had three promotions since joining the firm and now works as an assistant manager in analytics and modelling.
While she says many people believe that careers in Audit and Assurance are rigid and specific, she’s found the opposite to be true. “In reality, there are so many different teams and lots of room for creativity.” As well as working hard at her day job, Dipika is a diversity and inclusion representative.
As a woman working in the sector, Dipika highly recommends it, because as well as providing an inclusive culture, she’s also had all the training she needs.
She concludes: “I feel as though I’m supported here to develop my career in the way that feels best suited to me. Now that I’ve settled into life as a working parent, I am really getting into my stride.”