What I did

During my internship, I was tasked with managing communication between the client and development teams, preparing presentation materials, and learning about ERP systems like SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Fusion. The internship provided me with insights into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), as well as the project phases of pre-kickoff, requirements gathering, and system demonstration.

I faced several challenges, including improving my technical knowledge of ERP systems, learning industry-specific terminology, and effective presentation techniques. Through close collaboration with my supervisor and colleagues, I was able to enhance my minute-taking, presentation skills, and overall project coordination.

This internship has reinforced the importance of soft skills such as attention to detail, discipline, and team alignment, in addition to technical skills in process flow creation, automation using PowerShell, and understanding ERP systems. My experience has not only improved my practical abilities but also provided me with a deeper understanding of client needs and how to successfully manage projects in a professional consulting environment.

Powershell

I used Powershell to automate the creation of Microsoft Word documents. By automating the creation of multiple files from templates, I improved my efficiency in handling project documentation. This automation skill can be applied in future projects to streamline repetitive tasks.

Active Directory

In terms of project setup and communication management, I played a key role in setting up the project communication framework. I created distribution lists using Active Directory to give semantic meaning to different groups and their roles within the project. With a large number of developers joining the project, it became difficult to track which team members belonged to which group, so consolidating these lists streamlined communication. We also used Microsoft Teams for team management, and I noticed the high standards for file naming and project directory structures, which were more stringent than what I was used to. This experience emphasized the need for a balanced and organized project management system. I plan to apply these lessons to my future projects, especially in my capstone project.

Presentation of Knowledge

In consulting, the attention to detail required for these presentations was much higher than what I had previously encountered. I was asked to ensure that shapes were aligned, circles were perfectly round, and overall design elements were consistent. While these details seemed minor at first, I came to appreciate how they reflected the discipline and professionalism of the team. Later in the internship, I was introduced to Microsoft Visio to create Process Flow diagrams for the client’s new processes. I found this an efficient method of presenting complex information, as it clearly identified the process owners and steps involved. This logical flow reminded me of programming concepts from my Elements of Software Construction module. Furthermore, Accenture’s implementation of a “process taxonomy,” which breaks down processes into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, helped me understand how to think of processes hierarchically and ensure consistent terminology across the client and developer teams.

Conclusion

My internship at Accenture has been an incredibly valuable learning experience, providing me with both technical skills and professional insights that will guide my future career. Working within the Project Management Office exposed me to the intricacies of project coordination, client interaction, and process management. The opportunity to deepen my knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Fusion, allowed me to gain a greater understanding of how technology integrates with finance and accounting processes to deliver effective client solutions.

Beyond technical skills, the importance of attention to detail, discipline, and team alignment became clear through my interactions with my team and clients. The experience taught me that successful consulting is not only about mastering technology but also about how we present knowledge, communicate effectively, and align diverse teams toward a common goal.

Throughout my internship at Accenture, I gained valuable insights into the fields of tech consulting and project management. I developed a deeper understanding of how to balance technical expertise with client-facing skills, ensuring that communication, collaboration, and attention to detail play pivotal roles in project success.

The lessons I have learned, from managing project workflows and aligning teams to presenting technical knowledge in a clear and structured way, will be highly beneficial as I move forward in my academic journey and future professional projects. This experience has equipped me with practical tools and a mindset that will be applicable in a wide range of contexts, both inside and outside the classroom.