Controls Advisory Summer Vacation Scheme Review

My Summer Vacation Scheme at Deloitte gave me the opportunity to contribute to client engagements, support internal initiatives and develop both my technical and professional skills.
My day-to-day work varied depending on the project and business priorities. I completed four SOX testing workpapers focused on Power BI IUC controls, which involved reviewing evidence, documenting findings and developing an understanding of controls testing and audit methodologies. I also supported aspects of onboarding for a new team member and gained a broader understanding of IT-dependent controls.
I've also worked on the agentic automation of a credit limit change process. My work included mapping workflows, defining success criteria, developing approval roadmaps across regions and entities, supporting client presentations and contributing to the design and build of an AI-enabled solution.
Alongside project delivery, I shadowed a partner on a client engagement, supported business development activities, contributed to the Controls Advisory newsletter, helped prepare content for junior talent initiatives and participated in an AI workshop. I also invested heavily in my development through training courses, networking coffee chats, volunteering, presenting at the Controls Advisory All Hands and supporting team initiatives. These experiences gave me valuable insight into consulting, stakeholder management and the role of technology in business transformation.

Yes, I was given a meaningful level of responsibility throughout my placement. Rather than observing from the sidelines, I was trusted to contribute to both client work and internal initiatives from an early stage. On client projects, I took ownership of deliverables, including completing SOX testing workpapers and supporting the development of an AI-enabled solution for a business process transformation project.
I was also encouraged to get involved beyond project delivery by supporting business development activities, contributing to the Controls Advisory newsletter, helping prepare materials for junior talent initiatives, and presenting at the Controls Advisory All Hands meeting. In addition, I had opportunities to shadow senior leaders, attend client workshops, and build relationships across the firm through networking and volunteering activities.
While there was always support available when needed, I was trusted to manage my workload, take initiative and contribute ideas, which helped me develop confidence and gain a realistic insight into consulting.

Yes, the internship helped me develop a range of new technical and professional skills. From a technical perspective, I gained hands-on experience in SOX controls testing, evidence review and audit documentation. I also developed my understanding of AI and agentic workflows by contributing to the automation of a credit limit change process, including process mapping, defining success criteria and supporting the development of an AI-enabled solution.
I also strengthened several transferable skills. Working across different projects improved my communication and presentation abilities, particularly when engaging with team members and supporting client-facing discussions. Through networking, volunteering, shadowing senior leaders and participating in firmwide initiatives, I developed greater confidence in building relationships, asking questions and working with stakeholders at different levels.
Perhaps the biggest area of development was my understanding of consulting. I learned how to approach unfamiliar problems, manage competing priorities and take ownership of my work while collaborating effectively within a team.

I received a great deal of support throughout my placement. From day one, I had access to a People Leader, project managers, mentors and team members who were always willing to answer questions and provide guidance. This support gave me the confidence to take on new challenges while continuing to learn and develop.
At the same time, I was encouraged to work independently and take ownership of my tasks. Regular check-ins, feedback conversations and networking opportunities helped me understand both the technical aspects of my work and the wider consulting environment. The approachable and collaborative culture made it easy to seek support whenever needed while still being trusted with meaningful responsibilities.

The company culture was one of the most positive aspects of my placement. Everyone I worked with was approachable, supportive and willing to make time for questions, regardless of their grade or seniority. I found that people genuinely wanted interns to succeed and actively encouraged us to get involved in projects, networking opportunities and firm initiatives.
The atmosphere was collaborative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous learning. Through experiences such as shadowing a client workshop, I saw how colleagues openly shared ideas, challenged one another constructively and worked together to solve problems. I also appreciated the balance between professional development and social activities, whether through coffee chats, volunteering, team events or learning sessions. Overall, it was a welcoming environment where I felt valued, supported and comfortable taking on new challenges.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. The variety of work meant that no two weeks were the same, allowing me to gain exposure to client projects, AI and automation, internal initiatives, volunteering and business development activities.
One of the highlights was working with supportive colleagues across different grades and having the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while continuing to learn. I particularly enjoyed the combination of technical challenges, networking opportunities and exposure to senior leaders through activities such as client workshop shadowing and coffee chats.
Overall, the placement exceeded my expectations. It strengthened my interest in consulting, helped me develop valuable skills and gave me a much clearer understanding of the type of career I would like to pursue in the future.

Yes