Sini Haara is an Engagement and Communications Lead in a Business Change team at Capgemini. She started her career at Capgemini in January 2017 and prior to this had worked as a public affairs consultant for three years and at the time was seeking new challenges.

Sini shares how much she has grown and developed at Capgemini and what life is like as a Consultant for such an exciting company.

Involved in interesting projects

All Sini's projects have been interesting and challenging. Her first project was in the financial services sector helping a project management office function. She then moved within the same client taking on a Business Analyst role, capitalising on her communication skills to advise the client on customer communications.

"I worked in a large Capgemini team, which was fantastic as it meant I had an strong support network and was able to learn so much about consulting," says Sini.

Thriving on challenges

Sini believes her current role is both her most challenging and her favourite. She supports a large-scale IT system rollout and is able to work with a wide range of future users across the business and its supply chain. Her team is the outside face of the system, so her greatest challenge has been getting enough of a technical understanding of the new system and the current processes and systems it will replace so she can answer user questions.

"My favourite part about Capgemini has been my ability to drive my own development both through client work and internal projects – that and the people. The people here are so approachable and knowledgeable, and I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve worked with," explains Sini.

Day-to-day life at Capgemini

Sini shares what her day-to-day life is like at Capgemini.

Monday morning, she gets up early, completes packing and travels for two hours to her client’s office. When she gets to the office she normally looks for a desk.

"Hot desking can be frustrating," adds Sini, "but it’s been a great way to get to know people."

Sini is part of the change management work stream of a large-scale IT rollout, which means her days vary a lot. Her routine can include many meetings with client subject matter experts, facilitating workshops and key user forums, creating communications and managing Capgemini's communications and engagement plan.

She says: "I usually finish around 6pm after which I head to the hotel to unwind. Mondays our team tends to reserve for ourselves, so I like to hit the hotel gym, order my food and catch up with some life admin."

Sini's role at Capgemini has also included a lot of travel, such as a day trip to Edinburgh and Bristol.

"I’ve had quite a bit of variety in terms of where I’ve been based on project," says Sini. "I think my favourite location so far has been Les Fontaines, where I did the Consulting Skills Workshop in February 2017, soon after I joined Capgemini."

Highlights of her career

Sini's current role is the highlight of her career so far. She began in a supporting role but has been able to widen the scope of the work that she's responsible for and is trusted to drive Capgemini's communications and engagement approach on her own.

"It’s been a steep learning curve, as it’s an extremely challenging project from a change management perspective, but I’ve received excellent client feedback particularly on my work on engaging key users effectively and improving our communications," adds Sini.

"The other key highlight has been working with our Utilities leadership to improve our sector community," continues Sini. "The fact that I’m a graduate has never held me back from leading initiatives and working with some of the most senior people in our company, who are always willing to support and coach you to launch valuable new initiatives."

A healthy work/life balance

Outside of work, Sini likes to cycle. She first took on road cycling the year before she joined Capgemini.

"I’m not much of a risk taker so it was definitely outside my comfort zone to cycle at high speeds with cars and trucks whizzing past. I love it now though," says Sini.

"Last year I did the Palace to Palace event with Capgemini, cycling 45 miles from Buckingham to Windsor. It was my first ever charity event. This year I’m doing the Ultra and cycling 90 miles, so I’m doing my best to prepare for that. The rest of my free time is spent wedding planning!"

Join talented women like Sini at Capgemini

With an inclusive focus, Capgemini actively encourages and supports women at all levels throughout the company. If you feel you have something to offer to the team, then search and apply for current job vacancies without delay.

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