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We are not just consultants, but event’s organisers too!

This Blog was written by Leila Pritchard. Leila is a current member of the CDC graduate community.

A question I had before becoming a consultant was: how will I get to know my CDC colleagues if we are all working on different projects in different towns and cities?  Well I soon found out – CDC Events.  For 3 months I have been responsible for leading a small group of CDCers to plan the forthcoming events. 

Everyone meets up monthly for ‘Friday Night Fun’ (FNF) at an interesting bar close to the office, have a few drinks and of course a bit of fun!  We also have Dial Deborah where each month we can join a conference call and ask the CDC Management any questions on our mind.  But the most anticipated social event of the quarter is without doubt... the CDC Meeting!

The CDC Meeting is a half day away from client site where all CDCers get together for hours filled with useful presentations, trade shows and interactive discussions.  Then afterwards we hold a social event.

The event aims to fulfil the LIFE objectives – providing opportunities to learn, be informed, give feedback and be entertained.  A typical agenda looks something like this:

Picking out a few of the regular agenda items:

 View From the Bridge has the CDC Manager talk to us about how Capgemini Consulting is performing – key work we have won/carried out, utilisation and what we are focussing on going forward.

CDC Surgery is a time for CDCers to split off into small groups, without management present, and discuss any questions and concerns they have with other graduates who can offer their point of view and advice on the matter.

 Capability Unit/Sector Presentation sees representatives from one of Capgemini’s business areas come along and take a ‘deep dive’ into the type of work they do and their key clients.  CDCers who have worked with the unit/sector also present their success stories and experiences which is a great way to find out more and see how you can get involved.

CDC Awards recognise graduates for their achievement in project work, stream work and contribution to the graduate programme as a whole.  It’s always nice to feel that your hard work has been appreciated!

At the last meeting we also had Tom Blacksell, CEO of Capgemini Consulting, come and speak to us about the developments in Consulting globally; and Christine Hodgson, Chairman of Capgemini UK, updated us on changes in the structure of Capgemini UK as a whole.  This helped us gain a well rounded knowledge of what is happening globally and how the whole business fits together. 

As you can see, it is a jam packed day with lots of interesting sessions presented by a huge variety of speakers and most importantly CDCers having the opportunity to have their say.  Following the meeting, the Events Stream have even more fun planned with food and drinks at a local bar when CDCers can carry on networking and catching up with friends/colleagues.

 After a busy rotation of events it is time to handover to another CDCer who can bring some exciting new ideas to the table and present the next quarter of events.