Just three years ago, Yana Sharma was a Year 13 student applying for degree apprenticeships. Now the soon-to qualify management consultant is a perfect example of how courage and initiative can combine to provide the perfect career path.
In Year 12, when Yana was exploring Higher Education, she doubted university was the right path for her. Although she had considered Psychology and Neuroscience, nothing felt compelling enough to commit to years of study and the associated debt. A turning point came when she was encouraged to apply for work experience at global tech firm Cisco in Year 12. Despite not seeing herself in a technology career, Yana loved the placement – and Cisco soon offered her a Degree Apprenticeship.
This sparked her interest in exploring other apprenticeships, and she applied to several top accountancy companies, including EY and KPMG. But it was Accenture, the global technology consultancy, that stood out. After a highly competitive selection process – with 2000 applicants competing for just 15 places – Yana triumphed. “Getting my acceptance letter was one of the best days of my life,” she says.
She began her Degree Apprenticeship with Accenture in 2023, studying for a BSc in Organisational Management and Leadership at the University of East London while working four days a week at Accenture’s London office. Alongside the degree, she is also completing her Chartered Management qualification.
Now working as a Management Consultant, Yana has already contributed to major projects, including an AI Centre of Excellence for a global utility company. Her role involves understanding clients’ challenges, scoping AI solutions, assessing risks, and overseeing delivery. Project work has also taken her to Scotland, with potential assignments in Europe later this year.
Yana credits her time at Notre Dame, and particularly her public speaking experiences, for helping her thrive in client facing environments. “The great thing about the apprenticeship is that, despite your age and lack of real-world experience, you’re trusted from the very start,” she enthuses. “You do get thrown in at the deep end, but in the best way.” She completes her degree this spring and will continue building her career at Accenture, with ambitions to stay in the fast growing AI space. Reflecting on her journey, she says: “It’s intense, but if you’re organised and passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll thrive.”
Her path is a brilliant example of choosing the route that truly fits – and always being ready to embrace new opportunities.
