What it does: Consulting, technology and digital transformation services
Staff stats: 350,000 across more than 50 countries
The good bits: Ethical and supportive corporate culture
The not so good bits: Steering your own career and being thrown in the deep end
Hiring grads with degrees in: Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies; Sciences.
The Capgemini story
France might not be the first country to spring to mind when tech companies are mentioned. Nonetheless, Capgemini is one of the world’s oldest and most successful IT multinationals.
Half a century ago, at age 33, Serge Kampf quit his job with a computer manufacturer in the small French city of Grenoble. He then created the kind of business that didn’t yet exist – an IT service provider that combined technical and organisational consulting with a strong customer focus. Kampf called his business Sogeti (Société pour la Gestion de l'Entreprise et le Traitement de l'Information). The times were right for a venture offering IT outsourcing and consulting, which allowed businesses to be less dependent on IT manufacturers, and Kampf’s creation enjoyed strong organic growth in its early years.
It then acquired a European competitor called CAP in 1973 and the New York-based Gemini Computers Systems in 1974. The business went through several rebrands, eventually adopting the name Capgemini in 1996. It currently has a presence throughout North and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Paris, Capgemini is structured around its four main offerings. These are consulting - strategy and transformation, technology and engineering services, application services and managed services. While it has a range of clients, it specialises in assisting public sector organisations and companies working in the financial services, retail, manufacturing telecommunications and utility industries. In 2018, Capgemini had annual revenues of €13.2 billion (AUD$21.3 billion).
The culture
Capgemini’s workforce includes people from 120 nationalities who speak more than 100 languages. Like most tech companies, Capgemini believes diversity sparks innovation and allows it to better service a global marketplace. As well as ticking the boxes with gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity and age, Capgemini also aims to recruit those with diverse life experiences, personalities and working styles. Capgemini has a ‘Global Charter for Diversity’. It seeks to ensure individuals from different backgrounds are recruited then enjoy a respectful and fair work environment free from unlawful discrimination, bullying or harassment.
Social contribution
Capgemini aims to reduce the impact it has on the natural environment through its energy usage, business travel and waste generation. It has introduced initiatives to “raise employee awareness on critical issues in sustainable development”. Capgemini aspires to have a positive impact on the communities in which it operates. It has a long history of partnering with charities, NGOs and community organisations, particularly to promote digital inclusion and education. Capgemini provides backing to PlaNet Finance. (This organisation provides microfinance to some the world’s poorest individuals.) Staff are encouraged to participate in community development efforts.
The vibe of the place
Capgemini has won innumerable awards for its ethical behaviour, commitment to diversity and passion for environmental responsibility. It’s an employer you can feel proud to work for and most staff do. Given the size of the organisation, some bureaucracy and inter-departmental rivalry are inevitable. Nonetheless, most staff enjoy the work they do and have good relationships with the members of their team.
The Recruitment Process
Capgemini accepts applicants from a range of disciplines if they have been strong academic performers (i.e. maintained a distinction average or better). They also need communication skills, the ability to analyse problems and come up with innovative solutions, a strong commitment to professional development and the ability to create and maintain successful relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers. In short, Capgemini is in the market for “hardworking, flexible, upbeat people with leadership potential”.
Grads can find themselves working in a variety of areas. But they will typically be placed in the business and technology consulting, business information management, or technology departments. The grad program runs for one year and involves training in both role-specific technical and soft skills. Grads have access to external certification programs, Capgemini’s internal learning and development resources and membership of the Australian Computer Society. They also receive mentoring, plentiful networking opportunities and the chance to work on projects that will enhance their capabilities and confidence. The grad program takes place at Capgemini’s Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Brisbane offices. Please note that grads also have the ability to work from home.
Step 1: Application assessment
We will review your profile through checking your academic results, previous work experience and any extracurricular activities you have undertaken, your motivation for joining us (which should be included in your covering letter), and what area you are interested to work in.
Step 2: Interviews
Successful applicants will be invited to attend up to two interviews, which will be held via video conference. Don’t be surprised if one of our recruitment super stars reaches out to you for a chat - something interesting may catch our eye on your cv, and we may want to discuss.
Step 3: Final interviews
Successful candidates from the first interview will be invited to a final round of interviews with business leaders. Selections will be made from these interviews and we will proceed to offer and conduct pre-employment screening. You will then be all set to join our amazing graduate program!
Career prospects
Capgemini is committed to “fair performance management”, meaning you will progress based on what you do and how you do it. You’ll be well supported in planning your career progression. You will also have plenty of opportunities to discuss your performance and upcoming opportunities with your manager. If you wish to broaden your skillset, the business has comprehensive learning and development resources. These include e-learning and on-campus training modules offered by Capgemini University.
Remuneration
Capgemini offers a “competitive remuneration package”. Packages vary but you can expect to start on $65,000 - $75,000 and be able to crack six figures after a few years of strong performance. If you’re keen to work overseas, Capgemini has 300 offices dotted across most of the developed world.