“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Just curious, and this is a longshot, but what info did you find about this role? Did you end up going into CDTS at Accenture? I'm curious because I have an interview with them for the same role and can't seem to find a whole lot about it outside of skimming linkedin profiles. Thanks!
Also interested if either of you have feedback
I might be able to help, what questions do you have?
Any insight would be appreciated because they want me to fly in for a final round office interview on my own dime. I've only had an HR screen that provided vague details about the role. I want to know if this is a typical Corp Dev role or not. I'd also appreciate any other info on the role or pay. Just not trying to waste my time or money flying out to interview.
-
I have a 2nd round interview coming up this week for CDTS Analyst, 3hrs, 1st hour is day in the life talking with current CDTS Analysts. Then it's a case interview involving Excel and a 5-10 minute presentation to the hiring manager. Final round would be an interview with a partner.
Like the OP I wasn't able to find much information online besides LinkedIn profiles so I'd appreciate any information on the role, scope of work, salary range, interview advice or suggestions?
Thanks for your time.
hey can you provide more information about your experience? I have an interview coming up and i want to learn more about the position. What is the career path for somebody that starts in that role? Does it involve traveling? Does it provide a lot of opportunities to learn and grow? Any information you can share would be great
hi! how was your case interview? what questions did they ask/ any tips to best prepare?
Can anyone provide any more information? Currently have a B4 audit offer on the table but this looks like a better entry level.
Does anyone have information on what the case study/presentation entails? and/or an example? thanks!
Will be coming up on my second year at Accenture Corp Dev - happy to answer any questions about the interview process/role
..
Hi. Would love to talk to you about the interview especially the excel case study !
I would also love some insight on the excel case study for the CDTS analyst role with Accenture. Or any other advice for their superday.
Hey guys sorry for the late reply! PM me for more info happy to chat
Hello, not sure how to PM you. But really appreciate if you can share some interview case study experience of this role. I have super day interview 2 days later. Thank you so much!
-
bump
Hey all, I am a former CDTS analyst and just wanted to warn you all about this role. It is NOT the traditional Corporate Development internal M&A work at all. You will only get full time opportunities to rotate to the M&A side of Accenture after ~ 2 years and even then you will only get to work there for ~6 months unless you are god-tier. After that rotation you will be thrown back into the "core" work for analysts.
The core analyst work is beyond shitty and you are highly replaceable. The work is in Corporate Functions and you are essentially pricing consulting deals the Accenture sells to clients. You spend most of your time updating excel models with predetermined information (i.e. data entry) with 0 exposure to clients and very very little exposure to higher management. Salary is $60k (depending on location could be $65k) and overtime bonus is anywhere from 10%-20% on top of that.
Happy to provide more insight, but I would AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS unless you are desperate for income. Even the specific role experiences are barely transferable to other jobs. Hope this helps
Thank you for that information! However I am desperate for income and I was hoping someone would describe the case portion and what it was like.
Architecto maiores quia nemo dolores facilis porro. Veritatis possimus ut modi at.
Itaque eos debitis doloribus deleniti ut consequuntur illo provident. Eaque fugiat nobis cupiditate ducimus ut hic optio. Rem tempore necessitatibus sed temporibus voluptatem. Dolor neque accusantium eum doloribus dolor modi.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Sint cumque voluptatem dolor rerum. Neque voluptatum id at quisquam consequatur. Est at beatae qui explicabo autem sequi labore. Quod laboriosam non error molestiae voluptatem nihil et. Animi aspernatur ut sint aut omnis fugit. Perferendis omnis enim optio quia voluptatem ducimus.