By Laci Loftin, Houston
The hit TV show “The Office” is a great portrayal of what an office environment should not be like. A glimpse of the life of a Protiviti consultant through a comparison of Protiviti verses “The Office”…
Differences:
• No Desk Job: Each engagement will be a new and unique experience. Engagements could include performing internal audits, SOX testing, or participating in the implementation of a new payroll process. Do not worry; you will not have to do the same kind of work in the same desk every day, like sell Dunder Mifflin paper.
• Likeable Boss: Even though you will most likely have a senior and/or a manager working with you on a project, you should never encounter a jokester of a boss like Michael Scott. Your senior and manager are there to help you, not to belittle and patronize like Dwight Schrute. At Protiviti every team member has the same opportunity for participation despite their title. (i.e. Assistant to the Regional Manager).
• Protiviti puts the Pro in Professionalism: “The Office” does not promote a very professional atmosphere from Dwight’s inappropriate out bursts about Beets and Beers to Jim’s practical jokes, “The Office” is not a place of professionalism. Protiviti on the other hand exudes professionalism and with every client or engagement Protiviti takes pride in executing work with “powerful insight and proven delivery”.
Similarities:
• Dress to impress: Business casual attire is appropriate at most clients, but please keep the short-sleeved button-ups at home (something Dwight refuses to do).
• People: Like “The Office” you will be working with colleagues and clients with different educational back grounds: Like Angela in Accounting, Andy in Sales, and Toby in HR.
• Culture: Protiviti has a lively, friendly culture. We have quarterly Town Hall meetings that are always followed by a social. We also have holiday parties that are similar to “The Dundies” minus the embarrassing awards of course.
• Client Relationships: Building a strong relationship with your client is key to a successful engagement. Even though we do not have the golden ticket contest (Willy Wonka), Protiviti strives to gain rapport with every client through building strong professional relationships.
Michael Scott: The most sacred thing I do is care. And provide for my workers, my family. I give them money. I give them food. Not directly, but through the money. I heal them. Today I am in charge of picking a great new healthcare plan. Right, that’s what this is all about. Does that make me their doctor? Um…yes. In a way. Yeah, like a specialist.
