Life at Deloitte - Ramon Ferraz - Annual Review 2008

Former intern on the fast track

For Spanish-born Ramon Ferraz, former intern extraordinaire of Deloitte Spain and Deloitte United States, living and working in other countries is a way of life. Although he admits to missing big Spanish lunches, Ramon is feeling nourished in his new life as a Deloitte UK consultant.

How would you describe your internship experience?
Where do you think your interest in working in other countries came from?
Favorite place?
Have you had mentors in your career?

How would you describe your internship experience?

I was given an incredible opportunity as a young person who had yet to demonstrate anything. They trusted me, and that created a link from me to the organization that has never disappeared.

Where do you think your interest in working in other countries came from?

When I was young, I’d go to different countries to learn languages and experience other cultures. My parents were not able to travel when they were young, so they wanted to give these kinds of opportunities to their children.

Favorite place?

I love New York, especially the culture in the New York office—everyone on my team from intern to principal would go to happy hour every Friday.

Have you had mentors in your career?

Yes, several. One of the things I’ve experienced at Deloitte is that it’s very easy to have a personal relationship with someone who is really senior—someone who helps you think about your career and can give you advice.

When's lunch?

London and Madrid may be only a thousand miles apart, but Ramon Ferraz found a world of difference between the two.

Ramon on…time in the office
At Deloitte Spain’s Madrid office, we worked longer hours—usually until 9:00 p.m.—but spent more time getting to know clients personally and going out to lunch. At Deloitte UK’s London office, we work fewer hours, but with less socializing during working hours.

Ramon on…working lunches
I was surprised to find that people in England eat lunch as early as 12:00 p.m.—and that it’s typically only a sandwich eaten at their laptops! That’s difficult to cope with when you’re used to healthy Mediterranean food. Fortunately, the respect and flexibility of English people allow you to make an exception from time to time to go for a “proper” lunch.

Ramon on…late-night dining
It’s been difficult to adjust—everyone here in the UK eats dinner at 6:00 p.m., but I still eat at 9:30 p.m. every day.

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Ramon's travels in 2008