We had the privilege of sitting down with Kate Abrey, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to discuss her career journey, the support she has received, and her insights into the future of technology careers in the public sector.
Q: Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current leadership role at Deloitte?
Kate Abrey: Absolutely! My career journey has been diverse and fulfilling. As a student, I studied at Georgetown, where I focused on international history with the intention of becoming a lawyer. I then went to the London School of Economics, focusing on issues in Algeria and the Middle East. My career took a turn when I was in the UK to help long-term unemployed individuals get back to work. This experience was incredibly rewarding and laid the foundation for my consulting career.
In 2007, I joined a major consulting firm in Washington, DC, working primarily in their federal business. Initially, I had little knowledge of technology, but I quickly learned and grew within the company. I worked across various domains, from data centers to human capital, and even AI. My ability to connect with clients and teams became my superpower, leading me to significant leadership roles.
After a brief stint at a startup, I joined Deloitte, where I currently lead our intelligence and justice business. Deloitte has been an amazing place to work, offering me the chance to tackle challenging problems and continuously grow in my career.
Q: How has Deloitte supported your career journey?
Kate Abrey: Deloitte has been incredibly supportive throughout my career. I am often presented with new challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work exciting and fulfilling. My colleagues are supportive, and the environment encourages collaboration and innovation. As a working mom of a four-year-old, Deloitte’s focus on well-being offers the flexibility to balance my professional and personal life.
Q: What are the most significant trends you see shaping the future of technology careers in the public sector?
Kate Abrey: While Generative AI is a hot topic, I believe there is still much to be done with foundational technologies. Many clients in the cleared arena are working to implement and optimize SaaS tools. Additionally, there is a need to help clients in cleared environments move technology from low to high-side environments effectively. This can empower them to take advantage of the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the skills available in the market.
Q: What skills and qualities do you believe help lead to success in this industry, and specifically at Deloitte?
Kate Abrey: Surprisingly, some of the softer skills are just as important, if not more so, than specific technology certifications. A genuine curiosity about technology and our clients’ work is critical. Excellent listening skills and the ability to be nimble and adapt are also important. A foundational understanding of technology, combined with these softer skills, can help one find success at Deloitte.
Q: What advice do you have for professionals looking to excel in their tech career in the public sector?
Kate Abrey: My advice is to reinvent yourself every few years by adding new skills and put the client and their outcomes first. Doing these things can help make a difference in your career. Additionally, maintaining a mission-focused mindset is crucial. Working with clients in the government space allows us to provide insights that can help our citizens and families, which is incredibly inspiring.
Q: Why is Deloitte a leading place for cleared talent, specifically those focused on engineering and technology?
Kate Abrey: There are countless reasons! Our clients trust us to help with their most challenging problems. Deloitte offers a variety of diverse career paths, allowing you to explore and choose from many different opportunities. The culture at Deloitte is second to none, with team members at various levels working together for mutual success. We aim to support each other through tough times and celebrate each other’s achievements.
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Deloitte is committed to supporting professionals in technology, providing them the platform to excel and innovate. With them, you can work on the challenges that will shape the future. In a technology role at Deloitte, you’ll be part of an innovative team that applies a product-centered approach, modern engineering principles, and deep industry experience. From helping combat critical security threats to delivering large-scale integrated systems, you’ll work on some of the most interesting challenges facing the world today.
More about Kate Abrey
Kate Abrey is a Principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Intelligence Community and Justice (IC&J) Subsector Leader in the Deloitte Government and Public Services (GPS) practice. Prior to Deloitte, Kate was an executive and built businesses from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and has her Master of Arts from London School of Economics and Political Science, with an emphasis on international relations in the Middle East. Always on the go, you can find Kate cycling to her various offices and meetings or running the trails in the DMV area.
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