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Ben Smith

Business Analyst

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I had a wonderful experience studying engineering and loved learning about and performing quant analysis. However, over time I began to realise I was also very interested in issues and fields outside engineering, and to think more about the 'big picture'. I was attracted to management consulting because it offered the opportunity to not only work across industries on challenging and important problems, but also to work with experienced business leaders. Within my first week, I met the CEO and the senior management team of my first client, which I continued to work with closely throughout the project.

Life at PJP

I love the variety I get in the day to day tasks and also in the content of work. Some days, I'll be meeting with or presenting to clients. Other days I'll be speaking with industry experts, brainstorming ideas with my team, or be knee deep in analysis... and some days I'll be doing all of these things!

During my time at PJP, I've had the opportunity to work across several sectors on vastly different topics. These experiences were enhanced in every case by working with a motivated and supportive team. I'm continually inspired and energised by being surrounded by a group of talented and accomplished peers.

Learning and development

Coming from an engineering background, I was initially worried about being behind the 'business acumen eightball'. The learning curve is certainly steep but PJP provided all of the tools and support for me to excel. While we've had several structured training days, the greatest learning opportunity has been the guidance and mentorship of my colleagues. I was attracted to PJP for the learning opportunities offered by the 'low leverage' consulting model and being able to work so closely with the partners has proven invaluable.

While I'm still shaping my long term career aspirations, the wide range of endeavours people at PJP have pursued (be it within the firm or elsewhere) gives me the confidence that it is the perfect place to launch my career.

Outside interests

I love to play basketball and I am also a keen snowboarder, having conquered mountains in both hemispheres. Outside of work, PJP'ers hang out quite frequently. I moved to Sydney to work at PJP not knowing many people here, and the instant social network work provided me made settling in very easy.

Career highlights

2006
  • Performed research for NASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration on ballistic shielding of aircraft engines
2007
  • Designed and launched a ramjet at the Woomera test facility, published and presented findings at an international engineering conference
2010
  • Worked as a researcher in the Organic Electronics Lab at Berkeley and published work on the fluid mechanics of printed microelectronics
2011
  • Started as a Business Analyst at PJPL
  • Helped a private health insurance company assess and prepare for potential legislative changes
  • Devised a pricing strategy for one of Australia's largest steel roll formers
  • Advised a large infrastructure investor on how to get better value for their infrastructure investment
2012
  • Co-authored and performed analytical work behind the publication,'Greener Pastures: The Global Soft Commodity Opportunity for Australia and New Zealand', commissioned by ANZ bank.

“I’m continually inspired and energised by being surrounded by a group of talented and accomplished peers”

BACKGROUND

  • Bachelor of Engineering: Mechanical and Aerospace (First Class Honours), University of Queensland
  • Emmanuel College Academic Prize
  • UQ Exchange Scholarship
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley