Ian Wang

I did not become aware of Management Consulting until the last year of university while studying Computer Science. Although the idea of solving business problems across many industries was very appealing to me, I was not ready to move into consulting at the time without having experienced the US High Tech industry. After spending two years with Microsoft in Seattle developing a brand new product, I was keen to tackle problems beyond a single industry and develop new skills. Having met and been very impressed with the Partners and Consultants at Port Jackson Partners prior to joining Microsoft, the choice was extremely easy for me.

Opportunities to deliver material impact for top-tier clients

I think the biggest differentiator at Port Jackson Partners is the ability to have material impact on Australian and multinational corporations through a highly agile and idea-intensive approach. While working with a major Australian utility company last year, I was able to contribute to the decision-making process on key issues at many levels of the organisation, including: pricing strategy over all retail products and services, integration strategy from a major business acquisition, and interstate entry and growth strategy. My involvement has ranged from one week to a few months, often working one-on-one with a Partner through the entire study.

A priceless development experience that is tailored to you

Having met some of the Partners prior to joining Microsoft in the US, PJPL was very supportive in me seeking opportunities appropriate to my own development goals. I was able to stay in regular contact and gain advice from a Director of the firm during my time overseas; he is now my development leader at PJP. I have been given numerous opportunities to stretch my capabilities through project work as well as gain additional tertiary education in Finance from UNSW. The diversity in development paths that consultants pursue through the support of PJPL is incredible and truly distinctive.

More than just high calibre people

People at PJPL are not only extremely high achieving but also very supportive and down-to-earth. From Business Analysts to Partners, there is a strong culture of teamwork, knowledge sharing and collegiality that is unlike any other organisation I've worked in.

During my first few weeks at work I was amazed at how many people offered to set time aside to help me and share their experiences.

While building my first valuation model, the Partner I was working with spent 2 hours teaching me accounting basics and giving me valuable tips after learning about my plan to read some accounting books. The people here are also fun and enjoy regular social activities together - its not often you find a work environment where everyone knows the names of each others' partners!

Outside interests

I am very passionate about innovation in technology and its ability to transform and improve society. Since my time in university, I have been involved in numerous online start-up projects (including an AI-driven news aggregation service) and founded a small interactive media company. I also have a strong interest in the arts and have invested much of my free time into design, photography and film-making. I am currently directing and producing a short film with a young and very talented film crew. I also love travelling and regularly play tennis, soccer and golf to stay 'fit'.

Career highlights

2008	Joined Microsoft in Seattle (USA) as Program Manager for Windows AppFabric
2010	Returned to Sydney and joined Port Jackson Partners Worked with a major Australian utility company on their growth, pricing and business integration strategies Assisted in the coordination of the PJP Website redevelopment project
2011	Promoted to Associate Helped formulate the global growth strategy for a multinational property and construction company Undertook a review of the global minor metals market to establish a financial and strategic valuation of a new business opportunity for a major global resources company Developed an overall strategic roadmap for the New Zealand business of a major Australasian building materials provider
2012	Co-authored and led the analytical work behind the publication, "Greener Pastures: The Global Soft Commodity Opportunity for Australia and New Zealand", commissioned by ANZ Bank.  The report was released in October 2012 and gained significant media coverage, including front page reporting on the Australian Financial Review. Led the strategic assessment of a potential new business opportunity for a major Australian telecommunications company
2013	Assisted a global integrated mining and metals company redefine the strategy for its high growth mining business, including its M&A strategy