I began my career with Port Jackson Partners in 2003 as a
business analyst after completing a first class honours degree in
science (mathematics) and commerce (finance) at the University of
New South Wales. Given the focus of my degree I had always
assumed that I would work for an investment bank or fund manager.
It wasn't until my final year that I began to think broadly
about career options. After attending a career information
session I became drawn to the challenge and variety of consulting,
and the unique opportunities that Port Jackson Partners' business
model offered. Three elements in particular stood out: the
breadth and variety of the work; the attractions of a low-leverage
team structure; and the future opportunities that an apprenticeship
at Port Jackson Partners could create.
Breadth and variety of work
One of the enduring attractions of management consulting, and
Port Jackson Partners in particular, is the diversity of the work.
During my time with the firm I have been involved in solving
problems for clients in the retail, consumer goods, electricity,
resources and financial services sectors. These projects have
included major profit improvement programmes, mergers/acquisitions,
corporate and business unit strategy development, and regulatory
engagement processes. While this variety has made for a great
experience, of equal value has been the firm's focus on
establishing long-term, flexible relationships with clients.
Through these relationships I have been able to experience
first-hand the lasting impact of each of the projects on which I
have been involved.
Attractive team structure
From my first project at Port Jackson Partners the benefits of a
low-leverage team structure with high levels of senior involvement
were apparent. My initial engagement involved a small team of
three: a Director, a Principal and me, working directly for the CEO
of a major listed Australian company. While it was initially
daunting to interact directly with such experienced consultants and
to have such exposure to the decision-making processes of senior
business leaders, I found it ultimately to be a great way to
learn.
A transferable skill set
I have always had a desire to work and live abroad, an
aspiration that Port Jackson Partners recently helped me
realise.
After four years with the practice I had developed a robust
problem-solving tool set and a good grounding in how successful
organisations devise and implement strategy. I was keen to
apply these skills overseas and decided to take some time out to
pursue independent consulting opportunities in London. My
experience at Port Jackson Partners helped enormously, both by
'opening doors' and by providing a solid set of business skills.
I had an enjoyable and enriching experience in London, and,
when it was time to return home, my decision to continue my career
with Port Jackson Partners was an easy one to make.
Career highlights
| 2003 |
- Joined Port Jackson Partners as a business
analyst
- Assisted a large oil and gas player to
identify and pursue major profit improvement
opportunities
|
| 2004 |
- Helped devise a regional strategic plan for a
multinational consumer goods company
|
| 2005 |
- Made an Associate of the practice
- Worked with a large multinational to develop their
Australian regulatory engagement strategy
|
| 2006 |
- Assisted a major listed Australian company to defend and
grow profits in an increasingly challenging market
|
| 2007 |
- Left the firm to work as an independent consultant in
London
- Formulated the initial strategy for a newly-formed clean
energy business
|
| 2008 |
- Worked within the transactions (M&A) team of a
leading global commodities company
|
| 2010 |
- Returned to Australia and rejoined Port Jackson
Partners
- Helped an aspiring player in the Australian financial
services industry establish a plan for growth
- Assisted a global commodities business identify value
creating options for their Australian assets
- Made an Associate Principal of the practice
|
| 2011 |
- Helped a major listed Australian company lay the
foundations of its growth agenda for the next decade
|