Melissa Chan

After beginning my career in politics and media relations, it became clear to me that I wanted to challenge myself further by learning more about business. I was attracted to management consulting because unlike the media, consultants have the opportunity to assist business leaders make decisions with real and lasting impact. During my interviews at Port Jackson Partners, I was impressed with the calibre of the people I met and their rapid development as consultants. It was obvious from the start that PJP took an interest in their people and in facilitating their professional growth.

A constant learning experience

One of the great things about consulting is the opportunity to work with senior management on a diverse range of strategic problems. During my first few weeks at PJP, I assisted in finalising a work stream for a retail client and attended a presentation of the results to the board. This is not an unusual story at PJP and such unique and early exposure to clients is invaluable. While the work may be challenging at times, knowing that your clients value your input and that you can make a meaningful contribution is hugely rewarding.

Finding my feet in a supportive environment

Given my media background, working in consulting has been unlike anything I have ever done before - not least because it involves the use of Excel! Working at PJP, however, has been the perfect launch pad for this stage of my career.

It is an incredibly supportive environment where asking questions are expected, taking the initiative widely encouraged and feedback freely offered.

While we have more structured training sessions, I believe it's often through the more informal channels that I have developed most as a consultant. Being a relatively smaller firm, PJP operates with a fairly flat hierarchy. Partners are easily accessible and the constant feedback I have received both on my work and professional development has been extremely helpful.

PJP is also full of exceptionally bright and interesting people, many of whom I feel incredibly lucky to count as my friends. It's not uncommon to find us all hanging out after work hours or planning our next getaway!

A life outside work

Management consulting has a reputation for having some pretty tough working hours but I've found the partners at PJP make a concerted effort to ensure we have a good work/life balance. In general, my outside interests include a love of travelling and learning new languages. I also enjoy yoga, pretending to be a good runner, and almost anything and everything to do with food (mostly eating but sometimes cooking too). I am also passionate about the arts, particularly contemporary Australian and Aboriginal art, and in my spare time help out at a local art gallery and as a member of Contempo at the AGNSW.

Career highlights