What is the best thing about your job?
I would say the best thing about my job is the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and engagements. The Corporate Finance & Restructuring team at FTI offers a range of both restructuring and business transformation services. This has allowed me to work on formal restructuring matters, including voluntary administrations, court liquidations, and members’ voluntary liquidations, as well as assist on business transformation projects, such as providing cashflow management support to an external company. The breadth of work really keeps me on my toes and means no two days or engagements are the same. This exposure has enabled me to constantly learn, grow and develop my skill set.
I also really love the collaborative and team-based nature of the work we do. On all matters and engagements, we work closely with one another. This enables us to successfully meet project objectives and client needs, as each individual brings their own unique strengths and skills, also making for a valuable learning experience. It also helps that we have an awesome team, which makes coming to work every day lots of fun!
What has been challenging?
Adjusting to the learning curve was quite challenging initially, as there is a lot to learn and take in, in the first few weeks and months. Whilst there are new processes and procedures to become familiarised with, as a graduate, there is also a lot of industry-specific knowledge, concepts, and technical skills to take in, which can be quite overwhelming at times. However, this is expected as you start your full-time career, so it is important to remember that no one expects you to recall every detail, especially in the beginning. I would say the best thing you can do is take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if and when you have them. You aren’t expected to be an expert instantly!
Additionally, in the work we do, you are generally working concurrently on a few engagements. This is almost guaranteed in busy periods. Consequently, you will often be working under different managers. Initially, learning to prioritise competing tasks and projects can be difficult. I have learnt that the best thing to do is openly communicate with your managers, provide regular updates on your progress, and always advise them if you are struggling to meet deadlines as soon as possible.
Finally, for most graduates, it is also their first full-time job, which was the case for me. This can be an adjustment in itself. My advice would be to try and create a routine that works for you so that you are still able to put aside time for yourself, whether that be to go to the gym, or catch up with friends and family. Do what works for you, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to nail it straight away!
How do you make your own impact?
The team-based nature of the work we complete means I have been allocated specific roles on the engagements I have assisted on, which has allowed me to make significant contributions to different projects. This involvement has enabled me to experience matters from start to finish and see the meaningful impact and change we are able to create, which is highly satisfying and rewarding. Additionally, I feel as though you can make your own impact on a personal basis by having a willing attitude and desire to be involved in different opportunities, as this shows you are able to take initiative and have the desire to expose yourself to a wide variety of tasks. Ultimately, this also provides you with more experience and enables you to develop a broader skillset, which is highly valuable in progressing in your career.
What do you think of our Corporate Citizenship program (pro bono and volunteering opportunities)?
FTI has a strong Corporate Citizenship program, providing employees with a range of pro bono and volunteering opportunities. Whether this be offering volunteering days for various charities and organisations, matched donation benefits, the opportunity to be involved in FTI-led initiatives and committees such as the FTI Consulting’s Women’s Initiative Network (FTI WIN) and the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, as well as pro bono work. This enables employees to give back to the team as well as the wider community and really have a social impact.
Have you volunteered yourself, and if so, what did you do?
Yes, last year, I volunteered at the Salvation Army day, where some of the FTI team spent the day assisting at the StreetLevel Mission, a community centre in Sydney’s inner city. I was involved in sorting donations received and putting together Christmas hampers for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Some of my other colleagues assisted with preparing and serving lunch to members of the community and working on the coffee cart.
I am also going to be volunteering at the Big Kitchen Volunteer Day coming up in August, where I will help with the preparation of meals for distribution to a range of charities, shelters, and community centres in Sydney.
How has the Graduate Development Program supported you to own your career?
FTI has a great Graduate Development Program, providing graduates with a range of specific training sessions and opportunities to enhance their technical skills and knowledge. Some of the workshops offered to us this year have related to successful business writing, excel training, goal setting, time management, and developing professional presentation skills. Mandatory national training sessions are also offered to the entire team on a regular basis. This provides the opportunity for staff to enhance their technical knowledge, particularly in relation to formal insolvency and restructuring concepts. Additionally, the Coach and Orientation Advisor (buddy) system is extremely valuable in providing support and guidance both when you first begin and beyond. This really assisted me in settling in quickly and familiarising myself with the new systems and procedures as well as technical concepts and processes. FTI also encourage and support graduates to engage in further studies, such as the Chartered Accountants program, which I plan to start in the coming months.
What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?
My advice to current students interested in working for FTI Consulting would just be to give everything a go. You never know what type of work you may enjoy most, so take up every opportunity with an open mind. Working with different people will also provide you with the chance to consider diverse perspectives and ways of approaching tasks, which is extremely valuable. Finally, always have a willingness to learn and constantly improve, and ask questions, even if you think it is silly. It is so much better to ask than stress about being unsure.
What would you have liked to know prior to starting at FTI?
Don’t be concerned about having specific restructuring and insolvency knowledge or experience. You learn so much on the job and by being exposed to different engagements and projects, and FTI provide great support and guidance to assist you developing your knowledge. The most important thing is to have a good attitude, get involved in diverse matters when provided the opportunity, be willing to learn and definitely don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. You are not expected to know it all straight away!
The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, Inc., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals. FTI Consulting, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a consulting firm and is not a certified public accounting firm or a law firm. FTI Consulting is an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. FTI Consulting professionals, located in all major business centers throughout the world, work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and opportunities. Some services may be provided through FTI Capital Advisors (Australia) Pty Ltd AFSL # 504204. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation ©2023 FTI Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. www.fticonsulting.com