Amy Dalton

Consultant
Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University

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

Kevin McCartney

Consultant
Bachelor of Economics at The University of Queensland (UQ)

What is the best thing about your job?

I think the industry exposure – FTI has a great name in the market and has attracted some big- profile jobs recently. Meanwhile, the nature of my segment and consulting as a whole has us working through different industries and businesses, from trading on a company to the traditional analytics you do. I love the fact that, more often than not, your next day will be different to your last.

What has been challenging?

I think adjusting to a full workday has been somewhat challenging. By that, I mean staying mentally switched on and attentive to the finer details for large periods of time is different to the way university operated. So, ensuring I had eaten decent food, kept hydrated, and made use of the coffee machine at work went a long way – but I’d say don’t underestimate the first week or two adjusting to full-time work; it can be pretty tiring, especially if coming into it after a holiday post-university.

How do you make your own impact?

Everyone has varying levels of responsibility, but your level doesn’t take away from your ability to impact an engagement – even on the junior levels through initiative and diligent work you can still drive impact and accumulate responsibilities which lead to further opportunities.

What is the culture like at FTI?

FTI’s culture is great! For example, they support you, from study support to help build your own network, including external networking events and even coffees with your broader network. FTI is also a big advocate for having strong internal working relationships, and we have an event called One FTI where all staff across the country come together.

What do you think of our Corporate Citizenship program (pro bono and volunteering opportunities)?

FTI shows they care about giving back. They have a program where they will match donations you make to eligible charities up to a certain amount. They also have a ton of volunteering opportunities they circulate in the offices and allow staff to use paid volunteering hours.

Have you volunteered yourself, and if so, what did you do?

I was amongst a group of our staff who went and donated blood as a group – it was great to have work allow us to take time out of our working day to fit this in, and it also gave us a great chance to get to know other staff. Our Brisbane and Perth offices also participated in the Push-Up Challenge for mental health, so there is good camaraderie and spirit here at FTI focused on giving back.

What is the recruitment process like?

I found the recruitment process great – it starts off with initial aptitude testing followed by a call from HR. What I found really good was both the group and final interviews were with staff in the segment you are applying for, so it also gave an opportunity to ask about and get some insight into what you were applying for.

What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?

I would say don’t write yourself off – if coming from an untraditional background, don’t think “I am not right for this role”. I came from a traditional finance and accounting path and found myself in Corporate Finance & Restructuring, but some of my colleagues haven’t come from accounting backgrounds. So, if the work sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend putting your foot forward.

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

Luke Roggeveen

Consultant
Bachelor of Economics at The University of Queensland

What is the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is the wide range of projects I get to work on. I have the opportunity to dip my toe into the water in various industries and build useful skills and knowledge that I plan to take with me throughout my entire career.

What has been challenging?

One of my biggest challenges is deciding what sort of projects I’d like to work on and be known for. I’m using the early stages of my career to learn and experience as many different types of projects and industries – and develop as many skills – as I can, then use my experience to shape the type of consultant I want to be.

How do you make your own impact?

I put in 110% effort into every project I work on, trying my best to deliver valuable and unique insight for my clients.

What is the culture like at FTI?

Everyone in the business is exceptionally welcoming. I know that if I want to (and if they have the time), I can schedule a coffee with any of my team members – from Consultants to Senior Managing Directors – and they’ll be happy to have a chat.

What do you think of our Corporate Citizenship program (pro bono and volunteering opportunities)?

I think FTI’s Corporate Citizenship program demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, showcasing the company’s dedication to making an impact beyond profit.

What is the recruitment process like?

I worked as an intern for eight months before being offered a graduate role at the start of 2023. FTI Consulting's internship program was a great way for me to get a feel for the business and my team. It also allowed me to prove myself, resulting in the offer of a permanent role. I also learned a lot in these eight months, making the transition into the grad role so much easier. I can only recommend the experience!

What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?

Get yourself out there and make an impression on as many people as you can. Don’t be afraid to contact people you’d like to connect with. Always be honest about what you’re looking for and treat every person and interaction as a learning opportunity.

What would you have liked to know prior to starting at FTI Consulting?

I underestimated the value of networking and building strong relationships within and outside the company. Looking back, I would have been more proactive in initiating relationships.

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

Shruti Santani

Senior Consultant
Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Western Australia (UWA)

What is the best thing about your job?

The opportunity to grow across multiple paths from one place, as there are various projects to get involved in, and every project brings different challenges and learning opportunities. I also enjoy the intensity and urgency of working on matters with strict deadlines. Plus, the relaxed days, such as Friday socials in the office or a team lunch, are a great balance for the fast-paced working environment.

What has been challenging?

My biggest challenge has been adjusting to working life, especially getting up early for work. It’s very different to life as a student.

How do you make your own impact?

While I feel I still have a way to go in making my own impact, the overall satisfaction comes from continuous development and getting involved in those projects where you add value as a team. Recently, I was involved in a formal appointment where our team saved more than 70 jobs! It was a really rewarding outcome from the engagement.

What do you think of our Corporate Citizenship program (pro bono and volunteering opportunities)?

It’s fantastic that the opportunities presented under the Corporate Citizenship program are open to staff at all levels. The first project I worked on after joining FTI Consulting was a pro bono project for an Indigenous-owned mining services company. It was really interesting as, while I was learning about matter management, I was also involved in preparing for and attending the Board Strategy Session.

Have you volunteered yourself, and if so, what did you do?

While I haven’t volunteered through FTI Consulting yet, I am continuously involved in volunteering outside of FTI Consulting, such as tree plantation, blood donation, etc. I look forward to being part of a volunteering opportunity as FTI Consulting offers them frequently. It’s great that each employee has up to 8 hours of paid volunteer time available per year.

How has the Graduate Development Program supported you to own your career?

I have received great support from team members at FTI Consulting. Regular training sessions are conducted here, but the main learning for me has been on-the-job from project to project. One day, you are on a client site doing day-to-day operations, and the next, you spend your day working on a spreadsheet doing in-depth analysis.

What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?

Be interested in all the opportunities FTI Consulting has to offer. There are so many personal and professional learning and development avenues. And be yourself!

What would you have liked to know prior to starting at FTI?

Working now in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring team, it would have been good to better understand the differences between formal and informal restructuring processes and different types of daily work. Luckily, there is excellent on-the-job training, and the team are really collaborative with knowledge sharing and training. It’s been a learning curve, but I’ve embraced and thoroughly enjoyed it!

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 ©2024 FTI Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. fticonsulting.com