What's your job about?

I work for Argon & Co, a growing management consultancy specialising in operational strategy and transformation, based in the Melbourne office. As a graduate consultant, I get to rotate through various service lines such as planning, manufacturing, logistics, transformation, and procurement.

A typical day starts at a client site, where I immerse myself in their operations. I shadow experienced colleagues, take detailed meeting notes, and tackle specific tasks like data analytics. For instance, during my first rotation in supply chain planning, we implemented a software solution designed to forecast demand. My role involved ensuring that the company’s data was validated and successfully uploaded into the new system, tailored to their needs. This required data validation and user acceptance testing (UAT) to confirm everything was working correctly. I was assigned as the data validation and UAT coordinator.

What's your background?

I grew up in the heart of Bangladesh, in its vibrant capital, Dhaka. My academic journey brought me to Australia, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Finance, followed by a Master’s in Business Analytics at the University of Melbourne.

After my undergraduate studies, I felt the need to strengthen my analytical skills, which motivated me to pursue my master’s. During this time, I discovered a passion for consulting, particularly in supply chain optimisation. This interest paved the way for my current role at Argon & Co, a leading management consulting firm specialising in supply chain management.

The firm’s graduate program stood out to me because of its rotational structure, allowing exposure to various service lines. It offers the perfect platform for me to explore different areas, refine my skills, and determine where I want to specialise within the supply chain space. This journey has been both exciting and rewarding as I continue building a career that aligns with my goals.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes. A background in commerce isn’t essential for consulting. Graduate programs are designed to teach everything from scratch, so you learn on the job. The key qualities for success are eagerness to learn, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams are also crucial. These characteristics will allow anyone, regardless of their academic background, to thrive in consulting.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

What I love the most about my job is the constant learning. At Argon & Co, I get unique exposure to different types of supply chain projects across various service lines. As I rotate through them, I enjoy connecting the dots and seeing how they complement each other. I particularly enjoy analytical tasks, where I can use data to draw conclusions and make recommendations. Even when the job gets tiring, the satisfaction of achieving meaningful outcomes keeps me motivated. Plus, the supportive, family-like culture and our monthly "Pollenation Days" make the work environment fun and rewarding.

What are the limitations of your job?

A key limitation of my job is the occasional need to work long hours, including weekends, especially when meeting tight deadlines. Consulting can also be physically demanding, with travel required for client visits, sometimes involving early morning flights or long drives. Flexibility is essential, as clients often have schedules that differ from the usual 9-5. While these demands can be challenging, the support of a positive team makes it easier to manage and navigate through those tougher moments.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Your academic results aren’t everything! Focus on upskilling in areas that interest you, like consulting. Join a consulting club!
2. Learn about different career paths by connecting with people in roles you’re curious about. Ask them about their typical day.
3. Most learning happens on the job, and you’ll enjoy that process far more. Don’t stress over chasing multiple qualifications—focus on gaining real-world experience.