Damian Wang, Graduate Consultant, Melbourne, shares his career journey, hints and tips.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I have always had a fascination with technology and its ability to enhance our everyday lives. Working in and around technology on a daily basis allows for my work to closely align with my interests. Coupled with the commercial and business aspects of Tech Consulting, this work has allowed me to utilise and further develop all my knowledge that I acquired during my university degree.

What was it that attracted you to MinterEllison?

Technology Consulting at MinterEllison is rapidly growing with the team in Melbourne only being established six months before I joined. As such, during my job interview I was told that I would be involved in business and practice development initiatives alongside the bread-and-butter of consulting. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to get involved in all aspects of what tech consulting offers. I have had plenty of opportunities to help develop our capabilities and take on responsibility to drive new initiatives that will grow our service offerings for the future.

As a firm, I love that MinterEllison has a strong focus on diversity. There are so many resources and support offered that ensures everyone feels included and safe coming to work.

What are you involved in beyond your role?

I am one of those people with too many hobbies and not enough time. Recently I have been obsessed with roller-skating and that has taken up the majority of my free time. I love to just learn in general and have spent an unhealthy number of late nights down Wikipedia rabbit holes. Did you know that Nepal is the only country in the world that has a flag that is a non-quadrilateral shape?

Tell us about your experience in the Technology Consulting graduate program?

If you live by the mantra that “Variety is the spice of life”, then the Technology Consulting Graduate Program is the place to be. The program has allowed me to work across multiple projects with a plethora of different people each bringing diverse expertise. I have developed a variety of skills whilst enhancing my technology and business acumen. Sometimes it can be intimidating starting your career, however I have received an abundance of support to ensure I am fully supported at my first full-time job. A strong emphasis of the program has been on long-term development that extends beyond its one and a half years and I feel confident in the career paths offered by MinterEllison once I become a consultant.

What engagements have you worked on?

I have worked on several engagements that span a number of organisations currently undergoing technology transformations. Each engagement presents an unique set of problems and activities. Whether it is how an large government organisation will seamlessly integrate a dozen new technology suppliers, or the best way to procure a new technology solution for energy and waste management to ensure success, I need to always think analytically in order to break down the problem before beginning to tackle it. Each engagement offers a new growth and learning opportunity and there is always a new opportunity on the horizon to get involved with once an engagement finishes.

Working from home, or working from the office? What are the benefits?

I think flexible working at MinterEllison allows me to achieve a better work-life balance. I find being in the office allows me to easily ask any questions I may have and collaborate with my team more effectively. Having the flexibility to work from home if required provides me the reassurance that MinterEllison cares about my wellbeing. I also get to sleep in a bit later when working from home, which is always a bonus!