Millennials in Consulting

As a consultancy firm focused on creating sustainability and clearing supply chain blockages, it should be no surprise that Siecap is also dedicated to ushering in the next generation of consultancy experts. After all, consultants need to be able to think pretty far down the road, and who better to do that than the people who will be living there?

Chloe Chai is one of the younger members of the Siecap team, but her experience and dedication easily put her on the same level as our more tenured consultants. We sat down with her to discuss what it’s like to be a millennial in a high-age industry like consulting, how she got to her current position, and her advice for other young people looking to consulting as a potential career.

Hi Chloe! First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, and a little on your educational background and career history so far.

Well, I was born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I moved to Australia for my higher education studies and have since made a home for myself here in Brisbane. I hold a double bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Commerce, with a major in Marketing from The University of Queensland.

Since graduating, I have been fortunate to have led and contributed to high-impact projects across various sectors, including government, higher education, logistics, biomedical, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.

My previous key experience includes having helped establish the Government Partnerships and Policy portfolio at a world leading university as the Principal Advisor, where we led and contributed to government engagement on over $400 million worth of projects and secured commitments exceeding $100 million across a wide variety of subject matters and industries during my time there. I have also assisted in the development and implementation of a Program Management Framework for a Queensland Government initiative aimed at post-COVID-19 economic recovery which required considerations across logistics, policy landscapes, stakeholders, etc, during a rather tumultuous time.

My career journey has been diverse and incredibly enriching thus far, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!

So ‘consulting’ is a field that’s shrouded in a bit of mystery, especially on social media. How would you describe the role of a consultant?

As they say, consultants are like the Swiss Army knives of the business world! At Siecap, we bring a toolkit of skills to help clients tackle their toughest problems. Sure, there are jokes about consultants just stating the obvious, but what we really do is bring specialised expertise and an outside perspective that can be invaluable. We dive into complex challenges, uncover hidden opportunities, and provide solutions that may not be apparent to those who are deeply entrenched in the day-to-day operations of a business. We simplify the complex and help our clients navigate their way to success – whether it’s boosting performance, cutting costs, or managing risks. Delivering real, tangible results is what we pride ourselves on.

What kind of clients do you work with at Siecap? And what problems do you help them navigate?

Our clients at Siecap span a variety of industries, and they often come to us with complex challenges that require tailored solutions. We help them tackle diverse challenges, from strategic development to implementation and optimisation. Personally, I have worked with agribusiness, retail, workforce accommodations providers, manufacturers, and more to address specific issues that each business faces.

Could you give some examples of those issues?

Those clients that I just mentioned have needed assistance with projects that included precise program management to ensure timely delivery of the agribusiness client’s project; feasibility assessments for developing an on-site retail presence for the workforce accommodations provider; and technology assessment and enhancement of the manufacturer’s supply chain resilience through improved planning processes.

And do you enjoy working with clients in these industries? Does it feel like your work is meeting your own career goals?

Absolutely. The variety of projects keeps my work exciting and dynamic. Engaging with people from different backgrounds not only broadens my perspective but also allows me to learn from various experts. This diversity aligns perfectly with my career goals, which include being strategic, working across a wide range of projects, and honing my expertise. I take pride in helping transform projects and organisations and providing tangible results that make a real difference. Management consulting allows me to apply my critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in meaningful ways, both fulfilling my professional aspirations and delivering value to clients.

Is consulting where you envisioned your career going when you were younger?

Not exactly! When I was at university, I majored in Marketing – drawn to the creativity and storytelling aspects of the field. However, as I progressed in my studies and early career, I discovered a passion for project management and consulting. I found that I really enjoyed the problem-solving aspects, the opportunity to engage with a variety of people, and the overall diversity of work. Interestingly, my marketing background has been incredibly valuable in consulting because it enhances my ability to communicate insights effectively and craft compelling narratives. Consulting, as it turns out, is the perfect blend of my interests. It’s a field where I can apply my critical thinking skills, solve complex problems, and make a tangible impact on clients’ businesses, all while staying true to my initial passion for storytelling.

So now onto the meaty stuff. How does it feel to be a millennial in a small firm like Siecap?

Working at Siecap as a millennial has been a fantastic experience! The smaller firm environment offers greater responsibility and visibility, allowing me to quickly gain a broad range of skills and diverse experiences. The close-knit team means I have direct access to senior management and I find myself always benefiting from their mentorship and guidance. Siecap’s openness to innovation means I can actively contribute to driving change and implementing new initiatives, which is both exciting and fulfilling. Additionally, the focus on values-driven projects at Siecap aligns with my own priorities, making my work feel more purposeful and fulfilling.

Do you feel that being a millennial in consulting helps you bring any new perspectives to your clients?

I believe being a millennial in consulting enhances the way I tackle challenges and offers me a unique perspective that can greatly benefit clients, especially when creating long-term strategies. Our adaptability and agility help us develop solutions that are flexible and innovative, capable of navigating rapid changes and embracing new opportunities. As the generation of “Digital Pioneers”, our deep understanding of new technologies and digital tools helps us introduce cutting-edge solutions that improve efficiency and keep clients competitive. Importantly, millennials place greater focus on user experience and human-centred design, allowing us to recognise the needs of our client’s target audiences and guide them in better meeting those needs.

Work-life balance is extremely important to millennials as a demographic. Do you feel that consulting offers that? 

I believe consulting can offer a good work-life balance, especially in a supportive environment like Siecap. They acknowledge that this balance is crucial for our overall well-being and job satisfaction – and for allowing us to deliver better results, perform more efficiently, and be more productive. Of course, we all recognise that there are ebbs and flows in the consulting industry, with crunch times requiring additional effort. However, at Siecap, we work collaboratively as a team to manage these periods – we forward-plan, support each other, and have the necessary processes and guidance in place to keep us on track and running smoothly. Ultimately, it’s all about having the right enablers and an organisational culture that empowers its people to produce high-quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What advice would you give to another young person looking to begin a career in consulting?

Consulting is an exciting field, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s natural to feel the pressure to be perfect, but it’s important to give yourself grace. Every task or project requires a balance between depth, certainty, and time. Trust that you’ll learn to strike that balance, especially with the guidance of your manager.

When you hit a roadblock, don’t hesitate to communicate early and show the progress you’ve made. Try your best to propose a solution, it doesn’t need to be perfect, and then ask for help where needed. Doing this demonstrates your problem-solving ability and proactivity, and your manager will steer you in the right direction.

Consulting is fast-paced, so embrace the need to develop quick solutions and iterate on them. Be adaptable, communicate effectively, and manage ambiguity with confidence. Everything is learnable, and with time, patience, and a positive attitude, you’ll excel in consulting. Trust in your abilities and take each step as a learning opportunity.

That sounds like fantastic advice, Chloe. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat!

It was my pleasure!