Testing the Consultant Mindset: Reflections from Tokyo

Why I applied

I applied for GMC because I was interested in consulting but had only previously engaged in short, one-day projects that simulated the consulting environment. GMC appealed to me as an opportunity to fully commit to a longer project and experience a complete consulting process, from scoping and research through to analysis, reporting, and the final presentation.

Prior to commencing the subject, I did not have a clear sense of what to expect. While I had read about previous students’ experiences, I questioned my ability to work well in a team under pressure and whether we would beable to deliver outcomes that met a real client’s expectations. These uncertainties made the experience slightly daunting, but also motivated me to approach GMC with a keen willingness to learn.

Project and experience in Tokyo

Our project focused on reporting future risk outlooks for the data centre industry for market-leading Australian real estate group Lendlease. This was a complex and unfamiliar space, requiring us to quickly develop an understanding of technical, financial, and strategic considerations within the sector. Working in a team was not as challenging as I had initially anticipated, as my teammates were highly motivated and shared a common goal of delivering a high-quality project, making collaboration both productive and rewarding. Lendlease as industry host was also extremely supportive and proactive, arranging daily check-ins to ensure our work progressed in the right direction.

Each day in Tokyo added to the GMC experience. From meeting my teammates in the morning and commuting together on crowded trains, to settling into the fast-paced rhythm of a Tokyo workday. At lunch, we often picked up convenience store meals or bentos from a nearby mall, a quick and efficient routine that made it feel like we were truly working and living as locals in Japan.

Delivering the final presentation was one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the subject. Although I previously considered myself reasonably confident in presentations, presenting to the heads of multiple departments challenged me in new ways. Unlike typical classroom presentations, this required conveying complex analysis concisely to an expert audience, focusing on strategic implications. Knowing that our recommendations could influence real business decisions significantly increased the pressure and highlighted the importance of clear structure, confident delivery, and anticipation of questions. While I felt afterwards that I could have prepared more thoroughly, the experience was an invaluable opportunity to test and reflect on my presentation skills.

Personal perspective

GMC enabled me to explore new areas of interest that I had not previously considered. While it confirmed that I may wish to explore consulting further in future, it also introduced me to the development and real estate industries, particularly in the investment management of real estate assets. This exposure, in contrast to the more conventional focus on equity and debt typically taught in university coursework, broadened my perspective on potential career paths.

I would absolutely recommend taking GMC. The subject provided a unique opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in the working culture of another country, while still being supported alongsidepeers facing similar challenges. The cohort I met through GMC was driven, hardworking, and collaborative. Working through challenges as a team was encouraging and rewarding.

Acknowledgements

Since completing GMC, I’ve been fortunate to receive an opportunity and secured a position in Tokyo with Lendlease. My GMC experience has made the transition feel less daunting and helped me approach my current rolewith greater confidence and adaptability. I am also grateful to Lendlease for their guidance and support throughout GMC, which played a crucial role in making my experience both meaningful and impactful.