Where did you grow up?
I was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and grew up in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka. I spent all of my high school and university time in Sydney, Australia where I studied at The University of Sydney.
How did you get to your current job position?
I started in mid-February so am still new to my role. I previously interned with Kearney in the summer of 20/21 and loved the people I worked with. This was the main reason why I came back, solving difficult problems with amazing people is always a win in my opinion! My intern cohort was amazing and Kearney gave us an incredible two months, one that we all remember fondly. The people here really convinced me that this was where I wanted to pursue my career.
How did you choose your specialisation?
I had a very broad background and did a very generalist degree (Commerce). I was also very interested in problem-solving and am a person who is keen to challenge and push myself. This naturally lent itself to Kearney and management consulting where I can apply these interests to a wide range of problems.
What does your employer do?
Kearney is a global management consulting firm that provides strategic advice to the world’s top (think Fortune 500) companies.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Definitely. Consulting is a very broad profession that attracts all types of skills and knowledge. Kearney makes a conscious and deliberate effort to hire consultants from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds. This isn’t just important from a diversity and equity point of view but is also core to our success as a business. If you can distinguish yourself and bring unique ideas and skills, you will be looked upon favourably.
What are the career prospects for your job?
Consulting career prospects are amazing. Kearney alumni always move on to incredible roles that are fulfilling and highly impactful. Some of our consultants move on to start-ups, others end up in strategy in the world’s largest corporations, and our list of Kearney alumni grows more impressive by the day.
What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?
I think I would still try to be working in consulting/ strategy. It’s too much fun!
What do you love the most about your job?
I love the people I work with, and this is unique to Kearney. The people are what make problem-solving so fun, make our social events fun, and keep your spirits up on even the toughest problems. The culture is the reason I stayed with Kearney and is the reason I will be here for a long time.
What’s the biggest limitation of your job?
Management consulting is not a 9-to-5 job. It’s a commitment and demands a love for problem-solving and collaboration with people to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems. Kearney works especially hard to ensure consultants can find a balance between work and life, but it is important to acknowledge that the industry is an investment, albeit one that can be very rewarding and fulfilling.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?