What's your job about?
Nous Group is a consulting firm. We work alongside a variety of clients, mostly in the public sector, and help them solve interesting and complex problems… like designing policy, developing strategy, implementing a new program, or evaluating a grant package.
As a consultant, I have been able to work on a diverse range of projects, with state and federal government, across different environmental and human service sectors. Every day is different, and depending on the task at hand, my day often involves creating PowerPoint presentations, writing reports, conducting interviews and collating and analysing different forms of data.
What's your background?
I was born in Adelaide, and after finishing school, I moved to Melbourne to study for a Bachelor of Arts, specialising in international relations and development. Whilst studying, I volunteered at Oaktree, an international development agency, and in my final year, took an internship in India as part of the global scholars' program.
Curious about the world, I left for Central America for a year of work and travel. I focused on honing my Spanish skills and interned at the Earthsips Academy, where I learnt to build sustainable houses with a group of like-minded people.
When I returned to Australia, I had been bitten by the sustainability bug, so I moved to the Netherlands to study for a Master’s in Sustainable Development. During my degree, I partnered with an NGO and got to spend three months studying small-holder farming and land rights in rural Mozambique.
I moved back to Melbourne at the start of 2020, and after a year of lockdown, my partner and I bought a 4WD and spent 2021 travelling through remote areas of WA and NT, and worked on several farms. This trip was an amazing opportunity to learn more about my country, particularly the remote areas, and understand our food system better.
Following a year of travel, I applied for a position at Nous. Given my curious nature, and desire to affect change in the world, Nous seemed like the perfect next step for me. I have been working here for 12 months and am looking forward to what the next 12 months of work will have in store for me.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! Everyone from my office has very diverse backgrounds. In fact, I recently learnt that one of my colleagues used to be in the circus. What brings us all together is that we are a bunch of curious problem solvers, who want to make a positive impact in the world.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
Nous is a very non-hierarchical workplace, and so you get the opportunity to work with senior and experienced people from day one. I have found this to be an amazing aspect of the job, as it has given me many opportunities to learn and develop.
What are the limitations of your job?
Life as a consultant is fast-paced and can be quite demanding. Although the amount and pace of work ebbs and flows, there can be periods of time that get a little hectic. Thankfully project teams and colleagues are incredibly supportive, so if you really are snowed under, there will always be a helping hand.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
Go back in time and meet yourself at the university... What would you advise him or her?