My first six (actually, eight) months at DB Results.
I joined DB Results as a graduate after completing my commerce and law degree. I'm now eight months into the program, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way.
For the first two months, I was on the bench in the Melbourne office, focusing on my development and learning about the business. I had several tasks to complete and worked with a wide variety of internal staff, including the sales team, marketing and delivery. One of my tasks involved researching new regulations to support the bid for a project to deliver a compliant solution to an energy retailer. This work led to me being picked to go out to the client site on my first real billable project.
In my first role at a client site, I was a Business Analyst. Business Analysts, or BAs, talk to the client and various members of their business and work out what they want and need in the initial stages of a project. It was a little scary being out on client site as a new consultant, however I felt very supported by the other members of the project team who were also from DB Results. I was never pushed into tasks I couldn't handle, I was encouraged to take new tasks on board and grow. We ended up doing such a great job that we were extended to stay on for Part 2 of the project. By the time it wraps up I will have been with the client for over a year.
As a consultant, it can be difficult staying in touch with your colleagues back 'home' as you're so immersed in the clients' requirements when working on site. This isn't an issue at DB, though! We have an amazing culture where we're encouraged to come together on a regular basis. We get together once a month for drinks (on the house!) and have frequent social activities. Everyone is friendly and I have formed genuine connections with many people - some whom I have never even worked with! The other grads have been a godsend; it is amazing to have such awesome people to go on this journey with.
Another thing that sets DB Results apart as a company is the level of personal involvement. The joint CEOs and members of the Executive Leadership team know me by name and they have shown real interest in my professional development as a consultant. Every day is a new challenge, and an opportunity to make a difference in the work I do. Although it's sometimes stressful and the hours can be long, I always feel that I am part of the wider DB Results team and am valued on client site as well.
Overall, I think that the training, development and support that I have received has empowered me to jump out of my comfort zone and even exceed my own expectations of myself. After only being here for such a short time, I cannot wait to see where the next few years takes me.