What a summer! From day one at Pollen I was thrown head first into a project that had the potential to deliver real, beneficial change to the client site. This blew away any expectations I had. Being provided with the opportunity to save a client hundreds of thousands of dollars contrasts starkly against the standard intern model of small projects and admin tasks!

Throughout the project I was drawn to all corners of the business. It was fantastic to experience such diversity. For it is rare that a recent graduate can go from business development meetings with senior management to crawling on the floor looking at the underside of process equipment with the shift operators! Having this variability gives one a true appreciation for the overarching operation of a business, and the role that consultants play in implementing beneficial change.

Upon completing the project, I was asked to reflect on the greatest learning I had during my time at the client site. Many sprang to mind, from new, efficient ways to organise meetings to tips and tricks for data analytics. The one standout however, was the importance of developing strong, open relationships with on-site staff. By fostering these communication channels a wealth of new information comes to light, allowing for both the rapid advancement of the project, and the creation a genuinely enjoyable atmosphere.

The Pollen team were a pleasure to work with. It is incredible to see such motivated individuals who truly care about the outcome of the client and are willing to work hard to see the implementation complete. I cannot thank them enough for their willingness to offer help when it was needed.

Pollen has provided a truly unique, exciting experience. From data analytics to engaging with senior management, I have developed a range of my professional attributes that will aid me greatly in the years to come.

By Timothy Macmillan