As consulting firms across Australia begin recruiting their next cohort of graduates, the challenge is no longer just attracting talent – it’s how to effectively develop it.
For many emerging professionals, the transition from university into consulting is where expectations meet reality. While graduates arrive with strong technical foundations, applying that knowledge in complex, real-world environments is a very different skillset.
Tetra Tech Environmental Consultant, Adi Saxena attended ALGA’s first Emerging Professionals Development Day in 2026 – a new format designed to fast-track learning through practical, case-based insights. Here he shares his insights for emerging professional embarking on their future professional careers.
From Theory to Practice
One of the most significant challenges for graduates is moving from structured, theoretical learning to the variability of fieldwork. While technical knowledge provides a foundation, it’s the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world, often unpredictable environments that defines success.
“In university, everything is precise – step one, two, three,” Adi says. “But in the field, it’s not an exact science. You have to adapt.”
This is where consulting firms play a critical role. By presenting real-world scenarios – complete with site context, constraints and decision-making challenges – emerging professionals are encouraged to think like consultants from the outset.
For those in their first few years, this kind of exposure can significantly accelerate confidence and capability, believes Adi.
Learning in the Deep End
That gap between theory and practice becomes most apparent on complex projects.
One of the most defining early career experiences for was his involvement in the remediation of the Kanava landfill site – widely regarded as one of the most heavily contaminated sites of its kind in Australia.
Joining the project as a graduate, Adi was immediately exposed to the scale and complexity of real-world environmental challenges. “It was so badly contaminated, a site scale which was overwhelming at first” he recalls. What followed was an intense period of learning. Within a matter of months, Adi was exposed to a wide range of drilling and investigation techniques, gaining experience that would typically take years to accumulate.
“In three months, I’d done all kinds of drilling you wouldn’t normally see,” he says.
The project also highlighted the value of immersive, hands-on experience in developing capability. While the scale of contamination was confronting, it also provided a rare opportunity to see active remediation in progress – offering a tangible reminder that even the most complex environmental challenges can be addressed over time.
Experiences like this highlight a key truth in consulting: capability is often built by stepping outside of comfort zones.
The only way you really learn faster is when you’re doing something you haven’t done before.
A Culture of Learning and Support
While hands-on experience is essential, the environment in which it happens is equally important.
Consulting, at its best, is highly collaborative. Emerging professionals are surrounded by specialists with deep expertise -and success often comes from knowing when to ask questions.
“There’s always someone willing to help,” Adi says. “You can call anyone, show them the issue, and they’ll guide you.”
This culture of openness not only accelerates learning but also builds confidence – encouraging graduates to engage, problem-solve and take ownership of their work.
Understanding Impact Takes Time
One of the less visible aspects of environmental consulting is that meaningful impact often takes years to materialise.
For early-career professionals, this can sometimes lead to uncertainty.
“It can feel like you’re not making a difference – you’re just finding contamination,” Adi reflects.
However, exposure to long-term project outcomes -such as those presented at the ALGA development day—helps shift that perspective. Seeing before-and-after results over a decade reinforces that while progress may be gradual, the cumulative impact is significant.
It’s a reminder that consulting is not just about immediate results, but about contributing to outcomes that unfold over the span of a career.
Rethinking Early Career Growth
As graduates consider their career paths, there is often a perception that smaller firms provide faster progression. Adi’s experience suggests the reality is more nuanced.
“In a bigger company, you have to ask for opportunities – but if you do, and you say yes, you’ll move forward,” he explains.
He also highlights the advantage of exposure to a wide variety of projects and techniques – something that has been instrumental in shaping his development.
“I’ve worked across so many different types of projects – that diversity has been a huge benefit.”
About the author
Adi Saxena
Environmental Engineer
Based in Melbourne, Australia Adi is experienced in working in the site assessment and remediation team focused on supporting field work to help clients address a range of environmental challenges.