Graduate Program Handbook

Graduate Program Handbook

Meridian Advisory
Version 2.3 | Updated September 2023

Welcome to Meridian Advisory

Congratulations on joining our graduate program! This handbook will guide you through your first 18 months at Meridian Advisory as you develop from graduate to consultant, with the potential to progress to senior consultant by program completion.

Founded in 2014, Meridian Advisory has built a reputation as Western Australia's premier boutique consulting firm. Our 45-person team serves mid-market and government clients across strategy, operations improvement, and digital transformation. What sets us apart is our commitment to senior partner involvement in every engagement — our clients work directly with our most experienced consultants, not just juniors.

Program Overview

Duration and Structure

The Graduate Program runs for 18 months across three 6-month rotations: - Rotation 1: Operations & Process Improvement (with Daniel Okafor's team) - Rotation 2: Strategy & Client Development (with Catherine Wu or Raj Kapoor) - Rotation 3: Digital Transformation & Technology (rotating between partners based on current projects)

Note: Due to the upcoming state government digital transformation program, Rotation 3 structure may be adjusted in early 2024. Graduates starting in February 2024 may have extended exposure to government sector work.

Program Capacity

We typically intake 4-6 graduates annually, though this was reduced to 3 in 2023 due to partner capacity constraints. The 2024 cohort will return to 5 graduates, pending confirmation of our partnership structure review.

Mentoring and Support

Primary Mentor Assignment

Each graduate is assigned a Senior Consultant as their primary mentor. Current assignments: - Sasha Petrov — Graduate Program Lead (primary contact for all program-related queries) - Additional mentors assigned based on rotation and specialization

Mentoring Structure

  • Weekly 1:1s during your first 3 months
  • Bi-weekly check-ins from months 4-12
  • Monthly strategic reviews in final 6 months
  • Quarterly formal reviews with Partner involvement

Open Door Policy

All partners maintain an open door policy. However, please respect that Catherine Wu is currently managing the state government opportunity and Daniel Okafor is leading our cybersecurity practice expansion. Schedule time through Mei Lin if you need urgent partner consultation.

Performance Expectations

Core Competencies

By program completion, graduates must demonstrate proficiency in:

Client Engagement - Stakeholder mapping and management - Requirements gathering and analysis - Presentation skills (both technical and executive-level) - Written communication (reports, proposals, emails)

Technical Skills - Process mapping and improvement methodologies - Basic project management (we use Microsoft Project, transitioning to Smartsheet in Q1 2024) - Data analysis and visualization (Excel proficiency required, Power BI preferred) - Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (increasingly important across all practices)

Business Acumen - Industry knowledge in at least one of: resources, government, healthcare - Commercial awareness and pricing sensitivity - Risk assessment and mitigation strategies - Change management principles

Performance Metrics

Your performance is evaluated on: - Client feedback scores (target: 4.2/5.0 across all engagements) - Utilization targets (70% in first 6 months, 75% thereafter) - Professional development milestones (detailed in Section 5) - Peer collaboration ratings (360-degree feedback quarterly) - Innovation contribution (process improvements, thought leadership, new methodologies)

Common Challenges

Based on previous cohorts, graduates typically struggle with: - Transitioning from academic to commercial deadlines - Managing multiple client personalities and expectations - Balancing detail-oriented analysis with big-picture thinking - Developing confidence in client-facing situations

Remember: These challenges are normal and expected. Your mentor and the broader team are here to support your development.

Professional Development

Training Requirements

Month 1-3: Foundation Skills - Meridian methodology training (2-day intensive with Sasha) - Client service excellence workshop - Microsoft Office advanced certification - Industry briefings for resources and government sectors

Month 4-9: Specialization Development - Choose focus area: Operations, Strategy, or Digital - External certification in chosen area (budget: $3,000 per graduate) - Shadow 3 senior client presentations - Lead 1 internal process improvement initiative

Month 10-18: Leadership Preparation - Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) - Advanced cybersecurity awareness training (mandatory for all staff as of 2024) - Presentation skills coaching (external provider) - Cross-practice exposure (minimum 2 engagements outside primary rotation)

Conference and Event Participation

  • Required: AICD Future Director course (company-sponsored)
  • Optional: Australian Cyber Security Conference (Perth, March annually)
  • Internal: Monthly Meridian Knowledge Share sessions
  • Client: Attend minimum 2 client industry events per rotation

Continuing Education Support

Meridian supports relevant postgraduate study: - MBA programs: 50% tuition support after 12 months employment - Professional certifications: 100% tuition + exam fees - Industry-specific qualifications: Case-by-case basis, discuss with Sasha

Note: Education support requires 2-year commitment post-qualification completion.

Career Progression

Graduate to Consultant (Month 12-15)

Promotion Criteria: - Successful completion of first 12 months including 2 full rotations - Client feedback average of 4.0+ across minimum 4 engagements - Demonstrated capability to manage workstream independently - Positive peer feedback and mentor recommendation

New Responsibilities: - Lead analysis components of larger engagements - Mentor incoming graduates (buddy system) - Contribute to proposal development - Increased client-facing responsibilities

Consultant to Senior Consultant (Month 18-24)

Assessment Process: - Comprehensive performance review with all partners - Client reference checks from recent engagements - Presentation of improvement initiative or thought leadership piece - Peer feedback from current senior consultants

Success Indicators: - Consistent delivery of high-quality work with minimal supervision - Client specifically requests your involvement in follow-up work - Revenue responsibility for defined portion of client relationship - Demonstrated business development capability

Long-term Career Path

The traditional progression at Meridian is: Graduate → Consultant → Senior Consultant → Principal → Partner

However, we're currently reviewing our advancement structure as part of our 2024 strategic planning process. This may include new intermediate levels or alternative progression tracks for technical specialists.

Practical Information

Administrative Requirements

  • Timesheet submission: Weekly by COB Friday (use Deltek system)
  • Expense reporting: Monthly through Concur (Mei Lin can provide training)
  • Client confidentiality: All graduates must complete confidentiality training in first week
  • Professional indemnity: Covered under company policy, but personal professional development insurance recommended

IT and Security Protocols

  • Laptop configuration: IT will configure your laptop with required software and security protocols
  • VPN access: Mandatory for any off-site work (increasing importance due to cybersecurity threats)
  • Password management: LastPass enterprise account provided
  • Client data handling: Strict protocols in place — violations result in immediate dismissal

With increasing cybersecurity threats across our client base, security protocols are being regularly updated. Stay alert for communications from IT regarding new requirements.

Key Contacts

  • Graduate Program queries: Sasha Petrov (sasha.petrov@meridian.com.au)
  • HR and benefits: Mei Lin (mei.lin@meridian.com.au)
  • IT support: External provider — contact Mei Lin for tickets
  • Emergency contact: Catherine Wu (mobile: available through Mei Lin)

Office Logistics

Perth Office: Level 12, 108 St Georges Terrace - Core hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (flexibility expected based on client needs) - Parking: Not provided — public transport or paid parking - Kitchen facilities: Fully equipped, coffee machine maintained by office manager - Client meeting rooms: Book through Outlook, always confirm setup 30 minutes prior

Budget and Resources

Each graduate has access to: - $3,000 annual professional development budget - $500 annual books and subscriptions allowance - Client entertainment budget (case-by-case, pre-approved through mentor) - Home office setup allowance: $1,200 (new for 2024, reflecting hybrid work arrangements)

Important Notes for 2024 Cohort

Given our current growth phase and the potential state government engagement, the 2024 graduate program may include: - Accelerated cybersecurity training (2-week intensive program) - Government sector specialization track (optional) - Extended partner mentoring (if partnership expansion proceeds) - Hybrid delivery model (combination of in-person and remote work)

Please note that while this handbook provides comprehensive guidance, the consulting environment is dynamic. We encourage questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Your success is our success, and we're committed to providing you with the foundation for a successful consulting career.

For questions about this handbook or the graduate program generally, contact Sasha Petrov or raise items during your weekly mentor meetings.

Document Control:
Last updated: September 15, 2023 | Next review: February 2024 | Owner: S. Petrov