David Meehan

Associate, Corporate Finance & Restructuring

I enjoy having the ability to provide impactful advice to our clients, which has resulted in significant improvements to their business.

What is your day-to-day job?

At FTI Consulting, we provide support for a range of clients. Currently, a lot of my work involves clients who have been impacted by COVID-19. A project that I am currently working on is a peer review of a large voluntary administration in Australia. I have been analysing the processes that were undertaken by the administrators. The work is challenging but fulfilling, and I have been provided with great support from senior management.

What's your background?

I grew up in Sydney and completed my HSC in 2014. I was unsure what I wanted to do after university and decided to take a gap-year and travel with friends to Europe. Once I returned to Sydney, I applied to Macquarie University and studied a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Finance and Accounting. During my time at university, I did a summer internship at a boutique private equity firm and another longer-term internship at a buy-side fund manager. I received an offer to join FTI Consulting as a 2020 graduate after applying through my university career website.

Why FTI Consulting?

When I was at university, we had a guest speaker who told us about Corporate Finance & Restructuring and the work that they do. I found this extremely interesting and saw that there was a similar position available at FTI Consulting, which I applied for.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

At FTI Consulting, we undertake a diverse range of projects when servicing our clients. This provides a strong learning environment for graduates and has allowed me to experience a range of challenges. I enjoy having the ability to provide impactful advice to our clients, which has resulted in significant improvements to their business.

What has been challenging?

The most challenging thing for me has been my lack of previous experience with Voluntary Administration processes. However, I’ve had the opportunity to dive into the deep end and learn from some of the best senior managers in the industry.

What support is given to you?

I was given a “buddy” on my first day at FTI Consulting, who has provided me with outstanding ongoing support. I have also found that many other colleagues (who are not my defined “buddy”) have also assisted me greatly in a variety of different areas. I have never been turned away when asking for advice.

What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?

My advice to anyone looking to obtain a graduate position is that your marks are not everything. The best colleagues I have worked with are usually the most well-rounded. They are intelligent but can also form strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Make sure that your resume is clean and professional, and that you provide a tailored cover letter with your application. You will be surprised how few applicants provide a professional resume and cover letter. It will put you above other graduates who do not submit a cover letter, tailored to the role you’re applying for.

FTI Consulting is an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. FTI Consulting professionals, located in all major business centres throughout the world, work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and opportunities. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn. FTI Consulting, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a consulting firm and is not a certified public accounting firm or a law firm.

The views expressed in this document are those of the author and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, its subsidiaries, its management, its affiliates or its other professionals. This document contains only general information. FTI Consulting is not, by means of this document, providing accounting, business, communications, financial, investigations, investment, legal, tax, technology, or other professional services or advice. This document is not a substitute for professional services or advice, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision that may affect your business. Before making any decision that may affect your business, you should consult an advisor. FTI Consulting shall not be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained through reliance on this document. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.