Industry Statement
For the year 2023, I have been offered a graduate job at KPMG Canberra as a systems consultant in
the data and cloud team. Professionals working in consulting are primarily hired for their ability to solve
a range of complex problems. Consultants help their clients by breaking down a problem and providing a
solution. As a result, consulting companies generally hire for a diverse range of skills and experience due
to the various thinking styles it provides (Prosple, 2022).
What does this industry do?
System consulting is a business activity that assists in the efficiency of operating
processes and information technology mechanisms (Freshworks, n.d.). The rise of technology has rapidly
increased the reliance on big data, which can be described as data that contains greater variety, and
arrives in increasing volumes and with more velocity (Oracle, 2022). Therefore, data consultants carry
out a relevant analysis, management and control to determine the validity of the data (Sortlist, 2022).
What kind of contribution does it make to society?
The role that system consultants play in society is significant as analytics can amplify the power of data,
consequently steering companies away from risky outcomes (Diaz et al., 2018). Through data analysis
and monitoring, companies can be notified and respond to organisational challenges before they
become a full-scale crisis. Organisational crises can harm all stakeholders involved; therefore, companies
should use data monitoring methods to identify and assess issues quickly.
Does it have specific aims involving the inclusion of Indigenous communities?
KPMG has a range of programs and support for Indigenous communities. Specifically, Empowered
Community is a scheme formed due to an agreement amongst Indigiouds leaders. The leaders
determined that the current government policies are not adequately working to support Indigenous
communities. Therefore, the group formed seven common principles envisioned for Indigenous
communities. The principles envisioned included: children in school, adults in work, safe care of children
and the vulnerable, freedom from domestic violence and crime, and family responsibility for public
housing tenancies (KPMG, 2016).
What associations or peak bodies represent or oversee this industry?
The Big Four is the collective name given to the world's four largest professional service networks. The
Big Four comprises Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PwC. These professional service networks
dominate most of the consulting market. In addition, the four firms are considered desired places to
work due to the frequency in which they engage with Fortune 500 companies.
How is it viewed by the broader public?
Consulting work can be very broad and vary depending on the industry. However, fixing or optimising a
specific aspect of a client’s business is the most common duty associated with consultants. Consultants
are known to provide expert advice, make recommendations and be exceptionally good at solving problems. In addition to expertise, consultants are known to have a variety of accomplishments and
qualifications. Consultants with higher levels of experience and knowledge generally receive more
compensation for their work; therefore, consultants are known to be Individuals who enjoy learning
(Best Accredited College, 2021).
How has this industry grown or changed since it was first established?
The rapid evolution of digital technology has drastically changed the consulting industry. With the rise of
technology, consulting firms quickly adapted their business operations to include technology-focused
services. The competitive landscape for consulting firms has also changed due to technological
advances. Data ownership has become more valuable than ever, and firms are constantly striving to
leverage their data to gain an advantage over competitors. In traditional consulting, the ability to have
advanced knowledge of industries was vital; however, now, the firms that can deliver the highest quality
data and technology services provide the most value to clients (McMillan et al., 2017).