We spoke with Michael, an ex-Bain consultant who recently made the move to Australia from the US to join BC Strategy, a boutique consulting firm based in Sydney that’s exclusively composed of MBB alumni. In this interview, Michael shares his experience of relocating from the US, the transition to a new professional landscape, and the unique culture and work environment at BC Strategy.

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Can you tell us about your career before joining BC Strategy?

Before joining BC Strategy, I worked in the generalist consulting practice at Bain & Company, where I gained valuable experience across a range of industries, including tech, higher education, retail, and the public sector.
Beyond my consulting experience, I’ve worked with nonprofits, supported investment research for Indigenous-led startups, held roles in early-stage companies, hospitality, engineering, and environmental services, and even worked as a backcountry snowboard guide and avalanche educator.

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What stands out about working at BC Strategy compared to your previous firm?

What I’ve appreciated most is the chance to have a real seat at the table early on. From the beginning, I was involved in shaping pitches, contributing to internal initiatives, and engaging directly with both clients and senior team members. The structure is lean, which means you have more ownership and visibility.

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Compared to larger firms, it’s much flatter and less about layers of process and more about practical impact. It’s still fast-paced, but there’s more room for open discussion and shared decision-making. That dynamic has made the work feel more personal and more satisfying.
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On the work-life balance front, the team genuinely respects boundaries. There’s also flexibility in how the work gets done, particularly when project timelines allow for it. I typically work from 9 to 6, with occasional longer days when a new client or project is kicking off. Most weeks, I spend three days at the client site, one day working from home, and one day in the office with the team - a great balance of face time, flexibility, and collaboration. The pace is fast but sustainable, and expectations are clear.

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How would you describe the culture and work environment at BC Strategy?

It’s a thoughtful and collaborative environment. People are smart and motivated, but they’re also grounded and humble. There’s a shared respect for the work and for each other, which makes it easier to speak up, share ideas, ask for input, and collaborate.

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What stands out is that people value being direct, supportive, and focused on outcomes. That makes working here feel constructive and challenging, which is a combination I’ve come to really value.

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How does BC Strategy support career progression for consultants?

Progression is driven by impact. If you contribute clear thinking, support your team, and create value for clients, you’ll earn more responsibility - whether that’s leading a stream, owning part of the problem-solving, or shaping how we approach a project.

There’s also space to influence where we play - identifying new opportunities with existing partners or bringing a commercial lens to internal initiatives.

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What motivated your move to Australia and how has the lifestyle in Australia compared to your expectations?

I had been looking for international experience for a while, and Australia offered a compelling mix: a strong consulting market, an interesting client landscape, and a lifestyle that values balance. It felt like a good place to challenge myself professionally without stepping away from the things I enjoy outside of work.

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Since moving to Sydney, the transition has been both energising and grounding. The city strikes a great balance - offering strong career opportunities while making space for life beyond work. The high quality of life, paired with easy access to both urban energy and nature, has made it a great fit.

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I’m now based in Bondi, just minutes from the beach, and the proximity to the ocean has genuinely impacted how grounded I feel day-to-day. Sydney’s lived up to expectations - and then some.

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How has your consulting experience been different in Australia compared to the US?

The work itself is very similar - structured thinking, collaboration, client impact - but the tone feels more agreeable. Clients here tend to be more open, and there’s often a quicker path to building trust that is driven by getting to know the people you're working with directly.

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That openness allows for a more direct working relationship, which can make decision-making and progress feel smoother. There’s still urgency and pace, but less formality, which I’ve found refreshing.

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Any tips or insights for someone considering a similar move?

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Get clear on what matters most to you, both professionally and personally, and make decisions that support both. One of the most impactful things you can do early on is to build a routine and a sense of community outside of work, even if it is just a small start. For me, having a few anchors like surfing or doing yoga before work created balance and brought a sense of familiarity amid the change.

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What support did BC Strategy offer to make your move easier?

BC Strategy helped sponsor my visa and provided guidance throughout the relocation process. They also supported me during the first few weeks as I got settled, connecting me with teammates who had gone through similar moves. That made it easier to navigate both the logistics and the little things that come up when relocating internationally. Having that backing really helped the transition.

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Your experience with Movemeon and how consultants can leverage the platform for relocating internationally.

Movemeon was a great resource in my transition and their team was responsive and thoughtful throughout the process.

For anyone considering a move, it’s a platform worth exploring. It made the international search feel more manageable, and helped me find a role and firm that aligned with both my skills and goals.

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Thinking about making the move too? Good news! BC Strategy is actively hiring across various levels. Apply through the link below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon!

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Application link: https://app.movemeon.com/candidate/jobs/17528

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