WCP Women Who Travel - P.t 3 - Insights from GMC in London

Theresa Pham, a Bachelor of Commerce student and Publications Director of WCP, embarked on a two week journey in November-December 2024 to undertake the Global Management Consulting subject, based in London.

What is Global Management Consulting (GMC) at The University of Melbourne?

I first came across this subject, ironically, while I was in India for another overseas subject offered by UniMelb—IBUS (which we've written an article about here). One of the Global Learning team staff members gave me a rundown on all the global experiences available to BCom students, and I was hooked from the start. I had so many positive things to say about my experience with IBUS in New Delhi, and I knew that with the same team organising GMC, it would be another incredible opportunity. 

Global Management Consulting (MGMT30017) is essentially the Management Consulting subject (MGMT30012), but taken overseas in a more intensive format. The main premise is that you’re paired with a real company to tackle real issues, all while working within a team. Not only would I earn 12.5 credit points, meet new friends, and have a life-changing experience in my 20s, but it would also be a valuable addition to my CV. It was the perfect chance to immerse myself in the excitement of London, with the added bonus of a mini European adventure, given the easy access to nearby countries. Applying for GMC was a no-brainer.

What was the program like?

I fully recognise that I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to attend these overseas university programs, as you’re essentially paying extra on top of your regular fees. However, if you value things like gaining overseas experience, learning new cultures, stepping outside your comfort zone, and growing in ways you can’t truly imagine until you experience it, then I highly recommend considering it. Beyond personal growth, there are also invaluable experiences like seeing how different industries operate, networking with professionals and academics, and meeting like-minded students from universities worldwide. 

If you’re like me and value all of the above, but finances are a concern, I was fortunate to receive the FBE Travel Studentship, which helped fund my trip. There are other options too, such as taking out an OS-Help loan or applying for other scholarships. Keep in mind that some expenses will still need to be financed yourself, but if you’re on the fence, I truly believe these experiences are some of the most enriching you can get from your university degree. 

Now, getting into the specifics of the program: Unlike my IBUS experience in New Delhi, GMC is far more work-heavy and not a study tour at all. On arrival, the first day and a half is dedicated to meeting your cohort (which you should have already connected with through pre-travel briefings). GMC also has a master's-level equivalent called Global Business Practicum (GBP), where you'll meet people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which is a unique and interesting dynamic. 

Your experience will depend on several factors, including the roommate you choose (or are randomly assigned), your team dynamics over the two-week project period, and your willingness to be a learner and team player. The structure of the program is simple: you’ll work in an office with your team during the week, leaving evenings and weekends free.

I was placed in a team of four and paired with Qantas for our project, which was a fascinating experience that exposed us to an entirely new industry. My team even had an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Heathrow Airport. Partnering with Qantas gave us the opportunity to work with a leading company in the aviation industry, and it was interesting to see how they tackle challenges and innovate. Some teams even had the added bonus of attending their companies' Christmas parties.

When working at a company like Qantas, it’s crucial to bring your professional self. If you don’t have consulting experience, I recommend researching consulting frameworks and slide decks beforehand to help complement your learnings with the modules on Canvas. This preparation will allow you to contribute meaningfully during the short time you have, as you only have around a week and a half of actual business days to work on the project. 

What were the key takeaways from GMC?

I often have conversations with my university friends about not knowing exactly what career or future we want after university. Through many discussions with older individuals, I’ve realised that this uncertainty is completely normal. The recurring advice I’ve heard is that you truly just need to experience different things—figure out what you like, what you don’t, and adjust along the way. That’s exactly how I felt working at Qantas. Witnessing the team’s strong sense of unity and passion for their work, with every day feeling different from the last, made me realise how important it is to be invested in the company you work for. Before GMC, I didn’t think much about the aviation industry (it wasn’t exactly on my radar), but now, while I’m still unsure about where my career will go, aviation has definitely caught my attention. The little details I’ve learned about how airports and planes operate are now etched in my mind. For example, did you know that if you have checked-in luggage and are late to board, you could delay the entire flight? The airline either has to wait for you or unload your luggage. So, the moral of the story: don’t be late.

Another one of my most memorable takeaways was the friendships I formed during GMC. I completely understand the common sentiment shared on the UniMelb subreddit about how hard it can be to make lasting friendships at university. In BCom, where you typically only meet classmates for short tutorials, it’s especially challenging to connect deeply. I didn’t come into GMC expecting to make lifelong friends, and I’ll admit I was doubtful about it. But, as it often happens, friendships come when you least expect them. I got along so well with my cohort that we spent countless late nights after work hanging out, sometimes only getting a few hours of sleep before starting the workday again. I even traveled with one of my friends straight after the program ended, making the experience even more memorable. No regrets—it was an unforgettable experience to learn about each other and bond in such an intense environment. We’re still close back in Australia, and it’s even more special to know that we lived in the same area, but it wasn’t until this trip that we truly connected.

Closing thoughts…

If you’re considering any of the global experiences offered by UniMelb, whether it’s study abroad, IBUS, or GMC, I say go for it. 

I can speak from personal experience with both IBUS and GMC. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, cultural experience where you get to spend more time with your cohort while learning about another country’s economy and context, IBUS would be a great choice. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking to strengthen your resume and gain more hands-on experience working in a team and an office environment in a global setting, GMC is the way to go. Either way, both are fantastic experiences you wouldn’t get in a regular classroom setting, and you can’t go wrong. This experience is about more than just completing a project or earning credit points—it’s about growing both professionally and personally. 

This recent experience is one that will undoubtedly continue to shape my professional journey.