Graduate consulting: A day in the life with Maria Binu

7:15am

My alarm went off half an hour ago, but here I am, still snuggled under the covers, scrolling through my phone. Suddenly, I realise I need to get moving or I’ll miss the bus. In a flurry, I throw on my work clothes, add a touch of makeup, and pack my work bag, then dash out the door to catch the bus just across the street.

9:00am

Walking into the office and getting my coffee from the coffee machine just never gets old. I settle into my favourite spot at the office and have a quick chat with my friends sitting next to me. Then, I get straight into sorting out my emails sorted and organising my MS Teams calendar. With that, I’m ready to tackle the day’s priorities.

9:30am

Time for a coffee run with my colleagues! A stroll to the café, my usual chai latte in hand, and engaging conversations about new projects and personal interests are just what I need. On the way back, I catch up with my previous project manager about exciting new opportunities, setting the stage for potential future involvement.

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10:00am

First meeting of the day with my current project manager to discuss our data governance uplift project. We kick off with some light banter about coffee and weekend plans before diving into progress updates, identifying areas for improvement, and aligning tasks with client requirements. I jot down notes in my trusted notebook, ensuring we’re all on the same page for the week.

11:00am

Post-meeting, I send follow-up emails to clients and dive into high-priority tasks. First up, updating the client status pack and crafting a preliminary presentation. I ask my colleagues for advice on slide designs, sparking a lively debate that adds some fun to the work day.

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12:30pm

Lunchtime rolls around, and as usual, I forgot to pack lunch. I join a few colleagues for a walk to the food court. Choosing lunch is always a dilemma, but a friend’s suggestion of a chicken sandwich hits the spot. Back in the communal kitchen, we have a lively catch-up session, making lunchtime a highlight of the day.

2:30pm

We have our weekly status update call with the client. We discuss our progress, project timeline, blockers, and next steps. The client’s positive feedback on our previous workshop is a great boost, and we share key observations for moving forward.

3:00pm

With the tasks agreed upon, I get to work on uplifting the client’s data governance documents. I research what makes a good data governance policy, referencing the Australian Privacy Principles and DAMA DMBoK framework. My notes detail positive observations and improvement opportunities, and I tag my project manager with any questions. Progress updates are sent, and a feedback session is scheduled for later in the week.

4:30pm

I attend the iGROWW National Lead meeting, where we engage in a design-thinking activity via Mural to brainstorm ideas for upcoming events. iGROWW is one of Protiviti’s DEI networks focused on the growth and retention of women in the workplace. We decide on our next steps and distribute tasks among the leads.

5:30pm

I review my emails and to-do list, ensuring all high-priority items are completed. Documents are saved in the correct folders with proper labelling, and I send a quick MS Teams message to my project manager about my progress. She thanks me and wishes me a good evening.

6:30pm

Finally home, I resist the urge to just flop down and instead get ready for my boxing class. After a quick snack, I pack my gear and head to the gym. Boxing helps me de-stress and recharge, getting my adrenaline pumping and clearing my mind.

7:30pm

After boxing, I treat myself to a chocolate doughnut while doing some grocery shopping—a little guilty pleasure. I chat with some gym buddies about our favourite TV shows and sweet treats, adding a social touch to my evening.

10:30pm

With a shower and dinner behind me, I unwind with a movie. I set my alarms for the morning and spend the next hour scrolling through my phone, sharing memes with friends until I finally drift off to sleep.

Thinking of joining Maria and experiencing life as a Protiviti graduate? Apply now for our 2026 consulting graduate program. Applications are open until 28 April 2025.