Our People - International Stories: Heramb Mayadeo (Engineering, Assets and Project Delivery Team within Infrastructure, Assets and Places)

Q1: What was the motivating factor that made you move over to Australia and what made you choose to move with KPMG originally?

Heramb: A multitude of factors led to our Australian adventure. That includes both, personal and professional reasons. After working in India for close to 8 years I was keen to have some global experience under my belt. For that I had some options like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia. But really, I was keener on Canada and Australia. With the help of experienced friends, I could make a good comparison of opportunities available in Australia and Canada and with the transitioning power industry in Australia it felt I would have more opportunities here. On the personal front, I have some friends in Australia who kindly enough offered all kind of support during my initial job search period. Also, weather was another important factor, I am not at all made for Canadian weather. Australia seemed more suitable in that regard as well. All these factors came in play to kick off our Australian adventure.

Just like my decision to move to Australia, my decision to join KPMG was based on a wide range of factors. But the key factors were the highly skilled team that I was joining and the kind of work I would be getting to do. The team I joined at KPMG is full of professionals with proven power system engineering experience across Australia. The problems that KPMG solves are markedly different from routine engineering consultancy work. With these two tempting factors it was impossible to say no to an offer. 

Q2: From a lifestyle perspective how has the change been? What are 2 things that you expected and 2 things that you didn’t expect?

Heramb: I was excited and thrilled to the fullest as I had never travelled outside India before coming to Australia. My knowledge about Australia was limited to what I could gather from countless hours of watching cricket and legendary Steve Irwin on the telly. The only thing that was what I had expected was the weather. Apart from that I was surprised at every turn! For example, before landing here I always thought that Australia would be a ‘tea’ country, but the coffee culture here blew me away (Although, I am a tea man through and through). Similarly, I always thought Australians would be very much into cricket being multiple times world champions. But again, I was shocked to see that cricket is on a lowly third pedestal behind footy and rugby. As an avid cricket fan that was a bit of a shocker to say the least (here I am at the Ashes!).

Q3: How do you feel your time at KPMG Australia has influenced your career direction?

Heramb: Having spent a decade in the engineering consultancy environment I started getting into the comfort zone of a typical engineering consultancy. But the way of working at KPMG is nowhere close to that. The work that we do at KPMG sits somewhere between the complex detailed engineering work and research work. This offers a unique opportunity to use the engineering knowledge and experience to solve most unique problems globally. This helped me to challenge myself and grow as a professional. I think it is one of my best career decisions ever to join KPMG and learn a totally different way of working. Picture is of me on my first day

 Q4: What has been your most rewarding experience with KPMG and on that note the most challenging experience?

Heramb: The team I have joined at KPMG is comprised of few of the best power systems engineers in Australia. It is a rich opportunity for growth and learning. The main challenge was to get out of my comfort zone and think in the KPMG way. The KPMG way is renowned worldwide for providing world class solutions not just to the existing problems but to the problems that can occur in future. This has forced my limits of thinking out of the set norms of engineering consultancy. 

Q5: What would your general advice be for anyone abroad that is on the fence or looking to relocate to Australia?  

Heramb: Do it and you will never regret it!

If you are interested in joining KPMG Australia's Infrastructure, Assets and Places team please reach out directly to myself or search our careers page for opportunities here and a big thanks to Heramb for sharing this story.