From uni to consulting: A graduate’s reflections

Nyah Moore joined Onward’s Graduate Program in February after graduating from the University of Newcastle in late 2025. We invited her to write about her first months working as an Environmental Consultant.

Starting at Onward has been my first experience working full-time after university. Before joining, I did not know much about the world of environmental consulting, but over the past three months I have been introduced to many different aspects of the industry. I have had exposure to auditing, environmental impact statements, environmental compliance, and rehabilitation reporting across both the mining and renewables sectors. This experience has made the transition from university life to full-time work both smooth and rewarding.

Everyone at Onward has been supportive and approachable, and I have felt well guided in every task I have taken on. Each task is accompanied by clear written instructions and an in-person explanation, which has been especially helpful as I learn to work in real-world projects.

During my first three months, I have also assisted with large renewable energy projects, including wind farms. It has been really interesting to see the level of planning, approval, and collaboration involved in bringing these projects together. One of the things that surprised me most was how many different specialists contribute to preparing an environmental impact statement. Working on these projects has given me a much better understanding of the scale and complexity of renewable developments.

I have also been introduced to the mining industry, particularly through compliance reporting and auditing. This has been a valuable way to learn about the regulatory requirements that large projects must meet to continue operating. One thing that has stood out to me is that each project has its own specific conditions and obligations to follow. I find that especially interesting, because it highlights how no two projects are the same and means I am constantly learning something new.

While the project work has been engaging and has taught me a great deal, there are many other aspects of Onward that I have enjoyed as well. The office culture is welcoming and friendly, and the Graduate Program is designed to provide experience across different parts of the business.

I have appreciated how much emphasis Onward places on helping graduates build the skills they need to succeed. This has included opportunities such as a writing workshop for graduates, which was a great chance to strengthen my professional communication skills, as well as a networking event that gave me valuable exposure to the broader industry.