KPMG scandal prompts Australian students to weigh consulting options

Australian university students remain interested in consulting careers despite the recent KPMG scandal, in which senior staff used confidential client information to win business. UNSW students Damon Kim, Emma Halamkova and Riddhesh Mehta said the incident does not deter them, although they may favor other firms if given comparable offers. Halamkova noted, “A lot of these things happen in the real world… you can’t look at one issue and say that makes up the whole company.” Kim added that his decision will depend more on the specific role than the employer, echoing the saying, “beggars can’t be choosers.” Demographer Mark McCrindle observed that younger generations seek work with social impact but are realistic about debt and earnings, and will not automatically rule out a firm because of “bad PR.” The latest Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey shows full‑time employment for Australian undergraduates at 75.4% in 2025, indicating a steady demand for professional roles.

The students’ perspectives suggest that KPMG’s reputation damage may influence individual recruitment choices, but the broader appeal of consulting and its perceived societal value remain strong among aspiring graduates.