Skip to content

Emma Howson

from waitress to Business Consultant
I help companies solve problems and grow by giving expert advice.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure, Technology and Digital
Company
Skotte Group
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • My year in industry while at university
  • Changing careers overseas
  • How my career has changed over time
  • What type of projects I have worked on

About me

  • International Experience

I grew up in the UK and always had a passion for geography, which led me to study Environment and Business at university – a degree combining sustainability and business principles. During my studies, I completed a year in industry at Network Rail, the UK’s largest rail infrastructure company, as an Environmental and Sustainable Development Assistant. I supported responsible business practices and helped manage sustainability risks across both office operations and lineside environments – areas directly alongside railway tracks that include vegetation, drainage, and local habitats. After graduating, I moved into project management within the same sector. I later relocated to Australia and now work at a boutique consultancy in Brisbane, helping organisations navigate challenges and deliver practical, future-focused solutions.

About my role

  • Calm
  • Flexible
  • Optimistic
  • Personable
  • Practical

I am a business consultant working in the infrastructure sector of Brisbane, primarily supporting government organisations. Consultants provide expertise to help organisations solve complex problems they may not be able to tackle alone. In my role, I’m often invited into organisations to investigate current challenges (whether clearly known or still emerging) and work closely with stakeholders to develop practical, achievable solutions that align with business goals. Consulting is highly dynamic and project-based, meaning no two projects are ever the same. I collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders with different skill sets and often across multiple organisations. This allows us to co-design solutions that are tailored, future-focused, and deliver meaningful outcomes - both in the short and long term.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Environment and Business (with year in industry)

Subjects

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • Industrial Technology
  • Languages
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Gym
  • Pilates
  • Running
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Each experience is a chance to learn more about yourself and shape your path”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Part-time waitresss while studying
  2. Year in industry while at university
  3. Role in environmentally sustainable rail development
  4. Project management on major rail projects
  5. Re-located to Australia as a consultant

My typical day

My employer

Skotte Group was formed in February 2022. We are a professional services company with foundations in program management, strategy, policy and commercial advisory services. We provide advisory and hands-on delivery services, and frequently work side by side in embedded roles with our clients. We are a growing team of professionals including accountants, lawyers, engineers, data and ICT specialists and this combination of skills gives us the ability to respond to our clients’ challenges. We work with public and private sector clients across multiple sectors including infrastructure, social services, health, information technology, education, transport, and manufacturing across Australia.