PRESIDENTS’ ADDRESS
Dearall,
Asweapproachtheendof2024,weareincrediblyproudtohavecollaboratedalongside47 passionatestudentsinourinternalteamtosupportCapitalW’smissioninits17thyear.As theleadersofUNSW’sWomeninBusinessSociety,wecontinuetobeinspiredbyour SubcommitteeMembers,DirectorsandExecutiveTeamwhoworkwithdedicationto providealluniversitystudentswiththeresourcesandplatformstospringintosuccess,and becomethefutureleadersoftomorrow.
Asourtenurecomestoanend,welookforwardtohandingoverourrolestothenext Executiveteam.ThemajorityofourinternalteamjoinedCapitalWduringtheearlystages oftheiruniversitydegree,anditwarmsourhearttoseetheteamgrowanddeveloptheir skillsfurther,tocreatenewopportunitiesandcontinueCapitalW’slegacy.
Wewouldalsoliketothankour5000+membersfortheirenthusiasmandparticipationin ourinitiativesthisyear.Whetheritbeforalarge-scaleflagshipin-personevent,a collaborativeworkshop,awebsiteredesigntoimproveourdigitalexperience,anonline marketingcampaign,oracasecompetition,itwastrulywonderfultoseeallofyourexcited facesparticipatinginoureventsandbenefittingfromtheseexperiences.Wehopetohave improvedyouruniversityexperiencein2024andaddedvaluetoyourpersonaland professionalgrowth
CapitalWwouldnotbewhereitiswithoutourpartnershipwith25firmswhoareleadersin variousbusinessindustries,includinginvestmentbanking,consulting,telecommunications, technology,data,professionalservicesandmore.Theunwaveringsupportreceivedallowsus toorganiseourannualevents,expandourmarketingcampaigns,andensurestudentsareable toexploretheirinterestsandgoalsinapersonalandmeaningfulmanner.Thispartnership allowsustopromoteamultitudeofaccessibleopportunitiestoourmemberbase,whoare eventuallyemployedbyfirmssupportinginclusionanddiversityonalllevels.Itisthrough oursponsors,weareabletoprovidefirst-handadvicetostudentsforanyquestions,creating anaccessiblepipelinetosupportourstudentmembersinfutureemployment.
WewishtheincomingExecutivesandBoardofDirectorsallthebestin2025.Withtheir incrediblevisionandpassion,wearesurethatCapitalWwillexpanditsreachfurtherthan everbefore
AsCapitalWalumni,welookforwardtoattendi f d mainingconnected withthesociety’sfutureendeavours
Wishingyoualltheverybestinyournextchapter
Serena Abbasi & Harriet Vitek 2023-24Co-Presidents
2024 INTERNAL TEAM
Serena Abbasi Commerce/Law
Harriet Vitek Commerce/Economics
Doha Goreishi Commerce/Engineering
Elise Zhang Commerce/Law
Roba Goreishi Economics/Mathematics
Aneeqa Khan Commerce
Saanvi Yerawar DataScience&Decisions
Zoe Petridis Economics/Politics
Audrey Truong SocialScience/Law
Yvonne Lin Commerce/Law
Riddhi Tanjil Karim Commerce/Engineering
2024 INTERNAL TEAM
Publication Directors
Lara Aizenstros Commerce/Law
Ven Lee Teo Commerce/Law
Marketing Directors
Amal Khan DataScience(Co-op)
Wendy Tran Commerce/Law
Sponsorship Directors
Safa Ramadanny Engineering/ComputerScience
Reyhaneh Seifi Commerce/Law
Careers Directors
Rianna Allen Commerce/Law
Digital Directors
Careers
HadiaChaudry
NishatHossain
JovnaJose
SaviniRatnayake HR
CatherineDuong
WinnieZhang
VivianLe ClarelleJunio
Joceline Rijanto DataScience/Science
Chinnu Anil Commerce/ InformationSystems
Subcommittee Members
Marketing
JosephineBong
AreebahZee
HumnahBhatti
JenniferZhang
Publications
KavyaNarasiman
NadyaSoetomo
NabeehaIkram
FeliciaLie
Events
VedikaSathi
MollyHe
PriyalMahida
AmberLin
Sponsorships
AlanaZhang
AnjanaMaheswaran
Digital
DuaAsim
XuanLiKuah
ElainaChao
LorettaAntolie
Women in Spotlight: JANINEALLIS
Innovation is about breaking boundaries and moving outside of your comfort zone. Often the best idea is unconventional and initially appears unorthodox. Janine Allis embodies this idea as the founder of Boost Juice and part owner of Australian umbrella company, Retail Zoo. Despite Boost Juice’s uniqueness as one of the few healthy food alternatives of its time in 2000, Allis’s business has since grown to be worth over $350 million dollars. Allis’ career spans into numerous different industries and teaches us that there is no right way to succeed.
Early Growth
Janine Allis was born in 1965 in Melbourne, Australia and held great ambitions from an early age. At just 16 years old, Allis left her high school in Melbourne to pursue a career and began working as a media assistant and model. Allis held a diverse range of roles before landing in the United States of America, low on funds. Allis’s financial situation led her to become a stewardess on David Bowie’s yacht. This unique position offered her a perspective into the lives of the rich and famous and allowed her to begin discussion with affluent individuals. These diverse experiences enabled Allis to gain an understanding of herself and her career path as well as develop interpersonal skills key to her role as an entrepreneur.
Continuous Blooming
In 2000, Janine Allis founded Boost Juice after observing the apparent gap in the Australian market for fresh, healthy and fast food/drink.
Allis recalls feeling at the time that she was going "probably nowhere" with her career, as a young mother of four. Allis opened the first Boost Juice in Adelaide, wanting to test the success of the company in a smaller city before introducing it to the broader public. The company was a massive success and Janine quickly introduced Boost Juice to numerous other states in Australia and internationally in Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and a number of other countries. Alongside Boost Juice’s massive success, Janine and her husband, Jeff. decided to diversify by beginning a holding company, ‘Retail Zoo’. ‘Retail Zoo’ grew to become a huge success too, becoming the holding company of a number of large restaurant chains. Allis’ determination in the face of fear and adversity proved to be an essential strength as she transformed her life and the food industry of Australia.
“Stop, smell the roses and celebrate those milestones. There will always be enough times that things go wrong, so you need to celebrate it when it goes right.”
Branches of Legacy
Since starting Boost Juice, Allis has gone on to become one of the “Sharks” on Shark Tank Australia, enabling other budding entrepreneurs to receive her expertise and funding. As well as this, Allis starred alongside Gordon Ramsay in a show ‘Food Stars’ with a similar premise, allowing Allis and Ramsay to invest in a food/drink related item.
Allis has written numerous publications including ‘The Accidental Entrepreneur’ and volunteers as a United Nations ambassador with the core goal of aiding refugee women. Importantly, Allis is dedicated to empowering and supporting other budding entrepreneurs, particularly female entrepreneurs. Allis’ career path has been anything but typical, but her devotion and experience has enabled her to plant roots of legacy within Australia and internationally.
ADOPTING A GROWTH MINDSET
By Nadya Soetomo (Publications Subcommittee)
It all started during my third week asafirst-yearuniversitystudent. Truthtobetold,universitywaslike another universe. Surrounded by individuals with impeccable achievements, it did not take long for imposter syndrome to hit me, especially after finding out that my application for a certain program wasunsuccessful.
Asdramaticasitmaysound,itfelt like a blow to my self-esteem. Becauseinhighschool,everything feltmoreachievable—fromgetting goodgradestobuildingfriendships andjoiningstudentclubs.
The films I watched growing up madeuniversitylifeseemeuphoric, but it quickly became challenging and rather blue. Luckily, I discoveredtheconceptofagrowth mindset, which was truly a gamechanger.
A growth mindset essentially involves believing that one’s abilitiesandknowledgecanevolve with effort and perseverance. So instead of viewing setbacks as roadblocks,Ibegantoseethemas achancetoupgrademyself.
Whenever you feel like you’re stuck, I’d like to reassure you that you’re not alone. Everyone faces theirownshareofchallenges,and the key to overcoming them is by beingresilientandadaptable.
Instead of letting a rejection email or a poor grade define you, use it as motivation to push yourself further.
Inmycase,Istartedtalkingtomore peopletoseewhathasworkedfor them, and what has not But learning from others’ experiences can only get you so far, so I decidedtotreateverysetbackasa stepping stone. This means not being afraid to try again after a certain failure; and after testing what worked and did not work for me,Ibegantonoticesomepositive changes in the way I think, speak, andact.
Although it is not an instant process,adoptingagrowthmindset is a powerful tool to overcome setbacks and thrive in your academic, professional, and personaljourney.
Challenges are opportunities for growth. Remember to take your time, for every setback prepares you to unlock a better version of yourself.Withthisinmind,youwill hopefully be more confident to handle the ups and downs of university life and beyond, paving thewayforasuccessfulcareerand fulfillinglife!
TurningRejection intoRedirection
Let’s talk about something we allhate:rejection.Whetherit’sa job, a promotion, or that business idea you were excited about, hearing “no” can feel like a punch to the gut. Trust me, I’ve been there too But here’s something no one tells you rejection isn’t the end. Turning rejectionintoredirectioncanbe a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth.
Eventhemostsuccessful womenyouadmirehave beentold"no"moretimes thanyou’dbelieve.
First off, let me remind you, everyone gets rejected. Even themostsuccessfulwomenyou admire have been told "no" more times than you’d believe Oprah? Told she wasn’t cut out for TV. J.K. Rowling? Her manuscript got rejected 12 times before “Harry Potter” became a global phenomenon. These women didn’t stop after rejection they adjusted their sails and let those setbacks guide them toward something better
So, what do you do when that “no”comesyourway?Shiftyour mindset Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Maybe there’s something youcanchangeuporaskillyou need to sharpen. But remember, just because someone doesn’t see your potential doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Also, rejection is a chance to build your resilience. I know being a woman in business can sometimes feel like an uphill battle you’ve got to work harderandproveyourselfmore. But don’t let a “no” make you question your worth You’re capable, talented, and strong enough to overcome these obstacles
Here’s the part that’ll really surprise you: sometimes that rejection is actually saving you from something that wasn’t meantforyou.It’stheuniverse’s way of saying, “There’s something better coming” That job, project, or opportunity mightnothavebeentheperfect fit. Stay open to where life is leadingyounext
So, when rejection shows up, don’tletitknockyoudown Use it to redirect your energy, get smarter, and keep moving forward Every “no” just brings you closer to the right “yes” Keep going, your big win is on theway!
By: Kavya Narasiman (Publications Subcommittee)
transcripts anytime, making it a stress-free way to stay on top of your studies
Todoist is a popular productivity app that helps students manage their tasks and deadlines efficiently. With its simple interface, you can create to-do lists, set priorities, and schedule reminders for assignments, exams, and personal tasks. Todoist’s features, like recurring tasks, project organisation, and productivity tracking, make it easier to stay organised and meet deadlines Its cross-platform syncing ensures you can access your to-do lists anywhere, anytime!
Findingand EngagingMentors forCareerSuccess
FELICIALIE(PUBLICATIONSSUBCOMMITTEE)
Mentors play an important role in shaping one’s career, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights. Finding the proper mentor may be a life-changing experience for young professionals as they will help navigate challenges in career development, make informed decisions, and accelerategrowth
Finding
Identifyingtherightplatform
Linkedin’s wide reach and professional focus allows us to identify and engage a role model who has the same career path we want to pursue
From Alumni Networks to societies such as Capital W, UNSW provides multiple events and seminars for students to expand their professionalnetworks.
Innovate NSW provides mentoring and networking opportunities for tech startups and innovators.
Identifyyourneeds:Doyouneedhelp refining a skill set, or navigating challenges for a specific field? Understanding your needs will help you find a mentor with the right expertisetohelpaddressyourneeds
2 Leverage your network: Often the best mentors are people who are close to you, such as professors, senior colleagues or family friends Reach out to someone that you feel would understand the topic you are seeking forhelpwithandaskquestions.
3.Sendathoughtfulmessage: Onceyou have identified the right person, send a messagementioningaspecificreasonas to why you admire them and ask respectfully whether they are open to givingyoufeedback
Engaging
1.
Beclearandrespectful: Prepare and write down all the questions you want to ask them Straightforwardly convey your goals and expectations. This shows that you respect their busy schedule and the time that they given upforyou.
2. Show commitment: Show that you value their time and effort by applying theiradviceandfeedback Beproactive and share your progress with them Persistence and engagement will strengthen the relationship as they feel respectedandabletosharethejourney withyou.
3. Stay open to feedback: As their role is to push you beyond your comfort zone, view feedback as a tool for growth Seek for it or even ask respectfullyforconstructivecriticism.
Spring Cleaning Your Career: How to Refresh Your Career Goals
by: Lara Aizenstros and Ven Lee Teo (Publications Co-Directors)
As the year comes to the end, you may be suffering from symptoms of professional burn out. With so many opportunities popping up it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the diverse assortment of steps that can be taken. So, as we ease into the spring months and the end of the academic year, it is the perfect time to reassess your career goals to begin afresh in the new year.
Reflection
Before making any drastic changes, it is vital to look inwards and to consider your personal interests. Selfreflection is the most helpful tool in transforming your career as it enables you to consider what you truly enjoy. Take a moment to sit down and look at past career experiences and university courses that you genuinely enjoyed. As well as this, consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Taking these factors into consideration allows you to consider what would be the best fit. Whilst your early career is all about making changes and trying new things, understanding your own desires and objectives may not only shorten this process but ensure that you are passionate about each career step you take.
Research
After looking internally it is time to turn to the external factors of your career journey. With a constantly changing job market, it is easy to be left behind by the never ending cycle of market trends. As you progress, keep tabs on industries that interest you and ensure you are staying up to date with industry trends and the job market as a whole. Find industries which appear to be growing and determine where you fit into that.
Whilst the growth or strength of an industry should not be the only factor in your career progression, it is helpful to consider what is a sustainable career path. For example, with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, AI has become a field which yields massive job opportunities. Further, in consideration of social trends, the sustainable energy field is an essential industry with a high demand for positions. Completing your own research allows you to set realistic goals targeted towards industries that excite you.
Reach Out
Throughout this process remember that you are not alone, and that there are people all around you ready to give you a helping hand and guide you through this journey. Professional mentorship is an essential tool for developing career goals and learning from lived experience. Finding a mentor can be a daunting experience, so challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone by messaging a couple of people on LinkedIn to set up a brief meeting. This meeting does not have to be in person nor does it have to be long, just long enough to form a connection. It will surprise you how willing other professionals are to answer questions and educate others based on their past successes and failures.
Simply determine what advice you need at that moment: do you need advice from an older, established professional or from a recent graduate in the early stages of their career? Look at the industry and position which you are interested in too. Developing a professional relationship provides guidance every step of your way towards career success.
Renewal
Career goals are not achieved overnight, but cleaning them up may provide a helpful redirection on your career path. Career journeys are not linear and are subject to constant change due to personal chances in your lives or the external forces around you. Consistently revitalising your career goals allows you to remain one step ahead through the ups and downs.
Keep pushing through to the end of the year because with the new year comes new beginnings, fresh starts and a wealth of career opportunities!
CareerAccelerator@UNSW BusinessSchool
Career Accelerator is your one-stop shop for career development opportunities & experiences exclusive to UNSW Business School students.
Explore our range of experiences and opportunities designed to enhance your professional skills in line with your studies, goals, and interests!
Internships
Internships are available for you on the COMM2222 & COMM5022 dashboards!
Business Experience
Free co-curricular business experience with real clients and projects.
Free AI Resources
Resume Checker
LinkedIn Checker Mock interviews
Mentoring
Career Mentoring Program
Alumni Leaders Program
Women in Business Program
Global Experiences
Global Business Practicums COMM3020 & COMM5020
PASS Classes
Workshops & Events
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CommunityWednesday's O - Week Orientation
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Free and run weekly for Business School Students! Connects with industry partners and peers!
Fast-track your career with Career Accelerator!
Explore our website to find out more
InterviewingBrontePendergast
From Graduate to Senior Manager: Bronte’s Career in Data Science at CommBank always had a love of science and maths, but didn't know what a data scientist was when she was started in her career. Now, she leads a team of data scientists at CommBank, working on cuttingedge AI solutions to improve the banking experiences for millions of customers.
eer trajectory, commenced from joining the CommBank Graduate Program in 2019, in data science, to becoming a senior manager in 2024. She said the Graduate Program gave opportunity to rotate through different teams, gain new experiences and find the team that she loved within the bank’s Chief Data and Analytics Office.
common across all those teams is that they had really fantastic, kind, smart and talented practitioners who were happy to help me develop my skills and career. I now work in the perfect because there's real purpose to the work – we aim to provide the best experiences for our nd solve their problems and pain points through data science and AI. This could be personalisation through the CommBank app, enhancing experiences with generative AI or helping customers find opportunities to save amid cost-of-living pressures with our Smart Savings feature.”
Continuous learning: the key to future-proofing your career shared that the key to future-proofing your career in STEM is to cultivate a growth mindset and learning. She decided to do a Masters in Information and Data Science at UC Berkeley two years ago to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
reflect on the past five years and how customer experiences and technology has evolved in that the Covid pandemic to cost of living pressures and the rise of generative AI – it highlights importance of continuous learning and experimenting,” she said.“All of those environmental impacts ced customer behaviour and expectations, and how CommBank needs to support our For me personally, it’s also led to being involved in meaningful work that impacts the Australian community.”
ays CommBank is helping skill its people in emerging technologies is through the bank's AI suite of learning, which includes the AI For All microlearning series, ensuring people can use AI safely and responsibly to deliver better customer outcomes.
takes the responsible use of AI very seriously and part of that is playing a leadership role Australia's responsible AI framework and policies. We know that if we can't use AI we will not use AI at all. It must be responsibly managed, and ultimately deliver a better outcome for our customers and communities,” she said.
Getting more women into STEM careers
es the importance of having more women working in STEM, especially in data science and the algorithms powering technology represent the diversity in the world. Ultimately a more diverse workforce would only lead to greater innovation, she feels.
opens the world up to innovation, and I hope more women are able to play a role in this. There's e exhilarating than doing something that no one in your team, your company or your industry has done before.”
Unleash your potential
Student Programs
Embarkonyourjourneywithus,fromundergraduateopportunitiestoourmarket-leadinggraduateprograms Whetheryouaspiretodiveinto avacationerrole,collaboratecloselywithEYclientsorcraveinternationalexperiencesthatbroadenyourhorizons,ourculturefostersan environmentwhereyoucanhoneyourskillsalongsidesomeofthebrightestmindsintheindustry
ElevateyourEYexperiencewiththetools,networks,experiencesandopportunitiesthatdefineatransformativecareerjourney We empoweryoutolearn,lead,innovateandgrow.Thisisn’tjustaboutopeningdoors;it’saboutmakinganimpacteverywhereyougo.Access learning,skillsandqualificationstotailoryourcareerjourneyaccordingtoyouraspirations
Unleashyourpotential,growwithusandlet’screateafuturewhereyourimpactresonatesworldwide Connect
What is your role at EY?
INTERVIEWING CLAUDIA HEALY
MANAGER (STRATEGY AND TRANSACTIONS) AT
I’m a manager within the Transactions, Strategy & Execution (TSE) team at EY Australia. Our team supports corporate and private equity clients with the operational aspects of a Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) transaction, including synergy assessments, separation readiness and support, operational due diligence, and supporting the integration or separation process.
How does your organisation encourage a culture of continuous growth and learning to help employees "Spring into Success"?
Our work in TSE is project-based, which means every few months we work with different clients on different transactions. Naturally, this provides a great environment for continuous learning and development, as each project brings unique opportunities and challenges.
How do you define success in your professional journey, and can you share a moment when you felt you truly "sprung" into a new phase of your career?
The way I define success has changed over time. Right now, I define success as not feeling stagnant in my professional career. I seek to work in an environment that challenges me, where I am occasionally uncomfortable and pushed beyond my comfort zone. I have found that this is when I grow and develop the most. Becoming a manager felt like a step-change in my career. It represents a new phase where the focus transitions from solely completing tasks to mentoring and coaching a team, guiding them to achieve project outcomes.
How can students make the most of internships or entry-level positions to "spring into success" in their future careers?
Internships are a great pathway to start your professional career. They help you to understand if you are interested in a particular team or type of work, but also give you a great insight into whether the culture of the team is aligned with the type of environment you would like to work in.
From my perspective, you can make the most of an internship by being enthusiastic, curious and eager to learn, asking as many questions as possible, and saying yes to opportunities that come your way.
How do you balance setting ambitious goals with maintaining a sense of well-being and work-life balance?
I believe that maintaining a sense of wellbeing and work-life balance is critical to being successful in your professional career. There is nothing worse than feeling run-down and burnt out – it is impossible to perform your best while feeling this way. I have found that setting some non-negotiables and communicating these to my project teams is a great way to ensure this balance doesn’t go off kilter. My priorities are ensuring that my partner and I have dinner together every night, attending at least three pilates classes a week, and using my weekends to relax and recharge for the week ahead.
MeaningfulWork GlobalImpact.
Embarkonanextraordinarycareeradventurefilledwithgrowth,excitement,and endlesspossibilities!Embracethespiritofinnovation,connectwithgloballeaders, andimmerseyourselfinrichculturesthatwillshapeyourjourneylikenoother.
J P Morgan is a global leader in financial services, offering solutions to the world's most important corporations, governments and institutions in more than 100 countries. Working with us means you’ll learn from our team of experts in a supportive and collaborativeenvironmentandgaintheskillstomakeadirectcontributiontoafirmwithalegacylastingover200years
Our Asset & Wealth Management business provides strategies that encompass the full spectrum of asset classes Our global investment professionals provide personalized service and advice for individuals,advisorsandinstitutions
CareerAreas:
AssetManagement
Our Corporate and Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets and investor services, earning the trust of the world’s most important corporations, governmentsandinstitutions.
InvestmentBanking|Markets
Our Corporate Functions division is essential in ensuring the success of the bank and serves internal clients needing expertise to execute business management strategies The various functions work together to deliver solutions to customers better, faster, cheaper and safer
CareerAreas: Operations|Compliance|BusinessManagement
Q&A with Lori Zhou
Supporting Australian agriculture on Macquarie’s Graduate Program
Lori Zhou joined the Graduate Program in 2023 and is a Business Analyst for the Agriculture team in Macquarie Asset Management. Her team works across the full asset management lifecycle for agricultural assets, and she enjoys doing work that has real, flow-on impacts on people and communities.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance atMacquarie?
My interest in finance began while studying my Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law. Alongside my studies, I was interested in building a personal investment portfolio. I did a lot of research on different asset classes and financial markets,andregularlyfollowedfinancialnews.
I knew that Macquarie had a great reputation in the industry but heard about Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) specifically through the student societies I was involved in at university. Though interested in finance, I also wanted to be in a role that had a real impact on people's lives. As a global asset manager at the forefront of driving positive change through its investments, peoplearoundtheworldrelyonMAM'sassetsfor transport, foodandother essentialservices, andI wantedtobeapartofthat.
During the interview process for the Graduate Program, I met several people from the MAM Agriculture team, and they came across as caring about helping me find the path that was right for me.
What’spossibleforyourcareeratMacquarie?
One of the things that initially drew me to Macquarie was that it's a large, global organisation with plenty of opportunities for internalmobility.IdiscoveredthatIlovetheMAM Agricultureteamandplantostayhere,butIknow that there’s always the opportunity for change or totrysomethingnew.
Evenwithoutchangingteamsyourrolecanevolve in many different directions, so there are endless possibilities-it’sverydynamic.
HowdoesMacquarieinvestinyourcareer?How areyouencouragedtoinvestinyourself?
Macquarie has a culture of fostering curiosity and collaboration.Iworksidebysidewithseniorteam members and learn from their collective experience
You’re empowered to make a difference and do meaningful work, even as an analyst From the start, I played a key role in projects and client work which helped me learn and build skills quickly
A degree in finance isn’t required As a graduate you’re provided with training to learn the skills you need In my first week, I participated in technical training, including how to build financial models The Graduate Program also has monthly training sessions that aim to help us develop our professional skills It’s a great way to meet graduates from across Macquarie’s different operatingandcentralservicegroups
When it comes to career development, I feel very supported My check-ins with my manager are two-way There’s feedback but they also want to know what I’m interested in. They want me to be inacareerthatexcitesandchallengesme
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforstudentslookingto pursueacareerinfinance?
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a finance degree. You don’t need a finance background to apply or be successful here Macquarie really values diversity of thought What’s important is beingcuriousandwillingtolearn.
There are so many roles that I didn’t even know existed in financial services. I’d recommend that you meet people in the industry, explore what opportunities are out there and what might be rightforyou
Associate Consultant at OC&C Strategy Consultants INTERVIEW: TADI MHITI
HowdoesOC&CStrategyConsultantsencouragea cultureofcontinuousgrowthandlearningtohelp employees"SpringintoSuccess"?
AtOC&C,weareconstantlyina“growthseason”, wherewearechallengedtodevelopourskills.For example, OC&C has structured feedback cycles wherewereceiveregularinputaftereveryproject and/orweek.Wearealsoencouragedtocheckin with our mentors, discussing our strengths and areas for improvement. Through this culture of continuous improvement, OC&C empowers us to adoptagrowthmindset.
How do you define success in your professional journey,andcanyoushareamomentwhenyou feltyoutruly"sprung"intoanewphaseofyour career?
Nowadays,successisoftenportrayedbythemedia as materialistic achievements. But for me, true success is about the depth and quality of relationships I have built with others, as well as beingabletoenjoymyday-to-day.ThemomentI “sprung”intoanewphaseofmycareerwaswhenI began this new role as Associate Consultant at OC&C, as this was my first full time role after graduatingfromuniversity.Withinthisrole,success tomemeansfosteringdeepconnectionswithmy peergroupandmentor.
Howcanstudentsmakethemostofinternshipsor entry-level positions to "spring into success" in theirfuturecareers?
Thekeytomakingthemostofinternshipsorentrylevelpositionsistobuildandfosterrelationships with the people you meet. As much you want a returnoffer,youarealsotryingtodecipherwhat kind of life you want in the future. By communicatingwithpeopleinseniorpositionsand askingthemwhattheyenjoyabouttheirrole,this helpedmeidentifyreasonsastowhyIwantedor didnotwanttoworkataparticularfirm.Ultimately, being open, as well as creating and fostering relationshipsisimportant,evenifyoufeellikeyou do not have much to bring to the table while in entry-levelpositions.
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforstudentsjuststarting theiracademicjourneytosetthemselvesupfor futuresuccess?
My biggest advice is to say yes to as many opportunitiesaspossible,andthenseewherethese opportunities lead you to. When I first entered university, I thought I would pursue accounting, whichIcouldnotseemyselfinnow.Withlimited knowledge and experiences after graduating high school, I decided to embrace a variety of opportunities.
For example, I co-founded a tech startup, joined manysocieties,attendedevents,andparticipated incasecompetitions.Theseexperiencesintroduced metoconsulting,whichIfoundencapsulatedboth thestructuredwayofcorporatethinkingwiththe entrepreneurshipwayofsolvingproblems.Without sayingyestothesemanyopportunities,Iwouldnot havereachedthisconclusionaboutmycareer.
How does diversity of thought and background contributetosuccessatOC&C,andhowdoyou foster an inclusive environment where everyone canthrive?
Our work often involves dealing with complex problemsacrossawidearrayofindustrieswemay nothaveexperiencein.Tounpicktheseproblemsin a structured way, diversity of thought and backgroundisessential.Diverseteamsallowusto hear different perspectives from people with different backgrounds, uncovering solutions that wemightnothavethoughtofotherwise.
OC&C fosters an inclusive environment from the recruitment level, as our partners have made an active decision to prioritise diversity during recruitment.Ialsohadtheopportunitytotravelto London earlier this year for a training session, whereImetcolleaguesfromofficesworldwide.This wasincredibleusefulandinsightful,andshowshow OC&Ccreatesadefaultcultureofinclusivity.
MADELINE YOUNES
GRADUATE DATA ENGINEER AT QUANTIUM
What is your role at Quantium?
At Quantium, I’m a Graduate Data Engineer. This means that I'm a specialised software engineer that designs, implements, and maintains data pipelines.
How does your organisation encourage a culture of continuous growth and learning to help employees "Spring into Success"?
One of Quantium’s core values is “Share Your Superpowers”. Within the company, people are encouraged to take the time to teach others. As a graduate, I have been able to learn and ask questions both within my team and other departments. Quantium also hosts a yearly engineering Hackathon which promotes innovation and learning outside of day-to-day work. There are plentiful resources for learning, with workshops and engineering community watch sessions for talks on new skill sets. There is also opportunity to attend and upskill at relevant conferences, as well as sponsorship for relevant certifications such as Google Cloud Engineer Certifications. With so many opportunities for growth and a safe supportive community for learning, Quantium is an ideal environment for employees to “Spring into Success”.
How do you balance setting ambitious goals with maintaining a sense of well-being and work-life balance?
I found that there is a lifestyle change from studying in university to starting full time work. It is a process finding a balance. It is great to set ambitious goals, but also ensure that those goals are met without being detrimental to your health and wellbeing. It is important to make those goals realistic. It is your own responsibility to set work boundaries, know your own limits and be flexible enough with your goals to finetune them to become more manageable. I try to ensure I make time for regular self-reflections on what is working and what needs to be adjusted. I like to do this in a journal or paint if I just need quiet time to reflect.
How can students make the most of internships or entry-level positions to "spring into success" in their future careers?
“Springing into Success” will look differently for different people. Internships are a great way to learn what “Springing into Success” will look like for you. Taking every opportunity you can early in your career will help you work out the work most suited to you.
How does diversity of thought and background contribute to success in your organisation, and how do you foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive?
Working at Quantium, there is a culture of bringing your whole self to work and having your own unique insights that you bring to your work respected. At Quantium, there are 5 support communities focusing on diversity: the Pride Community, Women’s Network, qHarmony (Cultural Diversity) and Neuro Hub (Neurodivergent Community). Diversity of thought generates more innovative, and thereby successful, solutions In an environment where everyone is thriving, the organisation will thrive as well.
What steps should students take now to build a strong professional network that will support their growth and success?
When it comes to building a professional network, the friends you make in labs and lectures at university really are the foundation. To grow that network, my advice is to go to industry networking events, and participate in societies. These societies can be focused on industry and your degree, or your hobbies. Societies are great ways to meet and talk to new people. You never know what industry you will fall into, or the types of people you will need in your professional network. So, make connections with people with a diverse set of professional aspirations. It’s easy to fall into a clique with a narrow image of what professional success looks like. Having diverse connections will ground you and broaden your perspectives on what success and the pathways to get there can be.
Embark on Your Global Career at Nomura
WHOWEARE
Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking), and Investment Management. Learn more about Nomura’s services by visiting our “What We Do” homepage.
OUR DIVISIONS
Nomura’sdivisionsareprimarilydedicatedtoservicing theneedsofinstitutionalclients.Theycompriseof:
International Wealth Management,
Investment Banking, whichprovidesfinancing, advisoryandrisksolutions toourclients committed toprovidingtailored investment,financingand wealthplanning solutions
Global Markets, an integrated,cross-asset platformwhichincludes research,salesandtrading inglobalsecurities
Corporate,whichincludes Technology,Finance,Risk, Operations,HR,Legal, Compliance,andmanyother departments Theseteams arefundamentaltoour success.
NOMURA IN NUMBERS
Servicing our clients for almost100yearssince
$589 investmenttrustandinvestmentadvisorybusinesses Netassetsundermanagementthroughour
26,850
Collaborate with teams from all around the globe to help you discover new perspectivesandvalues Ouremployeestoday havemanychoiceswhen consideringtheircareer andlifestyles Ourpeopleareourgreatest asset Wefosterdiversity, equityandinclusionto allowthemtothrive.
1,103,000 AsofMarch2024
Elementaryschool,highschool& universitystudentshaveattended ourlecturesonfinance&economics
Extensive retailnetworkinJapanwith 108branches (asofApr1,2024) Employeesinapproximately30countries
Ifoundmysummerinternshiptobeafruitfuljourney whereIbuiltknowledgeandconfidenceneededtostrive intheindustry.Thefast-pacedenvironmentofNomura challengedmetothinkcriticallyandadapttonew situationsquickly.Wewerealsoencouragedtoexplore variousproductsandsolutionsNomuraoffersandmake connectionswithbankersfromjuniortoseniorlevel EveryoneIencounteredwaswillingtoshareexperiences andprovideguidance ThewelcomingcultureatNomura makesmefeelpartoftheteamalreadyevenasanintern, andIamexcitedtobebackasafull-timeanalyst.
Winnie, Investing Banking Analyst
WhatIlikethemostaboutNomuraistheflat organizationalstructureandhoweveryone,regardlessof positionandlevel,isalwayshappytohelp!Through SymphonyorBloombergchat,youcaneasilyreachoutto everyoneinthecompany Evenwhenpeoplearebusy,they willmanagetosqueezeinsometimetositwithyouand discussyourproblemsandconcerns It’sreallygoodtosee thateveryNomuraemployeegenuinelycaresaboutthe growthanddevelopmentofjuniormembers,including interns
Eva, Global Markets Summer Intern
Myexperienceasasummerinternandfull-time analystatNomurahasbeentransformativetomy personalandprofessionaldevelopment.Nomura'slean dealteams,flatstructureandglobalscalehaveallowed metodirectlycontributetocomplexM&Atransactions acrossvarioussectorsandregions.Moreimportantly,the mentorshipIhavegainedisinvaluable-seniorbankers offerconstantguidanceandmyteamhasalways supportedme,especiallyinovercomingthelearning curveasafirst-year.
Jing Wen, Investment Banking Analyst
InterningatNomurahasbeenanincredible learningexperiencefromstarttofinish Beingapartof theITSummerAnalystProgramhasallowedmeto learnsomuch,puttingthetechnicalskillsIacquiredat schoolintopractice.Havingthesupportfromagreat teamandmentorhelpedmetobeconfidentinmy skillsandguidemewheneverIhadquestions Beyond theprojectsIworkedon,Iwasabletoconnectwith otherinternsthougheventsheldandmakegenuine friendshipsthroughoutmytimeinterning Allinall, interningatNomurahasbeenanunforgettable experiencethathassetmeupforsuccessinthe future.
Jessica, Technology Summer Analyst
What is your role at UBS?
INTERVIEWING YOLANDA ZHANG
Global Banking Analyst in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) team at UBS
I support the team in key transactions and advising clients through financial analysis, preparing presentations, and process management.
How does UBS encourage a culture of continuous growth and learning to help employees "Spring into Success”?
I see “Spring into Success” as a continuous journey of personal and professional development to become the most successful version of yourself. At UBS, this culture is deeply ingrained. The business actively fosters an environment that encourages growth – whether it is through connecting with people across the bank, formal training programs, or learning on-the-job.
What advice do you have for students just starting their academic journey to set themselves up for future success?
Make the most of these formative years. They provide a unique opportunity to explore your interests, discover your strengths and shape who you want to become – key steps in setting yourself up for future success. Beyond this, focus on developing transferable skills through extracurriculars, internships and academic studies, to help equip you for the future.
How does UBS help employees transition smoothly from one role or phase to another, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in new positions?
Within Global Banking, there are many opportunities for growth and new experiences, including rotating teams or moving overseas. I started at UBS as an intern (and later a graduate) in the Real Estate team, before rotating into TMT. As part of the culture, every team is very supportive and actively help in bridging any learning gaps to ensure continuous development and seamless transitions across roles.
What steps should students take now to build a strong professional network that will support their growth and success?
Building a strong professional network is an ongoing process. Being at university, you are surrounded by peers who may end up being your future colleagues or clients, forming the cornerstone of your network. Mentoring programs, networking events, and internships also provide invaluable opportunities to meet new people and expand your connections.
WomeninSpotlight NowPlaying
Capital W’s podcast, Women in Spotlight, aims to generate discussionontopicsattheforefrontofstudents'minds.Fromthemes such as ‘Balancing Work, Uni and Life’, as well as ‘Finding your Path’, our podcast provides anecdotal experience and valuable guidance on issues commonly faced by female university students. Each episode features inspirational female representatives, ranging from our sponsors to our past and present Capital W alumni. If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please email us on capitalw.unsw@gmail.com.
