2026 First Year Guide by fmaausyd

First Year Guide

Financial Management Association of Australia

Australia’s leading body connecting students to investment banking, asset management, consulting, financial and professional services employers.

Editor

Gwenaelle Le Bail | Publications Director, FMAA Sydney

President’s Address

Dear Members,

Welcome to the Financial Management Association of Australia (FMAA) in 2026! Whether you’re a first-year student exploring our O-Week Stall

or a returning member ready to dive into another year of networking, workshops, and (of course) duck canapés, I’m thrilled to welcome you to what promises to be an incredible year ahead.

Dating back to 1994 at the University of Sydney, the FMAA has built a proud legacy of connecting students with professionals across investment banking, consulting, asset management, professional and commercial services. Our mission is to be your touchpoint for professional development and career exploration, whether that’s through meeting firm representatives, participating in case competitions, or polishing your CV No matter where you are in your degree, we’re here to support your journey.

For first-year students, I understand that transitioning to university can feel overwhelming – but don’t worry! At the FMAA, we’re committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. Through the resources in this guide, our unparalleled networking opportunities, and engaging events like workshops and case competitions, we aim to help you navigate this exciting new chapter with confidence

Getting involved as an FMAA Subcommittee Member is another fantastic way to maximise your university experience You’ll work alongside driven, like-minded peers, build practical leadership skills, and form connections that last well beyond your degree. Personally, joining the FMAA Subcommittee in my first year was one of the best decisions I ever made. It not only enhanced my professional growth but also allowed me to meet my closest friends at university and make memories that really made my whole university experience! We strongly encourage students from all backgrounds and degrees to apply, especially if you are in first year!

As an FMAA member, you will be invited to an array of exclusive networking opportunities where you can meet representatives from over 75 sponsor firms, enabling you to learn more about the industry and build a solid foundation as you prepare to enter the workforce.

I wish you the very best for the year ahead, and if you see me around campus don’t be afraid to say hi!

Warm regards,

Brandon Lam | 2026 President, FMAA Sydney

About the FMAA

We are proud to be Australia's largest professionally-focused student organisation, aimed at providing students with unique opportunities to engage with the finance sector

6,000+ members 6 universities What does the FMAA offer to it’s members?

Executive Team

Core Team

Sponsorship Directors

Jenni Lin Vice President (Operations)

Brandon Lam President

am Testimonials

What's your favourite memory/moment as a committee member?

Winning Pub Golf with Sophia after getting a hole in one on every hole! As I reflect on the highlights of my university journey, the majority of them have come from FMAA - whether a planned social, road trip or just grabbing beers after class with my closest mates.

Brandon

What's your favourite FMAA event and why?

My favourite FMAA event is the Women in Business Brunch! It's empowering to hear from accomplished women from across the commerce industry, and it helps that 12-Micron is a gorgeous venue

What piece of advice would you give yourself as a first-year?

I'd tell myself to make the most of the opportunities at uni and to try everything I think I didn't realise the scale and benefits of co-curriculars at uni, and now looking back, getting involved with societies was one of the best decisions I ever made

How has being on the FMAA committee shaped you personally?

It was through the FMAA that I first found my footing in uni, whether it be advice on what classes to take, or where to find the best matcha on campus. It has also challenged me to take initiative, be a leader, and get involved in university life.

Above all, I have found lifelong friends through the society!

Recommended USYD cafe/food-spot between classes?

A $12 chicken wrap and a lamington from the cafe outside Carslaw Learning Hub (I think it’s called Carslaw Kitchen) is usually my go-to, and I normally take it and sit with my friends in Victoria Park!

What's been the most valuable thing you've gained from the FMAA?

The friends I’ve made along the way. It’s a community that pushes you through your university marathon while making sure you enjoy the race. The FMAA fosters a sense of mentorship, collaboration, and ambition - people are willing to share anything from advice during recruitment sprints to course-topping resources.

Stephanie

Sophia

Mical

Jenni

Conor

Types of Events

Keynote Events

The FMAA’s keynote events stand out as our flagship events of the year, and are usually held before and during the recruitment seasons of our sponsor firms Known for their impressive scale and professionalism, these events typically feature a keynote speaker, panel discussions and open networking over catered food and drink. We aim to provide a diverse range of keynote events that reflect the FMAA’s promotion of gender inclusivity, STEM students and sustainability within the finance industry.

Educational Events

Sponsor-tailored Events

With over 75 sponsor firms, we aim to connect students with specific career opportunities at firms across investment banking, consulting, asset management, professional services and commercial services. We run more than 20 tailored events every year, ranging from panels, to case competition, to workshops – all aimed to give students an insight into firm culture and opportunities

These events hosted either at their offices or on campus. Information about sponsor-tailored events can be found in weekly newsletter and email blasts, exclusively for our members.

Where to Meet the Team

The FMAA team is always looking to provide guidance and offer opportunities across our membership base, focusing on networking, career development and finance education We know how daunting starting university is, so we would like to invite you to our first-year friendly events that will let you meet the committee, as well as other like-minded finance students.

USYD Welcome Fest

Come meet us at Welcome Week Stall No.197 from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 February to learn more about our society, finance or anything university related Our executive team members will be wearing bright red polos and handing out FMAA merch, so feel free to chat with us – we’re excited to meet you!

Welcome Drinks

Welcome BBQ

Join us for some drinks on Friday Feb 20th for our annual Welcome Drinks event! This is a great chance to learn more about our society, get to know our members and meet your peers

We’re continuing our welcoming events with the FMAA's Welcome BBQ! This is a great opportunity to connect with our team to ask about uni and subcommittee recruitment over a sausage sizzle.

Coffee Chats

Our Coffee Chats are an exclusive opportunity to have a casual chat with the team over a drink or a bite. Attendance at our Coffee Chats is looked upon favourably during our recruitment process!

How to Join the FMAA

Step 1: Become a USU member

To sign up to a society, you'll need to be a member of the USU first. The USU (University of Sydney Union) is a non-for-profit organisation providing students with an enriched university experience and lively campus life. To sign up, please navigate to this address: https://usu.edu.au/membership.

Keep note of your USU Access ID for Step 2

Step 2: Complete our membership form

First Years’ Form (free): https://form jotform com/242617847383870

Standard Form ($5): https://pci.jotform.com/form/260063995103859

Welcome Week Checklist

Remember to:

Set up your Okta Verify / Google Authenticator

Apply for and pick up your student ID card

Apply for your concession Opal card

Download Lost on Campus to familiarise yourself with the campus

Look at your class timetable

Check the unit outlines and assessment dates for your units

Visit different society stalls make sure you come to the FMAA stall!

Navigating First Year

This section is designed to give you a practical head start into your time at university – from a networking crash course and degree guidance to key tips that help you make informed decisions early and avoid common first-year mistakes. Understanding these foundations early allows you to explore career pathways and make new friends to maximise your time at university!

Degree Guidance

All Bachelor of Commerce students are required to complete these core units in their first year: BUSS1000, BUSS1020 and BUSS1030. We’ve also included BUSS1040, as it is required by most Commerce majors, particularly Finance. A summary and study tips for these units are provided.

BUSS1000: Future of Business

BUSS1020: Quantitative Business Analysis

BUSS1030: Accounting for Decision Making

BUSS1040: Economics for Business Decision Making

Advice for Degree Progression

When you begin planning your degree, it is helpful to have a look at the University of Sydney Handbook for your respective degree to identify how many units of study you must complete from various categories of subjects.

If you plan on going on exchange (which is a super fun and rewarding experience!), make sure you leave enough elective space to complete these units at a different university

Consider making an Excel Spreadsheet with your intended degree progression at the start of the first year and adjust it over the course of your degree as you see fit. 2 3

Miscellaneous Tips

Societies are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people at university and make friends It’s also an excellent way to exercise leadership and communication skills!

Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are a great way to revise previous weeks’ commerce content in a collaborative and non-judgemental environment! Ensure you sign up quick as spots often run out.

Many first-year subjects such as BUSS1000 have participation marks, so it’s ideal to have an understanding of the material before attending class Allocate time to completing readings and modules.

Networking Crash Course

Even as a first-year student, networking is an important process of building genuine relationships with people across industries you are interested in, from fellow peers to professionals Developing these connections helps you gain early exposure to different career paths, learn about roles and firms beyond their external descriptions, and put your name to a face before internship and graduate applications. Aim to leverage the connections you form during university to engage in mentorships, job opportunities, and insights that you can’t get from a resume alone.

What to wear?

FMAA events are usually hosted at a sponsor firm’s office and feature a networking session at the end, so students are expected to be in strictly business attire, unless specified. You are encouraged to wear suits with ties, or formal pants/long skirts with a blouse/button-up Blazers are optional

Questions to Ask

What was the path that you took to get where you are today (uni, work, etc )?

What stand out about your firm for you?

What made you want to work there?

How would you describe the culture at your firm?

What do you think are the most important skills needed to succeed in your role?

What was the most exciting deal/project that you’ve worked on?

General Etiquette

Talk professionally, not colloquially Eat discretely when networking and drink responsibly

Do not interrupt when sponsors and your fellow peers are talking Keep chat light-hearted and steer away from overly personal topics

Questions to Avoid

How much do you earn?

What are your hours?

Can you get me a job/internship?

What does your company do? (signals lack of preparation)

Questions regarding negative company press coverage

Yes/no questions with no follow-up

Subcommittee Recruitment

Joining the FMAA subcommittee offers a rewarding university experience filled with many opportunities unique to our society. You will be able to maximise the experiences you gain from FMAA for both professional and personal development!

Benefits of Joining Subcommittee

The FMAA subcommittee works as a foundational aspect of our society, as they help to aid our executive team in communicating with sponsor representatives, setting up our events and engaging with our broader membership base. As a subcommittee member, there are a plethora of both professional and social advantages of joining the FMAA that will help enrich your university experience!

Professional Development

As a committee member, you can:

Gain practical exposure to the finance industry through helping organising our keynotes events (which are typically only open to penultimate and final year students), writing transaction and market updates, and taking part in educational initiatives

Exercise communication and organisational skills by working with a variety of directors, from operational to sponsorship tasks

Be allocated two senior mentors through the FMAA internal mentorship program, who can give you practical advice on your career, university and personal development

Receive opportunities to progress into senior committee roles within the FMAA, boosting co-curricular depth and leadership skills

Social and Personal University Experiences

Make lifelong friends in a community of likeminded students with shared goals, teamwork and catch-ups

Gain a support network of mentors and friends who can guide you through each milestone at university, including job applications, and uni work

Make memorable university experiences: Bi-annual national conventions across Australia – you can meet the committees from 5 other branches!

Road trips and holiday activities like bouldering and go-karting

How to Join Subcommittee

Step 1: Visit our Welcome Week Stall

During Welcome Week, explore campus and approach the FMAA stall to meet our executive team, who will provide more information as to what our society does, what we provide to students and answer any of your questions about university and finance!

Step 2: Meet the team and learn about what the FMAA does

Attend our welcome drinks, barbecue, and coffee chats to have one-on-one conversations with our team members to learn more about what the FMAA does! It’s a great way to get to know the team and what we’re looking for in our subcommittee members!

For more details about our events, follow our Instagram to stay up to date with times and locations! We will be posting regularly to keep you updated.

Step 3: Complete our application form

After signing up to become an FMAA member, complete the application form by 11:59pm, Friday 13 March You can find the the form in our Linktree, which is in our Instagram bio (@fmaausyd).

Step 4: Attend your interview

Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Tuesday 17th March, via email

Scan this QR Code to access our subcommittee application form!

Alumni Profiles

Angela Chen

Analyst | Washington H. Soul Pattinson 2022 President | FMAA Sydney

What did you study at USYD?

Bachelor of Commerce / Laws (Finance)

What have you achieved since graduation?

Since graduating, I started in investment banking, got the chance to travel around Europe and Asia, then moved into a role in private equity that’s more in line with my interests.

Why would you encourage students to join the FMAA?

I highly encourage students to join the FMAA (completely unbiased, I promise!) for the opportunity to build lasting friendships, gain access to an invaluable professional network and benefit from early exposure to industry events

Can you name a highlight from your time in the FMAA?

Attending National Conferences in Melbourne and Canberra and connecting with peers from FMAA chapters in VIC, QLD, and ACT was a definite highlight there's nothing like bonding over Mooseheads or a Lune croissant!

What advice would you give to university students looking to enter your current industry?

Be curious and take every opportunity to learn from those around you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, it’s often where the most rewarding experiences begin.

Alumni Profiles

What did you study at USYD?

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Economics)

What have you achieved since graduation?

Since graduating, I currently work at Deutsche Bank within the Fixed Income and Currencies division and am enjoying the graduate experience.

Why would you encourage students to join the FMAA?

The FMAA helps bridge the gap between university and work, through alumni and professionals. While studying is necessary to build your technical skills, it is the exposure to those who are currently in the industry that will help shape your view on where you would like to start your career.

Can you name a highlight from your time in the FMAA?

The various trips created many highlights throughout my journey with the FMAA. From meeting our interstate members to beach campfires, there wasn’t a dull moment and I definitely created a strong bond with my cohort over the course with them.

What advice would you give to university students looking to enter your current industry?

Be bold and persistent. There are so many opportunities out there, all of which will enhance different parts of yourself and help develop a well rounded skillset. Trying out different areas will also help build your understanding of which areas you may prefer to work in down the line.

Finance Industry Overview

The corporate finance industry, a core focus of the FMAA, is an area that deals with the capital funding and management of businesses, where the primary goal is to maximise shareholder value Surrounding the finance industry, professional services and consulting help guide financial decisions to ensure optimal business solutions are chosen.

Financial Services

The financial services industry is the backbone of the economy, as it works to move money from institutions who have it to people and businesses who need it, whilst managing potential investment risks and enabling growth. The first institutions people will think of are banks, who handle everything from your everyday spending to billion-dollar corporate deals

Commercial banks, also known as retail banks, work with individuals and small businesses to set up savings and transaction accounts, loans, and credit cards. You have most likely come across the biggest commercial players, known as the ‘Big Four’: Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and National Australia Bank.

Investment banks work with larger corporations, governments and other institutions to advise on mergers & acquisitions, help companies raise capital through IPOs and bonds, and trading securities. Global names you may have heard of include: Macquarie, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.

Sponsor Firms

2026 Sponsor Firms: Macquarie Group, Azure Capital, Bank of America, Barrenjoey, Bloomberg, Citi, Crescent Capital Partners, Deutsche Bank, Emerge Capital, Flagstaff Partners, Goldman Sachs, Grant Samuel, Greenhill & Co, Houlihan Lokey, ICA Partners, Jarden, J P Morgan, Jefferies, Lazard Australia, MA Financial Group, Morgan Stanley, MST Financial, Nash Advisory, Nomura, Planum Partners, Record Point, Rothschild, Royal Bank of Canada, Stanton Road Partners, Tetris Capital, UBS

Asset Management

Rather than lending money, asset management firms invest money on behalf of others, with the ultimate goal of growing wealth over the medium to long term. Their clients span from everyday individuals, superannuation funds, corporations, charities and even governments.

Asset managers pools client capital and invest across asset classes such as shares, bonds, property, infrastructure and private markets Decisions to invest when and where are driven by research, financial modelling and analysis of market trends and risk. Investment analysts research companies, sectors and markets, while portfolio managers use this analysis to decide how capital is allocated and managed.

Private equity funds focus on raising capital to acquire, restructure and grow private companies, or take public companies private, aiming to generate high returns over a medium to long term timeline Broadly speaking, private equity funds can be separated into leveraged buyout funds and venture capital funds

Sponsor Firms

2026 sponsor firms: Allegro Funds, Atlas Infrastructure, Australian Foundation Investment Company, AustralianSuper, Bain Capital, Blackstone, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Evidentia Group, Future Fund, Frais Capital, Magellan Financial Group, Mercer, Munro Partners, Pacific Equity Partners, Pemba Capital Partners, Pinnacle Investment Management, Qualitas, Riverside Company, Soul Patts, Susquehanna, Wentworth, Wesfarmers, Yarra Capital Management

Management Consulting

Management consulting firms help organisations develop creative and efficient solutions to a wide range of business challenges Consultants advise companies using critical problem-solving and analytical skills to improve their strategic vision, streamline operations and synthesise internal processes, ultimately helping clients perform better and adapt to economic and social change.

At a consulting firm, analysts and consultants are responsible for research, data analysis, financial modelling, and creating presentation desks, while managers and partners oversee client relationships and guide overall project direction.

Some of the most widely known management consulting firms include McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Alongside these are technology consulting firms such as Altman Solon and Capgemini, which advise clients on how to best implement technology solutions, including information technology systems and data science

Sponsor Firms

2026 sponsor firms: Altman Solon, Alvarez & Marsal, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, EY-Parthenon Strategy, Kearney, McKinsey & Company, OC&C, Oliver Wyman, Simon Kucher.

Professional Services

Professional services firms provide specialist expertise and advisory support to help organisations operative more effectively, manage risk, and improve transparency. These careers can span across auditing and assurance, business and strategy consulting, tax, and transactions advisory, playing a key role in supporting both day-to-day operations and major corporate decisions

In both Australia and internationally, professional services are dominated by the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms: EY, Deloitte, KPMG and PwC. These firms work with corporations, governments, and not-for-profits.

Graduates often begin in analyst or associate roles, where they develop strong technical foundations in accounting, financial analysis, and regulation, while working closely with clients Over time, professionals can specialise in areas such as assurance, tax, advisory, or consulting.

Sponsor Firms

2026 sponsor firms: BDO Australia, CFA Societies Australia, CPA Australia, EY, Forvis Mazars, KordaMentha, KPMG, Pitcher Partners, PwC

Keynote Events Timeline

Pre-Penultimate Events

For our pre-penultimate students, the FMAA delivers a series of educational events designed to introduce members to the breadth of career options within the commerce industry. Ultimately, their aim to build foundational understanding and confidence, enabling students to make informed decisions as they explore and prepare for opportunities in these fields.

First Year Fundamentals

March 5 , 2026 th

First Year Fundamentals is an event tailored for younger university students who want to learn more about the finance industry and meet other students in their cohort. The event shares useful tips on degree planning, commerce subjects, different sectors of the finance industry, and subcommittee recruitment.

Intern Speaker Panel

May 2026

The Intern Speaker Panel offered insights into the recruitment process from experienced interns across investment banking, consulting, law, and trading. Students are able to learn insider tips on the internship application and interview process, and what top firms are looking for.

Level Up: Early Careers Workshop

September 2026

In collaboration with the Network of Women and BusinessOne, the Early Careers Workshop is helpful for pre-penultimate and penultimate students looking to stand out in the recruitment process Students were able to hear from an experienced recruitment professional on how to build a personal brand, interviewing skills and networking opportunities

Foundations of Financial Modelling

October 2026

FMAA’s inaugural Foundations of Financial Modelling presents students with an exclusive opportunity to learn how to model like an investment banker Taught by seasoned industry professionals with experience from top investment banks, the event ran through how to build a financial model through an interactive case study

Tailored Events

Tailored events are firm-specific events hosted by the FMAA in collaboration with sponsor firms, and sometimes with other student societies. They are a valuable opportunity for students to connect with and understand firms in more depth, typically in peak recruitment season. Events span various formats, including interactive and virtual workshops, cocktail evenings, and networking sessions.

Examples of Tailored Events

UBS

Investment Banking Development Challenge Workshop

April 15 , 2025 th New Law Annex Lecture Theatre 101, The University of Sydney

The Investment Banking Development Challenge Workshop consisted of an overview of the competition, a discussion around the day in the life of an investment banker, an open Q&A, and networking opportunities with UBS’ Global Banking representatives The workshop was held in collaboration with UNIT Sydney

Grant Samuel Women in Banking Breakfast

April 30 , 2025 th

Grant Samuel Sydney Office, Governor Macquarie Tower

In recognition of the need for female representation in the finance sector, Grant Samuel’s breakfast event offers students the opportunity to gain insights and career tips regarding the corporate advisory industry, including recent transactions completed by the firm. Students were granted the chance to meet some of Grant Samuel’s female leaders, who shared their career lessons.

Grant Samuel Casino Night

May 22nd

Grant Samuel Sydney Office, Governor Macquarie Tower

Casino Night is one of the FMAA’s most unique and insightful info-sessions, gifting students the chance to network with Grant Samuel’s representatives over canapes and casino games while learning about its culture internships programmes and graduate roles.

Investment Banking Career Workshop with Citi

June 2nd

Citigroup Centre and Online (Zoom)

Citi’s Career Workshop features investment bankers and their tips and tricks on CVs and cover letters, interview tips and techniques, opportunities to work on a case study, and understanding what type of technical questions may be covered within a Citi interview. This was a ‘must attend’ event for anyone looking to apply for Citi’s summer internship program.

Macquarie Financial Modelling Workshop

July 15 , 2025 th

The FMAA nationally collaborated with our golden sponsor, Macquarie, to grant students an exclusive opportunity to attend a workshop on the valuation methodologies used in investment banking. With real-life examples and practical application, this workshop gave attendees an upper edge on technical questions for internship interviews and future case competitions.

Morgan Stanley Soft Skills Workshop

September 10 , 2025 th

The Morgan Stanley Soft Skills Workshop was an inaugural partnership between USYD’s FMAA and REISA branches, designed to equip students with practical knowledge and strategies that will differentiate them from other applicants The evening featured a panel discussion from recent analysts and a comprehensive walkthrough with the Head of Campus Recruitment.

Pathways into Goldman Sachs (Sydney)

October 7 , 2025 th

The penultimate tailored event of the FMAA calendar was Goldman Sachs’ information session, which aimed to give participants an insight into the global firm’s collaborative and apprenticeship culture, as well as their Summer Internship and Graduate recruitment programs. The event consisted of an opening speech, panel discussion, Q&A and an open networking session.

November 13 , 2025 th

Goldman Sachs Insights Day invited first to penultimateyear students from all disciplines and backgrounds to learn about their work culture and possible career opportunities through its Summer Analyst programs The event featured an opening speech, followed by a panel discussion, and concluded with open-floor networking with Goldman Sachs members across different teams

Goldman Sachs Insights Day

Case Competitions

Case competitions provide an excellent platform to strengthen both research and presentation abilities, exposing students to diverse industries and problem-solving styles across fields such as management consulting, banking, and financial markets. Each year, FMAA runs its annual Management Consulting Case Competition, designed to be especially accessible for first-year students.

Examples of Competitions

Macquarie Capital Boardroom Pitch

The 12 annual Boardroom Pitch, made possible by Macquarie Capital, gave competitors a unique insight into the life of an investment banker, as teams pitched to a board of experts and advised on a major recent M&A transaction. The first-place prize for penultimate-year students was a first-round interview opportunity for the Summer Internship Program, and non-penultimate students gained a chance to be mentored by a Macquarie Capital representative.

J.P. Morgan Investment Banking Case Competition

The Investment Banking Case Competition gave prepenultimate students the opportunity to learn what it’s like to work on an M&A transaction and present their financial advice with Q&A to members of the J.P. Morgan Investment Banking Team. The winners were prioritised for the final round interviews for their Winter Internship.

Shared Value Project: Investing for the Future

FMAA proudly presented the Investing for the Future Case Competition, in collaboration with the Shared Value Project, for students to put their valuation and presentation skills to the test, gaining practical insights into the world of asset management. The unique competition challenged participants to consider how ESG performance can generate additional value

Kearney x FMAA: Management Consulting Case Competition

This year’s Management Consulting Case Competition was held in partnership with Kearney, getting students to test their skills and limits in tackling a business issue, whilst gaining hands-on experience into what the world of management consulting is like within the Kearney team. Campus winners from the FMAA branches competed against each other at the national finals for a cash prize.

First-year

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