BSOC Bizzness Issue 1 2012

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BSOC BIZZNESS A UNSW BUSINESS SOCIETY PUBLICATION | ISSUE 1 2012

WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY SPECIAL: YOUR A-Z GUIDE FOR SURVIVING UNIVERSITY

• Academics • University life • Careers BSOC CAMP TESTIMONIALS why you MUST go this year!


Contents.

Calendar and Editorial cover photo: courtesy of Johan Santaso

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS: * have an opinion and want it to be heard? * got an idea of what BIZZNESS should write about in our next issue? * do you blog often/want an outlet for your thoughts? We want to hear from you! Drop us an email us: publications@unswbsoc.com

Keep up on Facebook and Twitter!

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E TICLE COVER ARTICL R A R E V O C E H FOR T THE SUBTITLE B CONTENT

EXCLUSIVE WE 03 | Calendar and Updates 04 | Accruals 16 | Careers Corner

Articles

http://www.facebook.com/unswbsoc http://twitter.com/unswbsoc

ebsite Log onto our w e? lif i n u f o ts u o articles on the ins and to even more re ss o ce m ac ad ve re si u to "Want have excl where you will unswbsoc.com at UNSW!! " ness students si u b y b en tt ri w

24 | Investing in Sport Pays Dividends

Photoroll

26 | i CEEBS 27 | Goodbye Dear School Canteen

05 | Welcome to university 06 | Advice From the Experts

31 | Fast Track Your Career

09 | UNSW: Survival tips 101

34 | How To Charm Your Employers and Ace That Interview

11 | First Year Advisor

38 | Meet the Directors

12 | From High School to Uni 13 | UNSW for Dummies 17 | How to define BSOC orientation camp 20 | How to not be the fattest bachelor at uni 21| Jumping In 22 | Exchange: Thrill of Your University Experience

UPCOMING BSOC EVENTS 27 FEB

INDUSTRY MENTORING PROGRAM Applications for students open!

Many say your university years will be some of the best of your life. Make it memorable, unforgettable, and make it yours. We hope you enjoy this issue and have a fabulous year ahead!

PEER MENTORING PROGRAM BEGINS

2 MARCH

BSOC ORIENTATION CAMP Secure your spot by signing up at the BSOC stall during O-Week!

BIZZNESS team and contributors

6 MARCH

MEET AND GREET

Editors-in chief

5 APRIL

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The O-Week edition of BIZZNESS is the ultimate survival guide around university. We want to help you make the most of your university experience at UNSW. We have unravelled the tricks of the trade, whether it be making new friends, getting involved on and off campus, or dazzling employers with your resume.

1 MARCH

12 MARCH

Archived editions, with tips, tricks and insights into your majors, subjects and careers are there for you to get an edge up!

It is now that exciting time of the year again where we celebrate and welcome fresh faces to UNSW and the return of familiar ones. It seemed like just yesterday that we nervously stepped on the main walkway and felt the wrath of UNSW stairs, made awkward eye contact with other first years in lectures and tutorials, become best friends with a random at camp, first logged onto Blackboard‌

Jot down these dates in your diary!

This publication is proudly supported by ARC

Download BIZZNESS (with more articles to get you through uni!) at www.unswbsoc. com and click on Publications.

A WARM WELCOME :)

Meet our Core and Board of Directors and discover which portfolio you would like to get involved in!

Sharon Sun and Eva Law

Eva Law (Publications Director) Sharon Sun (Publications Director)

GRADUATE LUNCHEON Network with graduates and get your career questions answered!

BSOC CRUISE Dress up and release your inner party animal!

Editor Michael Sin Jamie Lee

And all the contributors for their articles and submissions!

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President’s Welcome

T

hat first step you make up the main walkway as a new student at UNSW marks the start of a fresh and exciting chapter in your life.

“Be part of the action, be part of BSOC.”

The inherent beauty of university is that it won’t allow you to end this chapter with just an education, it will thrust you outside your comfort zone, prompt you to expand your network of friends and immerse you in interests that span far beyond the bounds of your textbooks. And that is why the UNSW Business Society exists, to work in conjunction with the Australian School of Business to provide you with the complete university experience. Being an umbrella society, the UNSW Business Society encompasses all students studying under the Australian School of Business from accounting and economics through to actuarial studies. We strive to provide you with the skills that can’t always be taught in a class. We endeavour to build your confidence to establish lifelong friendships and prepare you with the ability to land and ace your first interview. We also know having a balanced lifestyle is invaluable, so all year round, we host social and sporting events to help you unwind.

It is these talents of networking, personal development and involvement in extra-curricular activities that employers are now searching for in potential candidates. As a result, in 2012, it is the highest priority of the UNSW Business Society to not only create a community that fosters the promising minds of our members, but also to establish an environment in which we present this community with every opportunity to develop themselves into well-rounded individuals. Finally, I wish you all the best for 2012 and challenge you to want the most from university, to have the courage to involve yourself at every turn. With the UNSW Business Society, university can be anything and everything that you want it to be. Be a part of the action, be a part of BSOC.

BIZZNESS:ACADEMICS

Welcome to University by Alan Liu So you have just completed 13 years of schooling and surpassed the treacherous HSC. Hopefully you’re now well rested from the summer holidays because the pressure is about to mount, particularly with four courses to complete in a 13 week semester! Don’t fret - with roughly 12 hours of classes per week, the workload is manageable with good organisation.

TIMETABLING Being able to pick your timetable is one of the many perks of being an UNSW student. Securing favourable start and finish times with adequate breaks is crucial, as this will be your schedule for 13 weeks. • Decide on courses early - the UNSW Handbook provides course descriptions and example plans to complete your degree. Visit the website regularly before each new semester, to determine your next set of courses, identify prerequisite courses and determine elective courses. • Enrol on time - for future semesters, the date and time in which you can enrol can be found under ‘Enrolment Appointment’ on myUNSW. This date and time is when enrolment opens, so enrolling at the given time offers you the best chance of a favourable timetable.

LECTURES AND TUTORIALS

Reshan Perera BSOC President 2012

Courses at UNSW are mainly conducted through the form of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are generally held in large theatres seating up to 400 students, and their size can be quite intimidating at first. Lecturers generally present new content each week through PowerPoint slides. Attendance to lectures is recommended as an introduction to new content and keeping up to date. Most lectures run for two hours while some are split into two 1-hour sessions.

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Tutorials commence on week 2, and are held in a room with 20-30 students. Most tutorials are one hour, revising lecture content from the previous week in greater detail, with discussion and submission of allocated tutorial homework. Tutorial

work is weekly, and there are also assignments, quizzes and exams. An 80% attendance for your enrolled tutorial is the UNSW policy, so familiarise yourself with campus. Be punctual to your lessons, especially for courses with tutorial participation marks.

UNSW BLACKBOARD

Now that you have your ideal timetable and know where all your classes are, you need to be introduced to UNSW Blackboard! Course outlines, lecture slides and course materials are posted here. It is the main online platform for teachers to distribute information to students. You will return here often to obtain new sets of lecture slides and tutorial materials for each of your courses. All the due dates for your assessments should be recorded in a diary or calendar to ensure none of your assessments become overdue, and consequently suffer mark deductions. You can identify and highlight the heavy weeks where multiple assessments are due to prioritise your sequence of completing tasks. Many students fall behind or procrastinate their workload either because they have forgotten, or more likely, have multiple assessments due on the same day or week.

TEXTBOOKS Most courses require a prescribed textbook throughout the semester, and textlists are found from the UNSW Bookshop website. Prescribed textbooks contain the bulk of course material with comprehensive explanations, examples and questions. Acquiring books are simple, besides the cost - many new textbooks are priced over $100. The UNSW Bookshop stocks all your required textbooks for the upcoming semester. Buying second hand is an alternative option.The UNSW Second-Hand Bookshop is near the Roundhouse. There are also slips posted by students offering their books (such as on the Basser steps) and various websites to buy/sell textbooks such as Textbookexchange. Ensure that you’re paying for the right edition of the book and have taken into account the occasional ripped corner or minor coffee stain.

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BIZZNESS:ACADEMICS

BIZZNESS:ACADEMICS

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS Head lecturers of compulsory 1st year Commerce subject’s tell-all about performing well in their respective courses. MANAGING ORGANISATIONS AND PEOPLE (MGMT1001)

Getting involved in student life at UNSW by joining student societies and attending theirfunctions is a great start. You’ll never know what you’re missing out on until you’ve tried it. 2) Don’t be backward in coming forward. Lecturers and tutors don’t bite. If you have a question in a lecture or tutorial, ask it! The teaching staff at UNSW all have interesting backgrounds and are experts in their field. We love the interaction, and your classmates will learn something that they wouldn’t have otherwise. 3) Do expect low effort to result in low marks (and vice versa).

Why would we expect anything else? Enough said. 4) Don’t get behind in your reading. There’s nothing worse than staring at a fresh, unopened 500 page textbook at the start of the exam period and trying to memorise the material under pressure – while simultaneously studying for your other exams. 5) “Next semester will be different...” Don’t kid yourself. Good study habits should start today, not some time in the distant future. 6) And have fun! Say hi to that cute girl/guy sitting next to you. Attend the function that you saw advertised. Ask the question. Volunteer to be the group leader. Join the club. Ask your classmate about that job. And have the extra drink at the pub. Who knows what opportunities may come your way if you give things a chance...

Business and Economics Statistics (ECON1203)

Hi and welcome to UNSW for 2012! My name is Dr Hugh Bainbridge and I am one of the three lecturers who run MGMT1001 “Managing Organisations and People” which is a compulsory course for all first year BCom students. In a nutshell, “MOP” as we call it is a nice entree into the study of all those concepts that we hear about all the time in business (eg leadership, teamwork, personality, human resource management, corporate social responsibility, strategy, and globalisation). This subject provides an introduction to all those areas and it also allow you an opportunity to exercise your teamwork and leadership skills through online team based scenarios and our hands on tutorials.

ANY TIPS/ ADVICE?

beyond your marks. So my advice is to make sure you get the basics out of the way by actually attending your lectures/tutorials. And then consider what more you can get out of your time here at UNSW.

1) Get involved while you are here at UNSW! Moving from the secondary to the tertiary education system involves a move from a highly structured high school environment (where you are told what you can and can’t do) to an unstructured university environment (where you are responsible for making your own decisions). I’ve seen some students approach uni by using this freedom to challenge themselves to do the absolute minimum – with unsurprisingly minimum results. And other students who have engaged with the opportunities available at UNSW and have been highly successful both at uni and beyond. Reflecting on this, I would just say that when the time comes to get the job you want, employers will naturally ask what you “bring to table” www.unswbsoc.com | 6

Business and Economic Statistics ECON1203) is one of the compulsory core subjects in both the BCom and BEc. Why might this be so? One answer is provided by: “I keep saying that the sexy job in the next 10 years will be statisticians. And I’m not kidding.”

HAL VARIAN, chief economist at Google.

The basis for Varian’s comment is likely to be the deluge of data that is available in today’s world and hence the resultant derived demand for data analysts – i.e. those with statistical training. Business and Economic Statistics aims to provide that basic training. No matter where your specific interests lie, all disciplinary areas within the Australian School of Business require some familiarity with basic statistics. In many cases the material in Business and Economic Statistics will be sufficient. In some of the more quantitative disciplines such as economics, finance and marketing, you will need to extend your knowledge in which case the course will provide the foundations for further study.

Some issues to keep in mind while undertaking the Business and Economic Statistics course at UNSW: 1. With the changes in degree structure instituted in 2010, ECON1203 will now be taught without students necessarily having first done ECON1202 (the old QMA). Business and Economic Statistics is not a mathematics course but it is quantitative and so having first done ECON1202 was useful. Now the assumed knowledge of HSC Mathematics will be taken seriously. 2. The material in Business and Economic Statistics progressively builds on the previous content so students need to keep working throughout the semester. If they get behind it can be difficult to catch up. Some of the most challenging conceptual material is introduced near the end of the course so again it is important to fully understand the basic concepts and procedures introduced early on in the semester. 3. If you have questions please use the consultation services provided by your tutor and lecturer. They’re there to help you. www.unswbsoc.com | 7


BIZZNESS:ACADEMICS Microeconomics 1 (ECON1101) Summary of Course: This course examines the principle that markets work efficiently in the allocation and production of goods and services which results in maximum welfare for society. However, sometimes markets fail to work (market failure); this course investigates the reasons for the market failure whilst suggesting remedies to these failures. These potential remedies, which include government intervention, are then compared and evaluated for their effect on efficiency and welfare maximisation.

Suggestions for a successful start to first year. • Decide what you want to achieve • Read the end of the course outline first – learn about assessment policy and special considerations • Make a new very best friend in the first few days • Don’t over-commit • Some fun, some work, some study • Keep calm but don’t fall asleep Diane Enahoro

Greetings from the Australian School of Business’ First Year Advisors Hi BSoc members and new students! Happy new year to you all, and I hope you are all looking forward to a great year at uni in 2012. If you are a first year student, congratulations on gaining entry to the Australian School of Business, and welcome! You know, first year uni is an exciting time, but it can also be quite overwhelming. As a first year you are dealing with a lot of change and there’s a lot to take in. You have to be an independent learner, you find yourself in new surroundings and, to top it all off, you might not know many people. So it is no surprise that first year uni is a big transition for a lot of people and if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, rest assured that it is a normal feeling. The most important thing to remember is that there is support available for you at the Australian School of Business.

So if you are a first year student and you have a query or concern and you are unsure of where to go or who to ask, you can ask us the Australian School of Business First Year Advisors. Our role is to act as the first point of contact for our first year undergraduate students. We are based in the Business Student Centre on the ground floor of the ASB building (E12, west wing) and we are available for consultation Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2 pm - 4 pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 12 pm. To book an appointment, you can call (02) 9385 3189, visit the Business Student Centre, or email asbfirstyear@unsw.edu.au. Best of luck for 2012. Kylie Wang and Marisol Alarcon First Year Advisors Australian School of Business

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BIZZNESS:ACADEMICS

“UNSW:SURVIVAL TIPS 101” by Julita Hardjono & Reyna Ge

W

uncovered: the insider knowledge on how to survive your first semester.

elcome to UNSW! The first few weeks of university will show you just how much it has to offer – a bigger campus provided with facilities, thousands of more students, tons of clubs and societies, and most of all, freedom! As a uni student, you will be able to choose the subjects you want to study (after completing thecompulsory core subjects), the freedom to choose who you have classes with, as well as the freedom to join as many student societies and clubs as possible (such as BSOC!). However, all these endless possibilities are likely to overwhelm a first year student, especially in the beginning weeks of uni. So here are some tips to guide you towards enjoying life as an undergrad student:

STUDY Yes, you will have to study!! In fact, some students find that university exam periods are even more stressful than the HSC! To overcome the stress of exams and assignments:   • Use a diary to keep you organised with assignments, tests, exams, birthdays, meetings, etc.

• Do your tutorial homework every week and revise your lecture material before your lecture.   •  Make a study timetable so you are aware of how many days you have to study for each subject.   •  Manage your time! Fit in time to study, but also make sure you have time for yourself to relax, as well as hang out with friends and do the things you enjoy.

MAKING FRIENDS You have probably realised that in university, it’s harder to meet up with friends now that the campus is much bigger than high school, and you don’t always share the same classes. However, there are plenty of programs, as well as ways to meet new people to ensure that you have the best experience at uni! • Be open minded and approachable – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you in your lectures and tutorials! • Make the most of university life by meeting people from different faculties and backgrounds. • Join the UNSW BSOC Peer Mentoring Program 2012 to meet new and interesting people!

Over 300 first year students apply to join this unforgettable experience. For more information and to register, go to our website www.unswbsoc.com and find the Education Portfolio tab.

FACILITIES So we have provided you with plenty of tips on how to study. But, where can you study? UNSW offers plenty of facilities, from the Main Library at upper campus, to the ASB building, as well as the ASB computer labs just above the Quad! For room bookings in case you want a quieter study area to yourself, or conduct group work, you can go to http://www.library.unsw. edu.au/ and book rooms using your student ID and zPass. Printing facilities are also available at the Main Library, Law Library and ASB Computer Labs, as well as P3, which is situated right next to Coffee Republic on lower campus. Good luck, and have fun! www.unswbsoc.com | 10

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BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

YOUR SAY:

I’d rather be in an awkward silence than in a stilted conversation. If you’re doing things or saying things just to get other people to like you, than that’s problem number one.

From High School to Uni:

Find people who like you for who you really are.

“my guide from becoming an introverted cynic, to becoming an introverted cynic with a HECS debt” Going from school to uni, you may feel anxiety, fear, happiness, sadness, more anxiety, but I didn’t really care about any of that. For me, the only thing I was worried about was having to interact with people again. That’s the thing about going from high school to uni, school is such an insular community, everyone knows you. But at uni you’re always meeting new people and introducing yourself all over again.

I hate interacting with people. People are dumb and dirty and loud. That’s why we get six seasons of ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ (and it’s still going), yet ‘Arrested Development’, one of the sharpest, wittiest and funniest shows ever made, gets cancelled after three seasons (and after winning six Emmys). The $850 billion bailout that the US government gave to financial institutions destroyed the world’s economy is greater than all the funding ever given to NASA since it was founded. These are the trademarks of a society I desperately don’t

want anything to do with. But sitting in a room with one giant TV playing ‘Breaking Bad’ episodes on repeat, another TV hooked up to a computer running Skyrim, and a TV in the middle streaming an endless playlist of porn, there’s no escaping the need to interact with the public. At university, there’s no escaping the need to meet new people. There are tens of thousands of other people going to the same food courts as you, the same lectures, sitting next to you in tutorials, placed with you in group assignments.

by Anith Mukherjee

don’t really know anyone or where to go or what’s going. They may hide it by going to the gym to become big and strong or studying hard to get good marks and feel smart and useful, or make silly jokes to mask their own stupidity… or even writing obnoxious articles pretending they understand the world. But in the end, everyone just wants to be liked. As long as you are yourself, everything else will fall into place.

Everyone is equally as insecure as you, especially coming into such a new big place like uni, where you

A lot of students move out of high school and into uni expecting to ‘start fresh’, but that implies you’re going to do something different to what you normally would do or act differently. That’s not a good thing, nor is it actually starting fresh. That’s like taking an apple and stuffing it inside an orange peel and saying you invented a new fruit. You didn’t invent a new fruit; all you did is ruin a perfectly good apple. People don’t even like orange peel. They tear it apart and destroy it to gain access to the juicy, citrusy heaven on the inside. No matter how hard you try to be an orange,

I speak my mind and say a lot of mean and/or honest things. Some people become annoyed, some don’t mind and others find it funny. But in the end, who cares?

So for all my socially There’s always goawkward peers out ing to be people who here, I’m going to don’t like you. give you the key to interacting with other Too many people focus on being liked and no one is allowed to just people. not like someone anymore. You All you need to remember is that no matter how insecure you are, everyone else feels the exact same way.

BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

waste so much time and energy changing how you talk and act for someone else. But in the end where’s the real benefit? Everyone’s afraid of awkwardness. But being awkward is much more natural than trying to artificially form some sort of bond or friendship. www.unswbsoc.com | 12

you’re really just an apple inside the wrong peel. And once everyone rips that peel apart and discovers not a deliciously bittersweet orange, but a tangy apple, they’re going to be angry and disappointed. In reality, the apple itself was perfectly fine to begin with. My point is that uni is a large and diverse community and you’re more likely to find a bunch of people you connect with naturally.

In the end, you’re always going to revert back to who you are, because that’s who you are. For example, a lot of people think I’m unhappy and that I need to smile more. But they’re wrong I smile lots. Once, I saw a girl walk out of Adriano Zumbo’s pastry shop with a box full of expensive and exquisite cakes and desserts,

and as she was walking out of the shop, she tripped, fell and the box with everything inside splattered across the road. I smiled then. Honestly, I laughed. At one point, I probably should have stopped laughing and helped her out, but I didn’t. Does that really make me a bad person? Yes, it does - but not an unhappy one. So when transitioning from high school to uni, you don’t need to worry about learning your way around the place, finding the good places to eat, getting your head around the workload or fighting through the administration. All of that will work itself out in time.

All you need to worry about is yourself that you’re doing the degree you want to do, going to the uni you want to go to, hanging out with the people you want to be with.

UNSW FOR DUMMIES: the A-Z guide made to help you walk that main walkway with confidence and style. by Sharon Sun and Eva Law AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: the home of all business students and future CEOs.

• There are buses that go to upper (M20, 891) and lower campuses (L94, all the 39_’s)

member or buy one! Make sure to take note of all the upcoming BSOC events (see page… )

BUSES: • All buses to university are pre paid • Beware of the massive lines for buses at Eddy Avenue in the morning.

COFFEE: For the best coffee, grab your daily boost of energy at upstairs Quad lounge, or if you’re at upper campus, the Coffee Cart!

EXCHANGE: For an unforgettable experience overseas, apply for the student exchange program. (See page 22-23)

DIARY: Stay organised with the free Arc Diary when you become an Arc

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BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE and the News Feed becomes the morning paper. GYM: For a great workout and the smell of testosterone (located behind Roundhouse). HOARDER: the new occupation for university students. Since we can empathise, here are some tips to help you save up: • Bring food. You might get hungry in lectures, so bring some snacks. Sure the Matthews Food Court may be an upgrade from your high school canteen, but bringing lunch from home is not only probably healthier for you, but also for your wallet. • Take advantage of weekly MyMultis which give you unlimited access to bus, train and ferries for a week, or MyBus10s if you just use buses. • Get a job. The typical commerce student has a 12 hour week. Any work experience flatters your resume and helps you gain vital skills such as time management, teamwork and leadership. Register online at UNSW Careers (http://www.careers.unsw.edu.au/) to browse through job opportunities targeted at UNSW students! • Check out the Cheapskate’s guide to UNSW ID CARDS: Grab your ID card at FM Assist located near the main library. JEANS: wear comfy clothes. We’re not going to a nightclub. So no high heels, LV handbags or clubbing dresses, please. KEITH BURROWS THEATRE: a lecture theatre located behind Red Centre which requires an upgraded

ventilation system.

know what you signed up for

LECTOPIA: Can’t attend a lecture? Go to UNSW Lectopia for audio recordings of the lecture.

UNIBAR: Social meeting place where alcoholics and poker-fanatics unite.

MAIN WALKWAY: walk…walk… keep walking, you’re almost there…WALK.

VOLUNTEERING: don’t miss out on opportunities for volunteering, on and off campus. Interested in getting involved at BSOC? All our board members started off simply as volunteers. Don’t miss out BSOC’s Meet and Greet, where you’ll be given the opportunity to meet all the BSOC portfolio and sign up for those which you’re interested in becoming involved with!

NO SKIPPING TUTORIALS: That 5% participation mark may not look like a lot on the course outline, but in reality, that may just be the difference between fail and pass. O-WEEK: it’s here! Make sure to check out the BSOC stall on the Main walkway and pay for BSOC CAMP! PRINTING: Always have some money on your printing card for emergency situations, such as the last-minute realization of a mistake on your assignment...or you’ve forgotten your management spot collection form again… QUEST: to find a seat in ASB during exam periods. Time to turn to the Law Building… ROUNDHOUSE: the round building near the main entrance of UNSW which holds events such as dance parties, theatre, gigs and more! STAIRS: Your worst enemy at UNSW. What more can we say. TIMETABLES: • The good lecture times and tutorials are always first to go, so don’t leave enrolment intocourses to last minute! • While a trek from lower to upper campus can be beneficial in terms of exercise and toning, always check where the classes are held, before enrolling, to

BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

For information on what each portfolio involves, visit unswbsoc.com WIFI: Hello Uniwide, free internet access for UNSW students! To get it set up on your laptop, visit the IT service counter in the Main Library or www.it.unsw.edu.au

hello!

HOW/WHAT CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE FORUM?

WHAT IS BSOC FORUM? BSOC Forum is like your normal BSOC publication but online! Because it’s online, we’re able to include almost everything and anything you can think of! From food reviews to how to study last minute for an exam, we’ve got it all!

ZPASS: your seven number identity used for everything which will become tattooed in your memory. Check your UNSW student email account (zMail) regularly for important updates from your lecturers and tutors, as well as knowledge from the ASB!

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• Reviews/Previews (of your favourite game, place to eat, UNSW course/ subject) • Opinion Articles (e.g politics, the economy, news and more) • Upcoming events (not restricted to uni events) that you think students would like to know about

Business Blues By an ex-UNSW student Behind the 90-ish ATAR and bonus points to get into the UNSW Australian School of Business, it takes a very special person to be a commerce or economics student. But I would have to learn that the hard way.

by Maggie Zhang

• Illustrations, cartoon strips, photographs (showcase your creative side)

dents and is viewable for everyone. Best of all, we help to promote it for you!

As long as you are the original author, photographer or illustrator of the above mentions, we want to publish it!

This is also another way for anyone to get more involved with BSOC and learn about what we do.

SO WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? As a BSOC blogger: The forum, being a part of the website, will be published to over 5,000+ business stu-

Right off the bat, I’m not an ASB student anymore - I transferred last year. But, I don’t regret everything I learnt in my first year of commerce.

XENOPHOBIA: Don’t be a Pauline Hanson. At UNSW we embrace multiculturalism. At least 60% of UNSW students are international students. YELLOW SHIRTS: Friendly, smiley people in yellow shirts who will help you make the most out of OWeek and feel welcomed into the UNSW community!

BSOC FORUM

Like some of you, I went to university not really knowing what I wanted to do. Even though I’m not doing commerce anymore, I still use some of the basic foundation stuff I learnt in first year. I make my own personal balance sheets and budgets from what I learnt in accounting, my decision making with money is much more informed with the concepts I learnt in microeconomics, and also I know the basics of promoting and marketing events for societies and clubs from marketing. University life will throw a lot at you and give you heaps of opportunities to do what you really

Sign up to our website www.unswbsoc.com today to access the BSOC forum and start sharein the things you love :)

enjoy, you just have to take initiative. In my case, I transferred to journalism after writing for this very publication and learning how much I really loved writing. Some of my other friends added law to their degree, transferred to a different faculty or even uni through UAC, and some even dropped out and became tradies (you’d be surprised how much plumbers like Mario and Luigi actually get paid). And there’s the majority who are still doing their degree and graduating this year (and yes, they’re very happy too). So first years, if you’re getting scared of uni already, don’t be. Absorb as much as possible, and whatever happens just know that the stuff you’re learning definitely has practical uses. At the end of the day though, it’s all up to you - carpe diem. www.unswbsoc.com | 15


BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

How to Define BSOC Orientation Camp

by Stephanie Tsang

It was a bright summer’s day as I entered UNSW as a first-year student at O-Week. I was overcome by an eagerness that is diagnosed as First Year Syndrome (symptoms include signing up with virtually every club in sight, as well as grabbing any freebies there were to offer even though only the Arc Diary ended up being used throughout the year.) This was NOTHING compared to what was to come when I got approached by the BSOC team at their stall. ‘Come to the BSOC orientation camp,’ said a certain man. Well…thanks for the introduction, but I don’t even know you? Being deserted on an island for an entire weekend did not, in any way, sound legit. Not to mention it was going to cost $210! As a UNSW commerce student... who was Asian, I was not prepared to give my money to a stranger. However, I was eventually coerced into giving my money away and signing up to a weekend on an island. My First Year Syndrome soon drained and I was left feeling very lost and sad... www.unswbsoc.com | 16

The day inevitably approached. After being assigned into a group where I knew no one, a long wait under the sun for a ferry to Milson Island, my feelings of sadness had increased exponentially. This however, soon came to an end because I saw an oasis – a clean pool! Needless to say, all the boys and girls stripped into their (near) underwear and jumped into the water. After checking out many hot bods, the cool breeze called for us to eat dinner. I thought to myself, ‘Hey, this isn’t so bad after all!’ What an understatement that would become over the weekend. After dinner and a short break, the BSOC organisers held a trivia night. I think that phrase might need to be renamed, though… perhaps into something along the lines of ‘Random alcohol-fuelled questions asked to a bunch of drunken teenagers who then have to perform activities involved with alcohol.’ Have you ever witnessed drunken topless guys doing pushups whilst trying to drink milk? Or have whipped cream sprayed in your face (then have people throw popcorn at you)? I’m only allowed

to say the boring bits here, so imagine what else went on. After trivia night, the more sober ones went on to enjoy an intimate bonfire. Here, many new friendships were established and I was starting to really warm up to this camp. The next day began with a very filling, hangover-fighting breakfast. Many yawns later, the leaders eventually got us to participate in activities. These involved a series of rotations such as building a human pyramid, Chinese Whispers-crossCharades as well as a mini ‘Amazing Race’. Friendships grew and even more bonds were made. Having a photographer/BSOC leader helped heaps as well; I mean, what better way for girls to bond than to pose together, or for boys to photobomb together too? After an exhausting afternoon, it was bludge time at Milson Island. Deep and meaningful conversations were taking place in cabins, chess was being played – everything seemed unusually peaceful. That is, until the dinner bell rang. A mad rush for the carbohydrates began as soon as people entered www.unswbsoc.com | 17


BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

the dining hall. To my great disappointment, there was no more mashed potatoes, nor bread, nor pasta… After dinner, people went their respective ways to get ready for the much anticipated BSOC dance! The theme for the night was ‘Survivor,’ so of course there was the leopard print, camouflage suits, and the like.

BSOC CAMP Memories: by Alexander Yang University begins and there’s two main things running through your head: study life and social life. It’s not as bad as the first day of school when you knew no one, because chances are a few of your friends are going to the same uni. But the truth is that uni is big, even bigger than what you’re prepared for and there is no better way to make new friends than a camp. BSOC camp will get you in touch with a great bunch of people doing the same or similar courses as yourself. Getting away on an island with a large group of other students, every one of them ready to have a wild time? Yes please! After a bus ride from UNSW, quick stop at the bottle shop (food’s

There were also the less conventional costumes, such the silhouettes in the iPod ads, and now-President Reshan who dressed up as Jay Sean. The rest of the night was a blur. From what my now close friends recount to me, I was ‘screaming my love for someone all night long’ and ‘fell asleep on the grass so I had to get carried into a cabin.’ As embarrassing and trashy as that sounds, I don’t regret it at all. It was a fantastic experience and a great start to the year as a uni student. The next morning was absolute hell for everyone. Stories spread like wildfire around camp, ranging from the guy that had to go to hospital because he split his head open when he fell over, to the amorous adventures some people got up to the night before...

important too I guess) and a ferry ride, you arrive at Milson Island. After a quick brief of all the general rules on the island, you rush to your own rooms, fight for the top bunk and put your stuff away. You’ll be able to choose your own rooms and who you share them with and it’s mixed cabins (finally!). Campees get put into small groups with two older leaders and do activities together during the day. These are fun, ranging from relaxing to intense team games to get you guys playing nice with one another and forming long-lasting friendships. But when the sun goes down, spirits rise and the camp really comes to life. A bit of the liquid courage makes its appearance and with free time everyone gets to mingle over a drink, or two, or three, you know...a responsible amount. Camp-wide activities are organised, the first night being a trivia night where it’s not just questions that need to be answered, but also

physical and mental challenges to be conquered! Remember not to go too hard on the first night, because on the second day, things only get better. Camp activities during the day, then the highly-anticipated dance party! With pumping music, a great DJ and a huge dance floor, both memorable and blurry moments are sure to come. The best thing about camp is coming back to uni and having all the fresh faces being replaced by familiar ones. Tutes and lectures become less boring, and there’ll be plenty to talk about as everyone always has a story about camp. Leaders will always be there as friends, rather than mentors. I survived BSOC Survivor Camp 2011. Make sure you and your friends make the journey to BSOC’S Treasure Island 2012! Experience what the biggest student society on campus has to offer. www.unswbsoc.com | 18

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BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

How to not be the fattest bachelor at uni

by Eugene Siu

Every year, “lose weight” sits right at the top of our New Year’s resolutions. But it is well known that as uni students, we lack the time and money (and perhaps some serious motivation and commitment), to do so, which means that year after year, it remains there on the list. Don’t you think it’s about time we actually did something about it?

1 2 3 exercise

Look around you on campus: UNSW was built on a hill. There are stairs all around you. Not just baby steps, but massive ones like Basser and Scientia. A cheap but effective way to exercise is to walk those stairs. If you are feeling adventurous, try powerwalking. Time yourself, challenge yourself, and in no time, you’ll be feeling the effects of a toned body and a heart the size of Phar Lap’s – all for no moolah. If you can afford a gym membership, go with others – you will be motivated to work hard and beat your friends. If you aren’t cut out for the gym, find something you are cut out for. If you love to run, then just run. Own a dog? Walk it. All these little things that you do in your spare time rather than camp on Facebook or reblog on Tumblr can be used to work off some of the Christmas weight you’d gained. Personally, boarding around uni is fun – I mean, we are built on a hill – but it’s technically banned, so be careful.

diet

“Mmm, super burger, yum!” Those of you who know of this Quad Food Court item will know that not only is it unhealthy, but quite expensive. So next time you’re thinking about what to have for lunch at uni, ask yourself, “What can I bring from home?” Nine times out of ten it will be healthier and cheaper.

Snacking is where you will gain the most unwanted and useless calories of your life. Enjoy sweets? Try a piece of fruit instead. If you live by coffee, try no sugar, or skim milk. Already bringing a sandwich? Think about the type of bread and what your filling is. Most importantly, drink water, but not vitamin water or anything like that, as they have almost the same sugar content as soft drinks.

rest

Not enough sleep is another key factor in weight gain. Ideally, we should be getting around 8 hours of sleep, but obviously, as uni students, that never happens. Keep a schedule, plan your stuff out, be organised. Not only will you stress less with your assignments and exams but you will be able to schedule in enough sleep each night. I don’t guarantee you’ll become a muscle-bound lady killer by following this, but you will at least start feeling better. You will have more energy, better sleep and quite possibly better marks. But most importantly, you won’t be the fattest bachelor at uni.

Lastly, I’m not going to lie, alcohol is great – and it’d be hypocritical of me to tell you not to drink. But know that one Smirnoff Black takes an hour of dancing to burn off. And beer … well they don’t call it a beer belly for nothing. www.unswbsoc.com | BIZZNESS 20

BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

Jumping In It’s a Sunday evening and I just got off the bus from the Yellow Shirts camp, and it’s goodbye to all the great new friends I’ve made. It’s only been 3 days, but every single Yellow Shirt will tell you that it feels like more than a week because of the sheer number of memories created. That is why I’m writing this article - to show how much this university can offer you outside the boredom of class. My name is Geoffrey Zhang, and I’m in my 3rd year of Commerce/Law. When I left high school, I had only done music, cadets and sport. I knew UNSW offered opportunities like a strong academic and sporting culture, but didn’t know about extra-curricular. But then came UNSW O-Week 2010. Going up the main walkway on the first day, I was shocked by the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Yellow Shirts who wanted to get to know and help lost 1st years. I decided to join Arc (free this year!) and started off joining a few clubs, namely BSOC, CASS, AnimeUNSW, FMAA and VSA. Presently, I’m on the Board of the Student Development Committee of Arc, Coordinator of Shack Tutoring, Treasurer of AnimeUNSW, and a volunteer for FIF Peer Mentoring, Yellow Shirts, Foundation Day and Info Day, just to name a few. I also competed for UNSW at the 2011 Australian University Games. You may wonder how I balance so many things at uni along with work, study, and socialising, but if a lazy and introverted kid who leaves everything (especially study!) to the

last minute can change so drastically in just two years, then anyone can do it as well. When you graduate from UNSW, you not only get a transcript with your academic results, but also a second transcript from uni that lists all the extracurricular activities you’ve done, which can give you a huge step-up in job applications. These experiences not only give you something to talk about in interviews and answering questions like “When have you had to manage a huge team?” or “How do you motivate team members?”, but also gives you the skills to do so. But I’m a lazy 1st year! If you want to join a few things but keep a lot of free time for relaxation, the few things you should definitely do are join Arc, CONTACT and Shack Tutoring (both are only 1 hour a week commitments). Get involved with your faculty societies like BSOC because they have so many things to offer you. Yellow Shirts run O-Week without any UNSW input. Pretty amazing, right? It is the one program every student should do before graduating. This year, over 800 people applied for 130 spots, which illustrates how amazing the program is. With a lengthy application process, the preparation is immense - there are 2 training days and a camp, all for a volunteer program where you give up 5 days of sleepless nights, just to welcome 1st years to UNSW and prove we’re the best uni (not that we have to, what does that place down the road even offer?). Want to find out more? Check out the

by Geoffrey Zhang O-Week website or speak to any Yellow Shirt during O-Week. CONTACT is frequently referred to as “O-Week outside of O-Week”. It’s halfway up the Basser Steps and they can answer any question you have, from lecture theatres locations, how to find accommodation or where the best food on campus is. It only takes 1 hour per week! Shack Tutoring is a program that allows 1-on-1 tutoring with a high school student. The program is for disadvantaged children to get some extra help outside of school, and you can meet just about anyone here. Just because they haven’t been all that successful to date in local high schools doesn’t mean that they don’t want to learn. The feeling of success and achievement you get when your student achieves marks they never thought possible, goals that were once out of reach, and fulfils dreams of making a uni is a wonderful feeling. Again, it’s only 1 hour a week. In the end, no matter what you think or what other commitments or preconceptions of university life you have, you should make the best out of what’s on offer. Join everything, attend parties, and get involved. For more information on all the clubs, volunteer programs, and uni parties, check out the Arc website and for all awesome stuff on during O-Week, check out their website, because you definitely have to plan the rest of this week out to do everything. www.unswbsoc.com | 21


BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

Exchange:Thrill of your university experience Ever wondered what it would be like packing your bags and going on an exchange to a foreign country? Read on and find out how you could experience the time of your life! Pre-Departure Checklist

by Si Chen “Exchange offers a diverse range of opportunities for those willing to embrace it, to open their minds to new experiences and allow themselves to be challenged by new ways of thinking.”

A Candid Insight into Student Exchange

by Cecily Zhu

In Semester 2 of 2011, I had the privilege of studying abroad at the University of Texas (UT) in Austin. The time that I spent living in Texas and travelling around the United States was not only the best part of my year or the highlight of my university career – it was the greatest experience of my life. Some of the cooler things I did: • Attended a 3-day music festival and watched Coldplay perform live • Saw WWE Raw Monday Night Live in Austin • Woke up at 5am for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York • Watched the Lakers vs. Bulls NBA opening match live on Christmas Day at the Staples Center in LA • Worked as a referee for a beer pong tournament!

As semester started to wind down, I really didn’t want to leave and I began looking into ways I could transfer permanently to UT (which didn’t work out because of my Commerce/Law degree). However, behind all the glam of living in a foreign country, I still experienced moments of emotional highs and lows, plus you often forget there is a study aspect too. If you are considering applying for international exchange, or you have already been nominated to a university, here are a few important points to consider: • Start planning early. The application process takes up to nine months, so allow sufficient time to research your options and prepare your application. This includes the tedious task of finding appropriate subjects from each of your university preferences that you can transfer credit back to UNSW. Also be mindful of planning the rest of your courses at UNSW, especially if you are undertaking a combined degree and have to follow a strict plan. Check prerequisites for subjects too • Choose your university preferences wisely. Really think about what you want to

get out of exchange, whether it’s to party and meet new people, to see a new culture, or to experience a different academic environment. Different universities will often tailor to different experiences (let’s be real – UT definitely has a party rep). This also ties in with your choice of accommodation, whether you live on-campus or in an apartment and so forth. • Start saving up. The UNSW International Office requires documentation to prove you have at least $11,000 in funds per semester abroad. I spent roughly $18,500 during my exchange. It is very easy to be tempted to blow all of your money in the first couple of weeks when you arrive, so you should keep track of how much you’re spending. However, be mindful that you are having a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you don’t want to restrict yourself too much.

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The above was taken out of my exchange application and while it sounds corny, it does have a semblance of truth. The first thing anyone says after coming back from exchange is usually something along the lines of “It was amazing!” and how much they’ve grown from the whole experience. The second sentence will probably be about parties, alcohol or gossip, but we’ll talk about that later. A bit about my background – I’ve been on exchange to both New York University and Hong Kong University, and they were easily the two best semesters of my degree. There’s plenty of advice I could offer as you contemplate going on exchange but below are some key points I believe are most important. The fear of not making friends is entirely irrational. Before I left on my first exchange, I briefly went through a panic phase where I thought no one would want to be my friend and I would be by myself in a foreign country for six months. If you get the chance, I recommend staying on campus because it will be easier to meet people and you will get the true college experience.

Anyway, once I arrived, I ended up meeting amazing people from all around the world. We travelled together during the semester and after exchange and I’ve still kept in contact and met up with them in their hometown, which is fantastic because locals are always the best guides. You’ll make fantastic friends on exchange that last far beyond just the six months you are there for, so treasure it! There will be culture shock, but you will adapt! The first person I talked to in the US when I got out of the airport asked me for money. The first person I talked to at NYU was a sorority girl who couldn’t believe I’d “packed my whole life into one suitcase!” I felt like I’d walked into an American teen drama. I think culture shock is inevitable no matter where you go, even a country more culturally similar to Australia like the US. Most people adapt to it pretty quickly though and if anything, coming back to Australia is usually a bigger shock than leaving. You’re on pass/fail so enjoy yourself. The marks don’t count directly towards your WAM, so as long as you make sure you’re keeping up fairly well, just make the most of the extra free time you have on exchange to hang out with friends and go travelling. Not to say that they don’t matter, but just to realize that you shouldn’t overly stress yourself out. Companies never ask about marks on exchange and I’m sure it’s because they appreciate someone who didn’t spend their

entire exchange locked in their room. People always talk about personal growth on exchange and for me it was two main things: 1) learning to be more independent and 2) embracing adventure, which leads me to the next piece of advice. Just have fun! Some of my best memories and greatest experiences have been adventures that I had travelling on exchange. Some highlights included road tripping through Arizona and driving up California, living in New York, visiting Disneyworld because I’m just a kid at heart, outdoor adventures in Malaysia like white water rafting and partying way too much in Singapore. Exchange is all about a new experience and being outside of your comfort zone, so embrace it! Try not to stress too much about your finances and realise that you might be able to repay what you spend pretty quickly after you come back and work. Look into scholarships and government funding or even additions to HELP debt. At the end of the day, you don’t want to spend your time overseas stressing out about money. If anyone is interested, I kept an ongoing travel blog when I went on exchange to keep track of memories and experiences, Si and the City 2: http://sichen2.wordpress.com

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BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

Investing in sport pays dividends

by UNSW BSOC Sports Directors 2012

If you’re a sports fanatic like me, there’s no doubt that the Dallas Mavericks’ recent unexpected charge towards their first-ever NBA basketball championship last year would still live vividly on your mind. More so, the amazing story of their talismanic player Dirk Nowitzki. 2011 was a year to remember for the big man, winning his first championship and with it the MVP of the series. Although his road to glory seems fairytale-like, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Joining the NBA from Germany- a country rarely known for its basketball prowess- Nowitzki was constantly scrutinised by the sports media for not meeting expectations. However, last year he played flawlessly and won the grand final series carrying a sinus infection and a fever. Nowitzki’s persona would serve him favourably in the business world. He’s determined, competitive, goal-orientated and most of all, a true leader. No wonder why so many athletes have booming businesses - David Beckham has his own fragrance label, for starters. Sports and business entail many of the same skills and necessities. “How’s this even relevant to me?”, you may ask. Okay, let’s be honest, the chances of most of us becoming professional athletes are unlikely. But most of us have played school sports, organised for a casual game with friends, or follow our favourite sports teams.

You don’t know it, but having done these things could pay dividends (excuse the pun) for us all in our future business ventures. 4 reasons why you should get active! 1. Team sports help develop personal skills. The longer you surround yourself in a team environment playing competitively or just for fun, the more proficiently you’ll find yourself communicating, goal-orientated, focused and most importantly inclusive. 2. Social sports gives you time to relax. Playing social sports with your friends gives us time to decompress, blow-off some steam and have some fun. 3. You learn to appreciate the process of achieving a goal. many people get too carried away on setting over-ambitious goals, but never appreciate or commit to the process of achieving them. However, from playing sports, it is certainly normal that you’ll win some games and lose some, no matter how good of a team you are. 4. Good for your health and wellbeing: A healthy body may give you that extra energy to perform more efficiently at work or at school. Research shows that regular exercise allows for more grey matter to develop in our brains, hence assisting us mentally.

Thinking of getting some sport into your university experience after reading that article? Don’t worry, BSOC Sports are here to help! What we have in store for you in 2012: • Social soccer every week of semester 1. Get a bunch of friends together every Wednesday to embrace the world game down at the Village Green Oval! • Sports education days: ever wanted to learn how to play soccer, touch, basketball or volleyball? Come join our sports education classes! Watch out for announcements. • Interfaculty sports day: form teams with your friends to represent the business faculty in soccer, touch footy, basketball and volleyball against other faculties such as law, medicine, engineering and science. • Intervarsity sports day: form teams with friends to represent UNSW business against USYD and UTS business in soccer, touch footy, basketball and volleyball. • Ski Trip: come spend your midsemester break with BSOC for a week of skiing and boarding fun down at the snow. For more information or volunteering opportunities contact us at sports@unswbsoc.com www.unswbsoc.com | 24

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BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

BIZZNESS: UNIVERSITY LIFE

exclusive interview with entrepreneurs Jon Ung and Henry Lee

goodbye dear school canteen

I CEEBS

It’s lunchtime. by Yvonne Lam

Sharon: Hey guys, thank-you for accepting this interview with Publications @ UNSW BSOC! So tell us, where and how did this journey begin? Jon: We’ve always wanted to open up our own business; we initially wanted to start-up with computer but did some market research and tested the market for computer parts were very saturated. We spent ages trying to find another idea but after 1-2 years of continual search, we turned to games. Henry: So we decided to look into setting up a games online store for friends, family and uni friends as it was a hobby for us and our friends. Games proved a good market as it was popular.

“university networks are important, we recommend to start approaching older students or those who have experience”

Eva: What inspired the business idea? J: Initially it was about the extra pocket money but also the experience, knowledge of setting up a business that was important and could be included in our resume. S: What events are coming up for you boys? H: We will be having our launch before the end of February, which will enable people to start placing orders and in the future expect other product lines and a greater range of games.

E: Did your UNSW Commerce degree assist you? J: it did give us a lot of common knowledge and key terms about business structures which helped us make certain decisions. But university was not the largest factor to influence them, we wanted experience beyond what uni can provide. S: Any advice you can give to students interested in starting up a new business? J: University networks are important, we recommend to start approaching older students or those who have experience, don’t be afraid to speak up - any idea that is good, big and daunting ideas might be the best ideas. Since we’re young, we shouldn’t be afraid to fail. It doesn’t matter - we still have a degree, family or friends’ support, and any experience we’ve received.

The beauty of being at univerisity is that you don’t have to stay on campus to eat (unless you’re strapped for time) and no teacher is going to yell at you for leaving the campus to grab a quick bite at a proper restaurant between classes. So you don’t want to waste your money on dodgy food but you want a decent meal to get you through the day. Luckily there are cheap and tasty bargains in and around UNSW! On campus • Best salad - Stockmarket (Mathews food court, upper campus) You can choose your own toppings and sauce to create your own personal salad. Beware of the huge lines every lunch-time.

chicken rice. • Best kebabs/meat boxes Quad food court, lower level at the grill . Their beef kebabs with garlic sauce are the bomb and so are their chicken meat boxes with sauce and wedges. • Best wraps and drinks - The White House, behind the Quad lawn, near Goldstein. This bar trumps the Roundhouse any day. Their chicken wrap is fresh and their different flavours of alcoholic punch bowls are perfect to share with friends. • Best coffee - JG’s cafe (middle of main walkway, opposite the Red Centre). Possibly the best place to hang out at uni, besides the bar of course. • Best bagels - Coffee Republic (Blockhouse, lower campus) Smoked salmon with cream cheese and red onion is a fave here. Off campus

E: How do you expect to manage university, a life and work? H: We understand it will be hard to balance but this semester we’re expecting to do more first year and easier commerce subjects, which will give us more time to deal with ceebs, We’ll need to management our times in summer holidays and the need to prioritise. www.unswbsoc.com | 26

• Best rice - Ivan’s Fernery (upstairs from the Roundhouse) Friendly Malaysian restaurant on lower campus, they do a delicious fried rice (nasi goreng) and also great roast

• Best Thai - Siam Fusion (Shop 1/273 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032). They have quick

service and lunch specials, such as a huge bowl of Chicken Rice Noodle Soup for just $5.80. They also do a fantastic Tom Yum Fried Rice. Best Chinese - Yong Jing’s Kitchen Enlightenment (430 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032). Addictive salt and pepper pork spare ribs. Best Indonesian - Ayam Goreng 99 (464 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032). The most flavoursome fried and grilled chicken, as well as authentic Indonesian noodles and rices. Best Italian - Mamma Teresa (412 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032). A bit pricier than the other restaurants but they have great pastas and pizzas. Best Japanese - Tensaya (526 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032). It’s a further walk down Anzac Parade than the other restaurants but worth it for their fresh bento boxes. Best snacks - Pappa Roti (291 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032) - for the most fluffy, buttery soft buns. 85 degrees (392 Anzac Pde, Kingsford NSW 2032) - heaps of interesting sweet and savoury Asian breads and pretty cakes.

*read more at excusemewaiter. wordpress.com

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GRADUATE LUNCHEON Looking for a graduate position in 2013 or simply want to find out more about securing a job once you complete your business degree? Here’s the perfect opportunity! Come along to BSOC’s annual Graduate Luncheon and chat directly with HR representatives from our Corporate Partner firms such as Deloitte, Citibank, Commonwealth Bank, Credit Suisse and many more!

BIZZNESS: CAREERS “I was able to listen to first hand experiences by talking to the representatives, alloying me to further understand the firms’ culture. This eventually created a pathway to my internship work experience during the summer of 2011/2012. I still keep in contact and catch up for coffee with a representative whom I met at the event.” Martin Liang “The BSOC grad lunch was a great opportunity to meet and liaise with future employers. Many of my questions regarding internships and graduation jobs were answered well on the spot!” Jenny Lam

In the increasingly competitive workforce market, find out directly from recruiters themselves exactly what graduate/internship opportunities are on offer and what qualities will elevate your application on the top of the pile when it comes to graduate recruitment season.

e story from Get the insid Accountant. a Chartered

Light refreshments will be provided. Dress code: Casual

Graduate and Vacation Employment Evening 2012 Wednesday, 21 March 2012 from 5.00pm Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour, Sydney

1211-90_EE_A4

> Meet top employers in Australia > Have your career questions answered > Gain an insight form recent graduates and vacationers > Receive a free 2012 Employment Guide

Register now at charteredaccountants.com.au/students

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BIZZNESS: CAREERS

FAST TRACK YOUR CAREER! We chat to co-ops, interns and a cadet working at different financial firms about the ups and downs of being thrown into the deep end.

THE CO-OP: Hey everyone, my name’s Michael Shen and I’m here to share with you the absolute delight of an experience that is the UNSW Co-op Program.

Now, in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you have an opportunity to join the program, I’m here to convince you why you should take it.

The UNSW Co-operative Program is a work experience-based scholarship available for various degrees from the Australian School of Business and the Faculty of Engineering. The Co-op Program is technically only open to Year 12 students, but what most people don’t realise is that every year, a number of vacancies arise for those already in uni, due to Scholars leaving the program. These positions are advertised on the Co-op website, and via email communication to students of the relevant course.

A Co-op scholar undertakes three or four full time Industry Training Experience (ITE) placements during their degree. These placements are either three or six months in length, depending on your course. These ITEs are unpaid, however, every year scholars are paid $16750 AUD per annum, about

I-N-T-E-R-N-S-H-I-P? What’s that? by Jamie Lee

PwC, your friend’s girlfriend is working at Deloitte, and all these “How to Ace Your Interview” workshops are popping up everywhere. Seriously, why the fuss?

Uni students hoping to join the Co-op Program should have at least a Distinction WAM and pass the interview. This is typically done with a member of UNSW and an industry

sponsor representative. ome of you might compare the Co-op program to a cadetship. I’m now going to convince you why the Co-op program is better. • Breadth of experience – in a cadetship you work for the same company for your entire degree. Co-op allows you to work at 3-4 different sponsor companies • You’re not working through your entire degree – Co-op will give you the same, if not more, opportunities to gain industry knowledge, while allowing you to breathe in between ITEs. • The Co-op scholarship is taxfree, unlike a cadetship.

THE INTERN:

You probably went through 1st year caring only about when the next uni party was, where the free BBQs were, and receiving nasty shocks as you realised that that assignment was actually due tomorrow (which, in true uni-student fashion, you hadn’t started and didn’t for another 3 hours because you were too busy polishing off Battlefield 3). That, or you are a fresh first year, about to fall into the same trap as all of us from the previous generations. So then comes second year, and all of a sudden – internships. The word is everywhere. One of your friends was offered an internship with www.unswbsoc.com | 30

One of the biggest things employers look for is experience. Besides earning $16,750 p/a tax-free, UNSW Co-op scholars have the opportunity to work at three or four established companies. We’re talking about names like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Microsoft. Mid-2011, I was lucky enough to join the UNSW Marketing Co-op Program as a late entrant. Being a late entrant, I only have two internships - both at Johnson & Johnson. The first was in the Overthe-Counter franchise (think Codral

and Zyrtec), and the second in Skin Care, working on the Neutrogena brand. Nothing in my studies could have prepared me for the work in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. There is so much to learn in the real world as a marketer with so many fun and exciting opportunities to take, like developing promotional material, working with social media, and helping organise PR events. Working in FMCG is challenging. I’ve had to learn things like analysing data, reconciling the budget and how to work new software and processes. But even before all that, I had to learn about the brands and understand the technology of the product. In a dynamic industry like FMCG, while everyone is happy www.unswbsoc.com | 31


BIZZNESS: CAREERS to help, there is no room for error. FMCG develops you to become someone who can learn quickly and work under pressure. For me, learning all of this now means I can be much more confident when attending interviews for a similar role in future. And if you don’t like that role? Well, better to find out earlier – who wants to be in a position where they have graduated but still unsure of where they want to work? One of the things I did not expect with becoming a Co-op was the stigma attached to it. It’s nice when people think you’re smart, but not when they say things like, “You’re set, you don’t need to try and you’ll get a job”. We work full-time

in 6-month blocks to impress and prove ourselves to the sponsors, and even getting into the Co-op Program itself was a challenge. I would know – I applied three times before I got in. Working full-time and doing uni part-time (and if you’re crazy like me, working weekends in a casual job), leaves you literally no time to see your friends. I missed out on many social events, but it also taught me to appreciate my free time and friends so much more. Unlike uni, there’s no marking criteria and no grades, so you must rely less on instruction and be more independent. “Is my work complete, should I add more?” It’s

A Day in the Life of a Vacationer by Stella Kwong 7.15am: Wake up after the fifth time of hitting the snooze button. Get ready, grab an Up & Go and off to catch the express train to the city. 8.45am: Arrive at my senior’s desk for a quick briefing session on the day’s work. After filling a suitcase with all the files we need, we head over to the client. 9.00am: Meet the client and receive our fancy new security passes. We get a quick tour of the office, which has nice winding staircases and open plan seating and since we are the first audit team to arrive, we get to choose our working area first. Win! 9.45am – 12.00pm: My first job at the client mainly consists of referencing trial balances to invoices, which I do for Cash, Payables & Inventory. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t make any mistakes. However, my senior was so nice about it and helped explain everything thoroughly and encouraged me to ask questions. 12.00 – 1.00pm: Lunch with the team. Being in the

entirely your judgment, and something that comes with practice. Another challenge is staying motivated. It’s easy to sit there and bludge on Facebook, but it’s one of the worst things to do. Internships are a privilege and you want to walk out knowing you’ve done your best and have achieved something. Adapting to the 40 hour work week is another challenge. Not only that, but you don’t get to enjoy the 20 weeks of holidays that all other students receive. If you ever hear about a vacancy, I encourage you to go for it. Always be on the lookout for internships – I cannot stress enough how valuable the experience is.

Real Estate division of Assurance means that a lot of our clients are in the city, so we always have a huge variety of eateries to choose from. Today, we choose laksa and chatter away over spoonfuls of heady soup. 1.00 – 4.50pm: The rest of the day is spent doing various tasks such as populating spreadsheets, preparing memos and calling the bank for confirmations. 4.50 - 5.10pm: My senior gives me quick feedback on how I’m doing so far. Regular feedback and asking questions is important to minimise review points. 5.10 – 5.15pm: As it’s a Friday, everyone wants to leave on time, so we pack up. I head back to the office so I can start getting ready for the Vacationer Social Night with my friends. The theme is “Mexican Cha Cha”, so everyone has their sombreros and fake moustaches. 5.45 – 8.00pm: Someone who’s dressed as a cactus wins first place in the costume contest. There’s also a limbo competition. Food and drinks consist of slushie margaritas (which were pumped full of tequila), Coronas, burritos and churros with chocolate. 8.00pm – whenever: Even though the Social Night has officially ended, it’s a Friday, so we vaccies want to keep the party going. With all the new friends we’ve made during the party from the other divisions such as Tax and Advisory, we form a big group and have Friday Night Drinks. www.unswbsoc.com | 32

BIZZNESS: CAREERS

THE CADET: Hello, my name is Tristan Tam and I’m here to tell you about what it’s like working as a cadet at ESV Chartered Accountants. About my cadetship • Full-time work for the first 2 years, optional to switch to part time after that to fast track university degree • 7.5 hours/day, 5 days a week, with 3.5 hours of uni leave per week to attend classes (somefirms give 1 day off per week) • 2 days of paid study leave per subject for exams • Textbook reimbursement What do we do? As a cadet working in Business Services at ESV Chartered Accountants, my job mainly involves providing accounting and taxation services for clients, such as preparing financial statements, income tax returns or business activity statements.

but the occasional catch-up lunch or dinner it is actually still achievable with time management. I should also mention that you will eventually meet other cadets that work in the same field, and very often, become close friends. 2 common misconceptions: 1. Cadets make a lot of money. The starting salary of a cadet is usually about $30,000, which, when converted back to hourlyrate, isn’t as much as it seems. Remember that the primary goal should be to gain experience in the field, not to earn money. 2. Only the Big4 (Deloitte, PWC, Ernst & Young, KPMG) are worthwhile to apply for because once you get in, you are ‘set for life’. Cadets can be fired during a 3-6 month probation period if they demonstrate unsatisfactory performance. AdWhile the Big4 are well known, it definitely does not mean that they are the right firms for you. It is a known fact that cadets work overtime in Big4 during busy periods, meaning that you can end up finishing as late as 9pm.

As a cadet, you will always be learning, as you become more exposed to a variety of client work. Work colleagues, especially those in your team, are generally very supportive. Besides your normal work, you also gain a lot from the technical trainings (eg. monthly tax training) that your workplace provides. The knowledge that you acquire from cadetship should help you tremendously in understanding your uni accounting courses.

Reality Check When you first start as a cadet, you may spend 2-3 months on boring administrative work due to your inexperience. You may also find that you start to hate 3 things:

You may be under the impression that there is no time for social life with work and uni in the way,

1)  Timesheet – A tool for managers to evaluate productivity of staff and to work out how much

clients are charged. It makes people become very time conscious and the high frequency of input (15 times a day on average for me), to ensure that every activity is recorded, makes it the one of the most hated task. 2)  Bills – These are done near the end of each month when the firm sends out invoices to charge clients. It involves drafting the job outline that get included in invoices, and becomes extremely annoying when you have to do multiple bills in a particular month. 3)  Calling the ATO – If you are given the task to call the Australian Taxation Office about something be expected to be put on hold for 20-30 min. Despite some of these drawbacks, cadetship is nevertheless an unmissable experience. It is never too late to apply, as some accounting firms do accept second or even third year commerce students providing that they are majoring in accounting. For those that are interested in applying, application usually opens in early April and closes in mid June. If you’re interested in a cadetship, speak to a cadet yourself! Look out for those that are dressed in business attire in your classes or walking into UNSW in evening and who knows, you might be talking to me next!

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BIZZNESS: CAREERS

THE INTERVIEW: do:

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: 1. Do your research. Check out the company website and understand what they do, their goals and values and what’s happening in the industry. 2. Attend career sessions and employer events to have your career questions answered and gain the opportunity to network.

SOME TIPS: • Approach employers with confidence and intro•

• •

duce yourself. Have a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and remember to SMILE. Listen carefully – base the conversation on employers’ responses rather than asking a barrage of questions. Take note of any tips, hints and words of wisdom to help you in your interview, resume or future job hunting! Have thoughtful, informed questions prepared. “What does your company do?” will not make a good impression Take advantage of networking opportunities! Offer them your resume or ask for their business card. After the expo, re-contact the people you spoke to at the Expo, thanking them for their time and ask for any additional advice. Talk to previous graduates. They’ll be happy to share their experience with your potential employer and give you insight on what it’s really like working there and some idea of the business culture.

• Dress for success: First impressions are everything when it comes to interviews. Wear a fitted blazer and dress conservatively. Wear little accessories and make sure your hair is tidy and you brush your teeth! • Be punctual - arrive 10minutes before to calm your nerves • Bring a copy of your resume and all relevant documents. • Know your strengths and weaknesses. Present your skills and relate them to the job role you are interested in. When describing your weaknesses, you should show them how you are trying to rectify them. • Express yourself eloquently and clearly • Look at the person you’re talking to – making eye contact displays respect and confidence. • Ask questions. By preparing interesting and relevant questions, you display initiative and eagerness towards the organisation and the role. So, whether it be at an interview, careers fair or information session, don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it be about the organisation, the selection process and opportunities for training and development/career progression! • REMEMBER to turn off your phone!

don’t:

• Don’t walk in unprepared • Make derogatory remarks about past or present employers. • Interrupt the interviewer • Lie about your abilities, or you may find yourself struggling to meet their expectations • Be too devastated if you answer one question badly. Chances are they won’t focus on that one question if you answer the following questions amazingly • Talk about money, leave benefits or bonuses, unless its brought up • Answer questions with “yes” or “no”. Explain your reasoning fully. www.unswbsoc.com | 34

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BIZZNESS: CAREERS News from Careers and Employment @ ASB As the ASB Careers Consultant, I’m here to help you succeed in securing internships, full-time jobs and laying the foundation for achieving your long-term career goals. All you need to know about the opportunities below can be found at http://www.careers.unsw.edu.au/ASB.chpx ASB Career Mentoring Program The ASB Career Mentoring Program connects ASB students with a successful business professional in the public and private sectors. It is an opportunity for students to gain wisdom and advice in order to support their career development. The purpose of the program is for you to: • Gain insight into the reality of the business world in general • Learn from and be guided by an experienced professional • Reflect on your career goals • Build networks and meet new contacts • Gain confidence and new skills that will assist you throughout their life journey Investment Banking and Consulting Careers Evening Are you interested in a career in investment banking or management consulting? On Tuesday 6th March, UNSW Careers and Employment are holding the inaugural investment banking and consulting careers evening where you will be able to meet a number of the top employers in these industries, all together, right here on campus. This event will give you the opportunity to ask questions, compare different employers, get a real understanding of whether investment banking or consulting is the right career path for you and most importantly, to build your networks. Resume Review Service: A 5 minute review of your resume will be available in the ASB student centre. Please bring a hard copy of your resume. Meet the Employers: Build your networks and meet the recruiters at the following events on campus.

Date Time Employer Mon 20th Feb 2pm - 3pm Reckitt Benckiser - BrandYOU: Your Personal Brand Mon 20th Feb 11am - 12pm Deloitte - How to be an Employer Magnet Mon 20th Feb 1pm - 2pm Ernst & Young - Lectures to Boardrooms: My Journey from UNSW to EY! Tue 21st Feb 10am - 11am McKinsie - Launch Your Career in Management Consulting Tue 21st Feb 11am - 12pm ACCA - Careers in Accounting Tue 21st Feb 12pm - 1pm Hilti - Career Development Wed 22nd Feb 11am - 12pm Apple Retail -Apple Store Leader Program & Other Opportunities at Apple Retail Wed 22nd Feb 1pm - 2pm CPA Australia - Global Opportunities Wed 22nd Feb 2pm - 3pm E-Web marketing - How to Market Skills Online Thu 23rd Feb 11am - 12pm ICAA - Paid Work Experience with the Big 4 Accounting Firms Thu 23rd Feb 12pm - 1pm KPMG - How to Excel in Interviews and Assessment Centres Thu 23rd Feb 1pm - 2pm LEK Consulting - Careers in Strategy Consulting Thu 23rd Feb 2pm - 3pm PricewaterhouseCoopers - How to Excel in the Application Process Mon 27th Feb 12pm - 2pm Credit Suisse Mon 27th Feb 5.30pm Port Jackson Partners - What Do Strategy Consultants Do? Tue 28th Feb 12pm - 1pm Bank of America Merill Lynch Tue 28th Feb 5.30pm Bain & Company: Formal Presentation & Case Workshop Wed 29th Feb 12pm - 2pm Port Jackson Partners - What is Strategic Thinking? A Case Study Workshop Wed 29th Feb 6pm A.T. Kearney Thu 1st Mar 5pm Booz and Co Mon 5th Mar 1pm UBS Investment Bank Mon 5th Mar 5.30pm Oliver Wyman Financial Services Management Consulting Tue 6th Mar 5pm - 7.30pm Investment Banking and Consulting Careers Evening Wed 7th Mar 12pm Citi Wed 7th Mar 5.30pm The Boston Consulting Group Thur 8th Mar 5pm J.P. Morgan Tue 13th Mar 5pm Macquarie Group Wed 14th Mar 5pm Morgan Stanley Mon 19th Mar 12pm 25th Annual UNSW Careers Expo in 2012

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‘I could only have done it at Deloitte’. When we hear this it means we’re inspiring our people to achieve their potential. So how do we do this? Our seven Signals, our innovation, and our commitment to a diverse and collaborative culture set us apart. You’ll be joining a firm with a relentless drive and passion for world class client service and a sense of shared responsibility for our place in our local communities.

What we do

Deloitte is a leading advisory, audit, tax and consulting firm. Our 5,500+ team of professionals serve 85 of the top 100 of Australia’s largest publicly owned companies, family and private businesses, and all three tiers of government. Globally, Deloitte has over 180,000 people in 153 countries and generates an annual revenue of more than $US28 billion.    

BRW best companies to work for 2011 EOWA, Employer of Choice for Women, 2011, tenth year in a row Employer with the Best Opportunities for Graduates 2011, Australian Association of Graduate Employers Aspirational Employer of the Year 2011, Australian Association of Graduate Employers

Our Deloitte Development Program

This two-day interactive program, offers you professional development, an insight into life at Deloitte and the opportunity to secure a summer vacation position. You are eligible if: st  1 year of a 3 year degree nd  2 year of a 4 year degree rd  3 year of a 5 year degree

Our Summer Vacation Program

This is your opportunity to gain practical and paid work experience. Spend four to eight weeks from November to February gaining exposure to client work, our award winning learning programs, and social events, with the prospect of securing a Graduate position with the firm. If you’re in your penultimate year at university you are eligible to apply.

Our Graduate Program

Join Deloitte in early 2013 for a career that will stimulate, reward and motivate you like no other. Surrounded by a large peer group, you’ll be supported by a dedicated mentor and counselling team who will work with you to build your technical and business skills.

It’s your future. How far will you take it?

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MEET THE DIRECTORS the core

internal portfolio Human Resources Director: Priscilla Luong

Human Resources Director: Jennifer You

Marketing Director: John Giang

While seemingly very ‘Asian’ through her love of shopping, K-pop, and ‘hot bods,’ Priscilla is also very skilled at basketball and RECEIVING massages. Pris’ laugh can be heard from a mile away and although petite, she has a massive heart and lights up any atmosphere with her cheeky smile. Apart from destroying all of her subjects with D’s and HDs, Pris is also a full- time “model” who prides herself in “luvos”. – John, Marketing Director

“Jen may be the smallest member of the BSOC board but she is also one of the bubbliest and can handle her drink (so I’d hold off on challenging her at “shot for shot”). She enjoys taking photos, blogging and cooking as well as eating her delicious culinary creations. When asked what she misses most about high school she says that it’s the peace of not having to decide what to wear every morning, and chilling with friends in free periods.”- Pasindu Fernando, Careers Director

“John Giang (“Giang Grillz”) is one of the coolest, friendliest, funniest, loudest guys in UNSW. He is always full of energy and up for anything! Parties never start until he walks in. Not only does he have an excellently weird sense of humour, he is also extremely very intelligent and talented. Even though John Giang often enjoys being a badass rebel, his inner feminine soft spot never fails to make sporadic appearances when he sees anything cute.” Carolyn Lim, Internal Vice President

External Vice-President:Tim Chiang

Marketing Director: Sharon Luk

Publications Director: Eva Law

Publications Director: Sharon Sun

“Ceebs” is probably Tim’s favourite quote but you’ll find that he’s actually the very opposite of being “Ceebs”. Don’t be deceived by his lanky figure because secretly he’s our BSOC B-BOY! When’s he’s not head-spinning on the dance floor, you’ll find him playing tennis. Tim’s pretty wild especially when it comes to teaching first years drinking games and Putzar! He’s also a nerd - he was the Dux of his year at NSB. – Maggie Zhang, IT Director

“Sharon is chill and fun to be around, although her mood may swing depending on the weather. Two things that will definitely put a smile on her face are ice-cream and mushrooms (not mushroom icecream though). When not spending countless hours with Uni and Bsoc, Sharon loves to wander and explore new places.” - Say Kit Soo, Sponsorship Director

“Eva is an easy going and energetic person whose motto in life is to live life to the fullest. She enjoys food photography, taking luvos and has a penchant for Chinese egg waffles and icecream. The sight of “big fat hairy rats” and “scary freaky clowns” terrify her. When asked about her most embarrassing moment, she recalls her first day at NAB when she walked into the revolving doors. – Cherry Ye, Careers Director

“Sharon is a very friendly and outgoing person with whom you can talk to about anything and everything. Whether it be the latest Triple J song or the deeper intricacies of life such as what sugary dessert to eat next, you can be sure to find a common thread with her. When she’s not actively involved in university life, she’s relaxing to groovy bogan music”. – Jonathan Luk, Careers Director

PRESIDENT: Reshan Perera

Chairperson: Johan Santoso

Treasurer: Cheryl Mew

“Resh, as he is more commonly known, is such a likeable and visionary person that I don’t see a better candidate to lead the premier Business Society of New South Wales in the coming year. If you don’t see him running and managing events, you may see him long boarding or surfing in his spare time. If you are able to get him to do so, he is also quite an awesome dancer. Rumors say he is related to Jay Sean.” Johan Santoso, chairperson

If you ever ask, where to find a person who is intelligent, organised, a leader, yet sociable, to be a chairperson – Johan is the ideal candidate for the job! His leadership skills from yellow shirts and QMB PASS classes ensures his ability to monitor performances of the board, and organise meetings within BSOC. Watch out for his audacious entrance on his motorbike, zooming pass his winning experiences on the rifle range, pool tables, poker competitions and photography!” Cheryl Mew, treasurer

Cheryl has a bubbly and friendly personality and manages to keep an amazing balance between her career and academic life. Cheryl never fails to find time to spend with her masses of friends. The only break Cheryl takes is to stop and pose for a self taken picture. As Cheryl is currently working as a cadet in Deloitte’s Assurance department her practical industry experience is unquestionable and will prove to be her greatest asset (excuse the pun) as BSOC Treasurer 2012.” – Reshan Perera, president

Internal Vice-President: Carolyn Lim

Activities Vice-President: Henson Chau

Carolyn Lim (“Carolipop”) is one of the most lively, invigorating, bouncy and comical people I know. Behind her carefree, fun and adorable exterior which makes her seem like a big soft toy from morning glory, is a very talented person who loves playing tennis, reading and infecting everyone around her with her laughter. Her signature squeal when poked is a constant source of entertainment for everyone.” – James Han, Sports Director

Henson is a dedicated member of the BSOC community and works hard managing both the Social and Sports portfolio, which are both arguably the toughest to manage. Although he is a tough character at times, he gets work done and hence is why he has surpassed even me in rank *fists in the sky. Although reserved at times, you always know that he is planning the next awesome event in his head.” – Stuart Ho, Social Director

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IT: Maggie Zhang

EXternal Careers Director: Pasindu Fernando

Sponsorship Director: Say Kit Soo Careers Director: Johnathon Luk

ACTIVITIES Social director: Catherine Chan

Social Director: Stuart Ho

“Catherine is a bubbly, vivacious girl who hates ugly insects, lots of little things or dots crowded into a small area. What she misses most about being a kid is being carried around so that she wouldn’t have to walk. She believes that the secret to a good life is to see the wider perspective in everything and not to let the little thing in life bring you down!” – Natasha Ng, Social Director

“Stuart, the “grandpa” of BSOC, is the oldest and argueably most experienced member on the board, having been part of three portfolios – Sports, Careers and now Socials. However, under this venerable veneer of elderly superiority, which can also be attributed to his massive stature, Stuart is an easy going person and an ardent gamer and is always up for a game of Starcraft.”Reyna Ge, Education Director

“Maggie is our outgoing and highly skilful IT Director, who is studying the gruelling combination of Commerce and Engineering. Despite her exemplary skill with technology and her serious attitude towards her studies, Maggie is quite the adventurous girl, and thrill-seeker. Her snowboarding and basketball skills can easily leave your jaw hanging, and she has travelled to so many exotic places around the world, it can make anyone jealous. Also, not be fooled by Maggie’s ladylike appearance, because she can be quite the party animal!”- Jennifer You, HR Director

“Pasindu is a really friendly, wellrounded guy! He’s serious about his work and aspires to be an in investment banker in America. In his down time, Pasindu LOVES to play pool, watch the Big Bang Theory, and listen to KPop music! Another interesting fact about Pasindu is that he loves hip-hop dancing. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see him busting a move at BSOC Camp!” -Julita Hardjono, Education Director

“Jonathan is a high achieving student who is constantly engaged in his work. He is an extremely organised and always plans out exactly he will do. He enjoys rock climbing, paying occasional visits to the gym, playing with computers (often staying up till the early hours of the morning trying out new technology) whilst eating large bowls of ice cream or kimchi.” - Tim Chiang, External VP

“Say Kit is not just your typical bballer! This 4th year comm/law Tim Chiang doppleganger, is one who is highly motivated to accomplish as many things as possible. With a fear of flying, but a love of travelling, he spends his free time enjoying comedy and action movies. When he finishes university he wishes to do either IB, consulting or private equity. Being the busy bee that he is, especially with full time work these days, make sure you say hi to him before he graduates!” – Sharon Luk, Marketing Director

Careers Director: Cherry Ye

Education Director: Reyna Ge

Education Director: Julita Hardjono

Social director: Natasha Ng

Sports director: James Han

Sports Director: Jessica Huynh

“Cherry can be described by her friends as an energetic, down-toearth young individual. Whether it is listening to her favourite band ‘the script’ or travelling overseas Cherry has a real zest for life. Her active lifestyle and determination will provide an excellent foundation for her through her remaining years of university and also in achieving her life ambition of becoming a CFO for an international company in Shanghai or Hong Kong.” – Jessica Huynh, Sports Director

“Reyna is our bubbly and easy going Education Director who loves reading and watching big bang theory. In her spare time, she listens to classical music and despite her small child-like hands, she loves playing and is a master at piano. Her favourite food is sweet and juicy white nectarines though she is most afraid of losing her teeth. When asked about her childhood memories, she responded catching fireflies with her father.” – Eva Law, Publication Director

“Julita is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. It is widely known that whoever meets her has an extreme urge to pinch her cheeks. She is often a bit clueless to what is going on around her, having a tendency to drift off into her own little world (where she would be eating oranges, travelling and exploring places). She also enjoys keeping fit and active, playing basketball and tennis in her spare time.”- Sharon Sun, Publication Director www.unswbsoc.com | 40

“Tash is an extremely friendly and approachable girl who’s always smiling. She has an ample collection of iPhone covers, ranging from sleek and sophisticated-looking ones to fobby bunny ears. Once you get to know her more, she will bombard you with the best quotes from the Simpsons. With her lovely manicured nails, you’d never guess that she’s a true hardcore gamer! Don’t mess with this girl- chances are, she’ll probably own you in SC2 or BF3.” - Priscilla Luong, HR Director

“James is a talented and driven person who not only does extreme sports, plays table tennis and the piano, but is also involved in lion dancing. Beyond the muscly exterior (and his red happy face when drinking at parties), James admits what he misses most about being a kid is innocence. One day, he dreams for the opportunity to go into space, scuba-dive at the South Pole and fish for a giant squid!” –Catherine Chan, Social Director

“Don’t let Jess’ size fool you, there is much more than meets the eye. Jess is also a passionate tennis player; her pace and determination will leave you speechless. Off the court, Jess’ other passion is to spend as much time with those dearest. More so, she believes that if life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, you should show life a million reasons to smile.” – Henson Chau, Activities Vice-President www.unswbsoc.com | 41


PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

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