2022 UNIT Careers Guide by UNIT Sydney

2022 CAREERS IN FINANCE UNIVERSITY NETWORK FOR INVESTING AND TRADING WWW.UNIT.ORG.AU

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Ly AUTHORS: Derek Zhou Serena Hu DESIGNERS: Anthea Trang Cassie Chang Elissa Lieu

Software: Canva Special Thanks To: Adon Ewing, Rebecca Zhang, Andrew Zhang and the Careers and Employability Office. This guide was printed with funding from the University of Sydney Business School. © University Network of Investing & Trading 2022

DISCLAIMER 1. The information in this free guide is provided for the purpose of education and intended to be of a factual and objective nature only. The University Network for Investing and Trading (“UNIT”) makes no recommendations or opinions about any particular financial product or class thereof. 2. UNIT has monitored the quality of the information provided in this guide. However, UNIT does not make any representations or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in this guide. 3. Whilst UNIT has made the effort to ensure the information in this guide was accurate and up-to-date at the time of the publication of this guide, you should exercise your own independent skill, judgement and research before relying on it. This guide is not a substitute for independent professional advice and you should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances. 4. References to other organisations are provided for your convenience. UNIT makes no endorsements of those organisations or any other associated organisation, product or service. 5. In some cases, the information in this guide may incorporate or summarise views, standards or recommendations of third parties or comprise material contributed by third parties (“third party material”). Such third party material is assembled in good faith, but does not necessarily reflect the views of UNIT, or indicate a commitment to a particular course of action. UNIT makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any third party material. 6. UNIT takes no responsibility for any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information in this guide (including, without limitation, third party material).

UNIT CHAPTERS:

SECTION 1 INDUSTRY

SECTION 2 APPLICATIONS

SECTION 3 SPONSORS

Overview Investment Banking Investment Management Global Markets (Sales and Trading) Stockbroking Proprietary Trading Professional Services Retail Banking & Fintech Finance Consulting Finance Support Roles

| 5 | 6 | 9 | 13 | | | | | |

16 18 19 21 23 25

Tech Disruption Finance Technology in Australia MiFID II Rise of Passive Investing Women in Finance

| 61 | 63 | 65 | 66 | 67

27 28 29 30 31

| 32 | 34

SECTION 5 SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE The University of Sydney Subject Selection UNSW Subject Selection UniMelb Subject Selection Monash Subject Selection Macquarie Subject Selection STEM Subjects in Finance

| 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75

Akuna Capital Bain & Company BlackRock BCG CFA Institute Eclipse Trading J.P. Morgan Macquarie Group Nomura SIG Stanton Road Westpac

| | | | | | | | | | | |

37 39 41 43 44 46 48 50 52 54 54 58

CAREERS GUIDE

SECTION 4 STATE OF FINANCE

| | | | |

CONTENTS

Job search tips Cover letter Interview Resume Test/Assessment Centres Networking The University of Sydney Careers and Employability Office

SECTION 1 THE INDUSTRY

OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCE INDUSTRY

What is finance? At its core, finance is the practice of allocating monetary resources under conditions of uncertainty (risk). As a subject or major, finance can be split into three distinct categories; public finance, personal finance, and corporate finance. This guide will be mainly focusing on career opportunities arising from corporate finance, where you will learn about the financial markets: equity, debt, derivatives, commodities and more. Corporate finance teaches you how a company makes choices about major investment decisions, how it finances its activities, and how it delivers value to all its shareholders. You will also learn about the international nature of financial flows, how to manage risks, and how to invest and trade yourself.

What are financial services? Financial services refer to the services provided by the financial industry and organisations involved in the management of capital. Such organisations encompass banks, investment banks, insurance companies, credit card companies and stock brokerages. Its clients include individuals, businesses, non-profit organisations, and government agencies. The financial services field offers a broad range of career opportunities that cater to different skills and interests. As such, employers will have different expectations in regards to your personal and professional qualities as they assess your compatibility for the role.

INVESTMENT BANKING & CORPORATE ADVISORY Overview Investments banks are the institutions driving the growth of public and private companies. They are the intermediaries which fuel these companies with capital - the monetary means of growth. This is achieved not simply by handing out loans, but by finding investors and facilitating a transaction, whether it be in debt, equity, or another hybrid form. Investment banks are behind all the headline IPOs, billion-dollar mergers, and cross-border investment deals - financing companies large and small. In facilitating transactions, these banks are described as being on the sell-side of corporate finance.

What they do

Raise capital for clients

Facilitate transactions

Advise companies

Investment bankers generally hold the role of corporate financial advisors. In this capacity, they help their clients raise money in the capital markets, provide various financial advisory services, and facilitate mergers and acquisition activity. Should a large company want to increase their number of warehouses and is looking to issue bond financing to pay for its expansion, it may seek the help of an investment banker. Or suppose a private company requires more money to grow and decides to raise funds through equity financing, an investment banker could help them find private placements (investors), or go public through an initial public offering (IPO). If a company is looking to purchase a smaller company or merge with a competitor to gain market share, an investment banker can assist in finding such a target company and facilitate the transaction. Transactions involving the sales of entire companies can easily be in the millions, making for highly lucrative commissions, and a hugely profitable business.

Benefits of working in investment banking:

Practical transferable skillset

Invaluable Business Network

Attractive bonuses

As an investment banker, you will learn the nuances of selling, whether that be selling a million dollar company, persuading a boss, or enticing a client. Through discipline and hard work, you will develop an acute level of attention to detail, a vast network of business connections and an adaptable skill set that opens up opportunities for you should you decide to transfer industries or start up your own business. To top that off, investment bankers are compensated handsomely for the hard work they put in.

Investment banks can be generally separated into three sectors; front office, middle office, and back office. Each office can be further divided into divisions, and within those departments are specialised teams.

Investment bank

Anatomy of an investment bank:

Front Office (public) • Research Division • Sales & Trading Division ‘Chinese Wall’ separates corporate-advisory area from the brokering department • Investment Banking Division (private)

Middle Office • Risk Management • Financial Control • Treasury • Strategy • Compliance Back Office • Operations • Technology • Support

Investment Banking Division (private) Mergers & Acquisitions Typically, investment banks will be involved in large, complicated financial transactions. If a client is considering a merger, acquisition or sale, the investment bank may provide advice as to how much the company is worth and how to best structure a deal.

Equity Capital Markets ECM roles are focused on raising equity through the capital markets. This division may be involved in initial public offerings (IPOs) and public equity deals (PIPE deals). ECM roles will involve research on equity deals (IPOs and follow-on offerings) and compiling this information into pitch-books. ECM teams will also be involved in pricing the issue and putting together the term sheet for the deal which contains information regarding the price range, options and number of shares.

Debt Capital Markets DCM teams provide advice on raising debt for acquisitions, refinancing of existing debt, or restructuring of existing debt. DCM roles are typically more client focused as they work with clients to organise borrowing and access a global pool of investors looking for opportunities. Generally, there is more focus on using different debt sizes, refunding and assumptions.

Investment Bankers Investment bankers come from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, varying from accounting and finance majors, to mathematics, computer science and physics majors. However, before starting an internship or graduate positions, they all generally have a firm understanding of the principles in accounting, risk, markets, financial statement analysis, and financial modelling. Investment bankers also have strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills, which will be further honed during their time in the industry,

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Overview Investment management refers to the selection, monitoring and allocation of a client’s assets in order to meet specific mandated investment objectives. Investment managers are entrusted with a client’s cash and have a fiduciary duty to invest that cash according to pre-determined investment philosophy and process. Investable assets may lie in both the public (shares, debt, derivatives, commodities and currencies) and private markets (venture capital, infrastructure and real estate). In investing large sums of cash, firms in the field of investment management are described as being on the buy-side of corporate finance. The assets in which a fund may invest are tied to the risk and return expectations of clients. The clients can range from institutions such as insurance companies, corporations, charities and university endowment funds to private high net worth individuals.

What they do:

Investment due diligence

Portfolio management

Investor relations

Investment due diligence refers to the research, identification and assessment of potential investment opportunities. The typical tasks required for this include: analysing financial reports, keeping up to date with macroeconomic news including regulatory and political changes and meeting with the management of companies, their competitors, suppliers and clients. An investment manager’s performance is often compared to an index benchmark such as the ASX200, and thus any deviations in the constituents and weighting of their portfolio are expected to generate above-benchmark returns (i.e. alpha). Client interaction becomes especially important during periods of market downturns and underperformance when risk of fund redemption (withdrawal) is highest.

Benefits of working in investment management: • Become an investment expert • Develop high profile relationships • High earning potential Working in investment management revolves around evaluating investments for your clients. Hence, it is a job where you will learn valuations, strategy analysis, economic trend identification, and other highly valued skills. Additionally, the role may involve speaking with the companies that are being considered as investments, and other financial professionals to form an opinion. This allows you to build fantastic business relationships for the future. Finally, the compensation you can be potentially offered is very attractive.

Sub-sections of investment management: Hedge Fund Hedge funds and other managed funds serve largely the same function of generating a return on investors’ wealth through a managed portfolio, but there are large differences in methodologies and investment approaches. Hedge funds are not restricted by many of the regulatory requirements enforced on super and mutual funds, nor are they required to disclose strategies and abide by mandates. Moreover, hedge funds mostly only allow participation from a select group of wealthy investors. Therefore, due to such flexibility, a hedge fund career is ideal for someone who is skilled at adapting to emerging, unexpected situations, and at identifying unique investment opportunities. They should also possess higher risk tolerance, and be able to rationalise both the risks and returns of such investments in a flexible, dynamic environment.

Super/Pension Funds Members may contribute to a super fund when they are saving or earning income prior to retirement, which is paid out once they have retired. The money provided through these super contributions does not sit idly – the fund invests them in a variety of asset classes depending upon the superannuation product you have chosen. A super fund is generally more conservative due to the nature of its client base, opting for diversification across a range of asset classes to offset idiosyncratic risk. A career in a super or pension fund may be ideal for someone who possesses patience and a rational, longterm outlook. Furthermore, due to the more community oriented nature of such investment, they should also possess a proactive stance towards sustainable and ethical investing.

Sub-sections of investment management: Private Equity Unlike hedge funds, private equity (PE) funds invest in the private markets and provide financing to unlisted businesses. The majority of PE funds pursue growth and seek to invest in businesses where there is an opportunity to eventually sell at a higher multiple. The holding period is often 3-5 years and usually involves private equity owners taking an active management approach. The key skill required to work in private equity is the ability to source opportunities and investigate their viability. This often requires an extensive professional network and well-developed financial analysis ability. Overall, private equity would be attractive for those interested in not just investing in businesses, but also playing an active ownership role in devising and executing a growth strategy.

Venture Capital Similar to private equity funds, venture capital provides financing to unlisted businesses. However, venture capital tends to focus on startup and early-stage businesses which they believe have high long-term growth potential. Venture capital generally provides financing in exchange for equity and this allows venture capitalists to have a say in management decisions. Many funds also provide strategic advice, access to existing customer networks and industry expertise in addition to financing. Deal-sourcing is the key skill required to work in venture capital and the majority of time will be spent meeting with entrepreneurs and networking. Unlike private equity, valuation and financial modelling play a more limited role given the pre-revenue status of many potential investments.

What it takes to be an investment manager

Given the broad investable universe, no specific degree is required to work within the investment management industry. Instead, analysts are valued for their expertise in a certain field. For example, a person with previous experience in a biotech firm would fit well as an analyst covering the healthcare sector. Nonetheless, some financial and accounting training is required to competently analyse financial statements and value investments. To be successful in the investment management industry, the key personal quality is passion and a keen interest in the financial markets. Those who are passionate often manage their own share accounts and read the financial news daily.

GLOBAL MARKETS SALES & TRADING Overview The world’s global markets run 24 hours a day with markets operating across time zones in different areas of the globe. They involve everything financial from equities, fixed income, derivatives, currencies, and anything you could imagine in between. ‘Sales’ and ‘trading’ are two distinct but complementary operations. The function of a sales and trading division within an organisation is to ensure both the accurate structuring and orderly sale of financial products to institutional investors and other clients. Note that agency trading is client-focused, and should not to be confused with proprietary trading which focuses on investing the company’s own money.

What they do

Execute large trade orders

Develop Trade Strategies

Investor Relations

The sales team effectively works as any other sales team in an organisation – they sell things (in this case financial products). The clients they’re selling to are generally financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals looking to buy equities, fixed income products, or any other financial instruments to meet their specific needs. Once the sales team has confirmed an order with a client the traders are responsible for completing the order in the market.

Benefits of working in sales & trading • Wide breadth of knowledge • Top tier client relations • Work life balance Working in global markets gives you the training to understand financial markets and the underlying fundamentals of multiple financial instruments. Additionally, as you’re constantly engaging with top-tier clients, from banks to hedge funds, you’re able to build an exceptional business network. The compensation in global markets is equally attractive.

Who would suit sales and trading Evidently, sales and trading require constant client communication. Clients’ needs change constantly and they require rapid responses to their requests. Being able to multitask effectively and quickly is evidently a vital skill in sales and trading. Mental maths skills are also needed, particularly for traders.

On the trading floor: Unlike the riotous ‘trading pits’ depicted in old Wall Street movies, trading floors in large investment banks today operate in a much more orderly manner. On a trading floor today, you will find a large open room with no cubicles, with conference rooms and director’s offices on the outskirts of the floor. On the floor itself, long desks with multiple monitors are sectioned off per person and grouped according to the fields of trade. Swathes of data will light up the screens as traders keep up to speed with the latest consumer spending numbers, blue-chip price swings, and other headline variables. As a trader, you are multi-tasking all the time, constantly assessing risk, calculating the best timing to execute trades, and keeping up to date with the client’s requests. Bloomberg is a key financial information service that all banks and traders have access to - it is more or less the portal to all relevant news and public financial data. If you are interested in sales and trading, it is recommended that you get acquainted with navigating its terminals.

To trade, industry experts generally use in house trading platforms to execute their orders. Popular platforms include FlexTrade, Fidessa, and Goldman’s REDIPlus platform. There are various tradable asset markets, all with their own valuation techniques - equities have their multiples and DCFs, options have binomial and Black Scholes models, and bonds have their yield curves. Learning these valuation techniques would be beneficial to your quest in gaining an internship or graduate position at a sales or trading desk. That said, agency traders generally do not engage with large amounts of valuation activities, but it helps to understand where such pricing figures stem from, and what they may be anchored to

Typically, a firm that offers sales and trading will have other divisions that complement this function. Sales and trading are inextricably linked to the work of financial analysts, who design and formulate bespoke financial products catering to the requirements of particular clients. These financial products may be as obscure as collateralised mortgage obligations or assetbacked securities or as simple as futures contracts. Additionally, the research division, which produces reports on financial markets, works with sales and trading to provide research to clients in the hope of being mandated to execute their trades.

What it takes to be a global markets trader Given the client-driven nature of the role, particularly sales, excellent interpersonal communication skills are highly desirable. However, having said that, both sales and trading roles entail significantly different types of work. For a trader, numerical problem-solving skills and an ability to work under pressure are more imperative.

Stockbroking STOCKBROKING

Overview Stockbroking is one of the first professions to have taken root in the finance industry; as long as there have been markets, there have been stock brokers. Simply put, a stockbroker is an entity or individual that trades (buys and sells stock) on someone else’s behalf and charges a commission for it. Historically, the functions of investment advice and order execution were deemed as inseparable facets of stockbroking. Nowadays, discount brokers which charge moderate commissions and provide no investment advice, have turned the industry on its head.

What they do Stockbrokers, whether they are actual brokerage firms or individual broker-dealers, are often registered investment advisors and have the necessary certification by the regulators of exchange to execute trades – something which ordinary retail investors are not allowed to do. In other words, if you need to buy a stock at a certain price, you tell your stockbroker and they do it for you, taking a slice of the pie along the way of course!

Client Requests

Execute Trades

Market Research

Benefits of working in stockbroking One of the major benefits of working in stockbroking, as compared to many other finance jobs, is that once the stock market closes (around 4pm) your responsibilities wind down, since you’re not able to buy or sell stocks after that time. As such, your work-life balance could be outstanding. You’re also given the opportunity to build a strong client network which, if you’re a social person, can be very fun and rewarding. A client meeting could mean taking them to an exquisite lunch, sporting match, or arts event (and it counts as work!). Additionally, you’re put in a position of advising your clients on how they should invest their money. This is both rewarding and potentially frightening - if you make the wrong call you may lose your clients’ trust. However, if you’re able to give good investment advice you can form long-term client relationships.

Work life Balance

Client Management

What it takes to be a stockbroker If you have ever come across a live price chart feed on a trading terminal or have simply looked at live tickers on the market floor, you can deduce immediately that numbers have a huge role to play in trading and stockbroking. Therefore, a natural affinity for numbers, percentages and ratios is highly desirable; you can demonstrate your aptitude for numbers by boasting great results in mathematics or undertaking STEM courses at university. Aside from grades, boosting your presentation and soft skills can provide you with an edge over other applicants in this client focused industry.

Engaging Work

PROPRIETARY TRADING Implement & monitor trading algorithms

Overview Proprietary trading can be best viewed as an additional or peripheral function in an organisation. What it entails is simply utilising a portion of the company’s capital to trade in order to generate extra profits, boosting the overall financial position of the company instead of earning commissions by trading on behalf of its clients. It constitutes an additional stream of income separate from the company’s primary business. Proprietary trading is popular, particularly amongst brokerages, as they feel that they have a competitive advantage over other players in the markets.

Executing trades

What they do: Proprietary trading is very similar to managing endowments at elite charitable institutions and universities around the world, whereby a professional investment team makes use of dormant money to generate surplus income. An ideal example would be that of a proprietary trading desk at a brokerage firm, where the broker is making profit in two ways: one, by earning commission by trading on behalf of other people, and, secondly, by directly trading in the markets.

Benefits of working in proprietary trading Proprietary traders enjoy a lot of freedom. You have the freedom to choose the securities you trade, the decisions you make and ultimately how you want each day to go. Since you are trading with the firm’s capital, the potential profits and compensation you can receive are significantly higher. With such flexibility, and no clients but yourself, some proprietary trading firms offer the possibility of trading from home - or on the fly. Proprietary trading firms generally provide extensive training for their graduates, nurturing a highly specialised skillset that these graduates can use to independently earn an income (although with less starting capital).

Formulate trade ideas

What it takes to be a proprietary trader The type of skills you will need depend on the type of proprietary trading firm. Quantitative proprietary trading firms will usually require extensive mathematical, statistical, or computer science knowledge over a finance background. However, other discretionary trading firms may not require any specific skills as they’ll have training programs to teach you the technical trading methods. Finally, other prop trading firms may require fundamental valuation knowledge which is most suited to the typical finance skillset.

FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA

Overview Professional services encompass a broad range of various occupations, but ultimately a career in professional services involves providing support and specialist advice to clients. These clients are also diverse and can include small-medium enterprises, multinational corporations, governments and not-for-profit organisations and the assistance professional services firms, where they provide things such as tax advice, accounting services, restructuring advice and strategy consulting. By providing this expert knowledge, clients are able to carry on with the everyday running of their organisations.

What do they do A typical professional services firm will operate in four main spaces: Auditing/Assurance, Tax, Consulting/Advisory and Transactions/Corporate Finance, and the work you do will differ depending on your chosen business line. Despite these differences, much of the work will be project-style and client-based rather than performing a set daily routine.

Audit client accounts

Develop business strategies

Benefits of working in professional services Professional services firstly offer a diverse working experience; every situation differs in some way from the last and provides an exciting opportunity for existing skills to be applied in a different manner. Just as the work itself does not become repetitive, the people working with you will be diverse in both experience and personality. Finally, as you work on each ‘project’, you will be constantly liaising with the client, developing fruitful relationships which may prove invaluable in the future.

Advise companies

Who suits professional services Professional services would be an ideal field for someone interested in applying their skills and challenging themselves within a variety of different situations. Adaptability and confidence are thus required. Teamwork is similarly vital; projects require input from people working in various fields, and someone who is able to consider, synthesise and subsequently apply the talent available in their team will prove invaluable to professional services.

What it takes to work in professional services A successful career in professional services requires the following personality traits: Business acumen: Being aware of changes in the commercial world and understanding how businesses operate and adapt is key to advising clients competently. Teamwork: The project-based nature of work will require you to work closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and this also requires having high emotional intelligence, patience and empathy. Communication: Client communication lies at the core of professional services - whether that be recommending a new tax strategy or a divestment, working in this industry requires you to communicate often complex issues succinctly and confidently.

Divisions in professional services Auditing/Assurance In Auditing/Assurance, you will be responsible for assessing the legitimacy of financial reports and providing confidence for the external stakeholders of businesses like investors, suppliers and regulators. This may involve helping clients adjust to new accounting standards and liaising with clients to obtain information.

Transactions/Corporate Finance As part of a Transactions/Corporate Finance team, your role is to advise clients on how to best allocate and acquire capital. This may involve developing financial models, identifying M&A opportunities, compiling data on past transactions and preparing due diligence presentation materials.

Tax A typical day in Tax may involve identifying and implementing strategies to minimise tax liabilities, maximise tax incentives and researching and evaluating the impact of upcoming tax issues.

Advisory/Consulting Advisory/consulting offers the most varied work experience. You can expect to spend time researching current regulatory developments, constructing financial models, reviewing client business practices and contributing to strategy recommendations.o have strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills, which will be further honed during their time in the industry,

RETAIL BANKING Overview Retail banking, or consumer banking, refers to the massmarket banking in which individual customers (like you and me) use local branches of larger commercial banks. Generally, this service aims to encompass all the financial services that may be required by an individual retail client. Retail bank’s representatives cater for individuals and small businesses by providing an entire suite of services including; savings, checking accounts, mortgages, personal loans, internet finance, and certificates of deposits.

What they do: As a one-stop shop for all retail financial services, retail banks have a diverse range of services for which employees can specialise in and transfer between. The main roles of a retail banker are generally managing client relations, advising on personal finances and assessing loan grants to individuals or small businesses. Thanks to the systems and processes in place, the work is relatively straight forward, meaning there is more client face-time.

Benefits of working in retail banking: Working in retail banks gives you the training to develop client relations and become an expert at personal finance. Given the number of services provided by retail banks, internal mobility across departments may provide you with a diverse range of work experience, and the opportunity to foster an invaluable skillset.

Advise on personal finances

Assess debt & credit profiles

Develop financing plans

Who would suit retail banking: Retail banking is ideal for someone with strong communication skills due to the large amount of client face-time required within the role. Similarly, high emotional intelligence and a problem-solving mentality are also necessary to understanding each client’s individual needs and devising a solution. Furthermore, as a result of the high transferability of skills within retail banking, a career here would be ideal for someone seeking broad experience prior to, or instead of, a specialised role.

FINTECH Overview Currently, one of the hottest sectors is the fintech industry, which encompasses a broad range of businesses and roles. But as the name suggests, fintech refers to the intersection between finance and technology and a career in this industry involves devising technology based solutions to collaborate with or disrupt the financial services industry. Despite its association with startups, there are plenty of established organisations engaged in fintech, notably the big banks. Nonetheless, investment in financial technology has grown at an exponential rate, providing numerous career opportunities.

What they look for in hires Given the scope of fintech is constantly being redefined by new systems and tech, the desired skillset for a career in fintech is quite different from that seen in ‘traditional’ financial services. Fintech hires generally have a ‘dynamic range’ - that is they have a breadth of knowledge skills that range from finance and media to software and hardware expertise. However, ultimately the thread that ties all potential hires together is a shared vision for financial innovation, and passion for growth

What they do Given the diverse range of objectives of different fintech companies, there is naturally a wide range of career possibilities. Nonetheless, the demand is strongest for IT staff including app and site developers, especially iOS, Android, SRE and fullstack developers. This group forms the crux of fintech companies and are responsible for translating business ideas into tangible innovations. However, UX/UI roles are also being increasingly coveted as banks and fintech companies seek to make their applications user-friendly and intuitive. This may involve simplifying the design interface, increasing the functionality and the overall ‘look’ of the app.

Fintech Ecosystem

Digital banks

Robo-advisors & personal finance

Real estate solutions Insurance & regulation tech

Alternative finance

Payments & Remittances

Blockchain technology & decentralised finance applications

However, for the less technology-focused individuals, a more suitable role may be the product manager. Their responsibility is to communicate with and understand the needs of the client and subsequently develop an innovative solution. This ensures that the product remains disruptive and continually responds to the market’s desires. Like product managers in other industries, they work with various departments throughout the entire product life cycle to conceptualise the product and bring it to market. However, there is a particular focus on regulatory compliance and security in the fintech industry which product managers may also be responsible for.

Stockbroking CONSULTING FINANCE

Overview Consulting is a broad industry focused on helping executives maximise shareholder value by devising strategies and solving problems the company struggles to overcome. As such, the role of a financial consultant is very broad – it can involve aiding a company’s organisational effectiveness, how a company manages its working capital, M&A strategy and finance, how the company performs its budgeting, or how technology can be more effectively implemented. As the specific role of the consultant is dependent on the needs of the client, the work is quite varied.

What they do

Restructuring company operations

Advising companies

Strategy formulation

Financial consulting has a variety of goals, but the overarching idea is to find solutions to issues that the company cannot solve, or what the company does not have the resources to solve. An example of this could be the company would like to expand its M&A, but isn’t too sure what sectors it should be targeting. A company may then employ a financial consultant to understand the current company, and to explore other markets to see what would work best. This might involve analysing markets that are likely to expand in the future, and finding out which companies would have the best synergies with the current company. However, to suggest this is the only work a financial consultant could do would be disingenuous – as their work can range from operations to strategy to risk management and more.

Benefits of working in consulting As consulting work is diverse, you will often have different tasks and assignments that vary in their requirements and responsibilities, so the work is unlikely to be boring. Furthermore, because of the diversity of work you can do – from strategy analysis to marketing, to valuations, to economics – a consultant gains a very large skill set that they can use to move laterally later in their career. Equally, due to this, consultants often have very high earnings potential, especially if they choose to specialise in a particular area.

Engaging work

Diverse skill set

Who would suit finance consulting? As a consultant, the main job is to convince your client that your idea is the solution – so communication and persuasive skills are a must. Furthermore, enjoying travel and engaging in a wide array of different markets and ideas is important to enjoying the work.

High earnings

FINANCE SUPPORT ROLES Who would suit finance support roles?

Overview Financial support roles comprise mostly of middle & back office roles – which include risk, investor relations, compliance, accounting, IT and many more. While these roles tend to be non-revenue producing, they are nonetheless an essential part of financial services – ensuring that the frontoffice is able to run smoothly, that operations and accounts are all in check, and risk is being effectively managed.

What they do Given the wide-ranging nature of financial support roles, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what a day in life would comprise – for example, working in IT would be vastly different from working in human resources. If you are working in riskmanagement, a lot of the work is evaluating the riskiness of front office activities and ensuring that deals are being effectively processed. Working in treasury involves managing the firm’s liquidity and its financial risks, which could involve hedging against currency movements. Working as a custodian involves holding the securities (I.E. stocks) for safekeeping for other firms – offering services such as account administration, transaction settlements, and tax support. In general, the work in financial support roles tend to be less pressured as they are non-revenue generating, and they aren’t communicating with clients as often.

Independence

The types of skills required for finance support roles depend on the exact type of role, but in general, a firm grasp of finance would be useful for just about any position. However, it is possible to specialise in areas that don’t use the typical finance skillset for example, a graphic designer or a marketer would need to be creative and would be less reliant on Excel and modelling skills.

Benefits of working in finance support roles The benefits of these roles depend on exactly what you want to get out of your career. However, as these roles aren’t ‘front’ office, they have considerably less pressure and a stronger work-life balance. These roles have decent upside potential without some of the stereotypical stress or pressure you may hear investment bankers or fund managers go through. Furthermore, working in the middle or back-office will allow the individual to specialise in a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, IT, or strategic management. This is more suited to an individual who wants a linear career path in a specialised area, as opposed to the diverse work a consultant may have. The benefits of working in finance support roles are below:

Capacity to specialise

Flexible work

SECTION 2 APPLICATIONS

JOB SEARCH TIPS 1

Get Organised

First, develop a system - a checklist of processes to make your time hunting for a job shorter and less anxiety-inducing. This system should include identifying your target industry and universe of organisations, allocating a realistic amount of time per week to research employers and setting attainable, quantifiable goals e.g. the number of job applications/coffee chats/ interviews a week.

Tap into a range of avenues

A commonly touted, yet undeniably valuable piece of advice is to go beyond just advertised jobs in your search. Like in any venture in finance, diversification is key. This means you should try your hand at cold-emailing, reaching out to contacts and university alumni in the industry or leveraging university careers centres and job boards. It should be noted that when you are sending out emails to organisations of interest, make sure to conduct thorough background research and tailor your communication accordingly. It is ill-advised to adopt a ‘machine-gun’ approach as your emails will lack passion and interest.

Active LinkedIn Presence

Despite popular belief, having a Linkedin itself is not enough! Rather, you should consider your profile from a prospective employer’s perspective and use your social media presence as a selling point. This means showcasing your projects and achievements such as case competitions, blog articles and university society events. You can also boost your presence by following and liking posts from prominent organisations in your target industry.

Be self-aware

Knowing yourself is key to communicating with prospective employers and this means being able to identify your: Goals Strengths Weaknesses Communication style Key experiences Ultimately you want to be able to confidently sell yourself as a potential employee and clearly articulate what sets you apart from everyone else. The best way to do this is develop a succinct, interesting and memorable ‘Elevator Pitch’.

Most importantly... remain persistent! Even when incorporating all of the above into your job search, the market will always be competitive for students and it is imperative that you keep your chin up despite any roadblocks or rejections that you may face.

Make it personal with your story

Relate relevant experience to the role This is probably the most cliché tip you’re ever going to get, but it is an essential one nonetheless. Always relate your prior experiences, whether it is in volunteer work, an internship, or even a part-time role that you’ve had, to the actual role that you’re applying for. Be sure to clearly and concisely outline why those past experiences specifically make you a desirable applicant for the particular role that you’re applying for

COVER LETTER TIPS

This is the hallmark of a memorable cover letter. Not only does it differentiate you from other applicants, but a story also gives your application a sprinkle of authenticity and persona. How? Craft a story into your letter detailing the why and the how, stepping the reader through how you have come down your path, what makes you the person you are, and why you have decided on them as an employer.

Keep it short and simple

First impressions matter! There is no going past this reality. Do this by keeping your cover letter visually appealing and easy on the eye. Now, by ‘visually appealing’ we don’t mean colour coding the document- you could if you like but just make sure that you divide the points that you’re making into individual paragraphs. For instance, in the first paragraph start off with introducing yourself, in the second paragraph highlight your prior experiences, the third could be on why you’re applying for the role, and in the last one you can convey how much you really want it. All in all, keep it nice, tidy and visually simple.

Show you've done your research This is extremely important. We can’t stress it enough. Do some research about the company and the role that you’re applying for. Look for unique characteristics and be sure to mention them in the cover letter to demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in working in the company. For instance, a particular company might have generous study leave programs for employees. Mentioning things like these not only demonstrate your passion but also set you apart from the crowd and under a page.

INTERVIEW TIPS Do your research

Perhaps one of the most important tips for interviews: make sure you know the nature of the company and what you are signing up for! For certain interviews, a degree of technical knowledge will be required. Ensure that you have read up on some of the skills that the job requires, and that you are up to date with current affairs and business news and trends. That being said, you will not be expected to know the answers to every single question. It is okay to say “I don’t know,” but it is always advisable to show your interviewer that you are willing to learn and even speculate as to what the correct answer may be.

Be marketable

Remember, you are always selling yourself in an interview! Make it a point to tell and show your interviewer why it is they that should be hiring you. Do you think you have great communication skills and the ability to perform in team situations? Ensure you make that obvious by providing anecdotal examples of where you have excelled in such situations. Better yet, show your interviewer evidence of your skills!

Strike a balance

Whilst it is important to sell your good qualities, it is important not to give off an arrogant or overconfident image either. Moreover, employers want to see you recognise your own weaknesses, as well as develop a plan of action to improve upon them. Not all people are perfect, and a degree of humility and honest self-reflection is an important demonstrator of someone who is willing to accept their shortcomings and constantly seek growth and development.

It's ok to be nervous

Being nervous is normal! Anyone would be if placed in such a high-stress situation, with so much at stake. However, try not to let it get in the way of the interview. Fidgeting and constantly shifting eyes are a dead giveaway of someone who is both extremely nervous and lacking in confidence. Plant your hands somewhere firmly, and ensure you maintain eye contact throughout (although excessive eye contact can come off as a little strange!).

Take your time

In tandem with tip number 4, make sure to take your time during the interview. This can help with the nervousness and reduce the amount of stuttering and ‘um’-ing. If you are asked a question which you are unable to answer off the bat, it is perfectly fine to ask for the interviewers to give you a moment to think. Again, moderation is key! You shouldn’t be doing this after every single question, nor should you remain silent while pondering. Awkward silences are not fun for either party!

Smile and laugh

Smiling and laughing is a great way to dispel the often exaggerated aura of formality in an interview. Your interviewers are human too, and a light-hearted comment may lead you to a lengthy conversation. This is also a great opportunity to show off your sense of humour, personality, and ability to communicate with others.

Stay engaged

Finally, make sure you remain engaged throughout the interview. Wandering eyes and asking interviewers to repeat questions are all signs that you are not interested in the job you have applied for, and is understandably a huge red flag against you! A great way to show your engagement is to flip the interview – that is, ask the interviewers questions about the job you have applied for. What other technical skills will you need? Where does your division fit into the greater company structure? Asking questions shows a keenness to learn, and genuine interest in the firm.

RESUME TIPS RESUME TIPS Avoid using unprofessional sounding personal email addresses Be professional and discreet Avoid using your current work email address or phone number Avoid cluttered and complicated layouts and tables

CLARITY Use simple text in one modern, standard font that is easy to read, and that everyone can understand As everything in your resume is about your experiences, avoid writing in first or third person Avoid using unnecessary jargon

BREVITY Remove clutter and work experiences unrelated to the role you want to pursue now. Give more space to detail about your current or recent jobs and less about the past Keep it under two pages Make sure you include specific skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, even if that means adjusting your resumé

SPECIFICITY Focus on what you did in the job, NOT what your job was Avoid using the generic descriptions of the jobs you originally applied for or held Quantify your accomplishments Cater your resumé to the industry

FORMAT Use a logical format and wide margins, clean type and clear headings Selectively apply bold and italic typeface that will help guide the reader’s eye Use bullets to call attention to important points (i.e. accomplishments)

Stockbroking TESTS & ASSESSMENT CENTRES

Congratulations! Firstly, making it to the assessment centre is a huge achievement! You have made it through resume screening, numerous psychometric tests and phone or video interviews to be invited to the assessment centre. You’ve arguably made it through the hardest part of recruiting, where you’re evaluated solely as another set of skills and numbers on a page. This is a testament to your achievements and all-round capacity to succeed in the position you have applied for. Keep in mind, you’ve been invited to the assessment centre because they want you. All that’s left for you to do is to confirm that choice.

Company & role research

Industry & technical knowledge

Interview preparation

The assessment centre stage is used by companies to gain a personal insight into who you really are, your teamwork and interpersonal skills. In order to succeed at the assessment centre, it is vital that you cover at least three key areas: Researching the company and the role you have applied for is arguably the most important thing to prepare for. Being unprepared shows a lack of dedication and interest in the role. Furthermore, it benefits you as well - how do you know you’re interested in the job if you don’t know anything about it! Every assessment centre is different, however, most will combine a few key ingredients. To start with, you’ll likely receive some background presentations from the company and an overview of how the day will run. Keep in mind that you will be joined by 10-30 other candidates on the day so most activities will revolve around group activities. These may be: case studies, role-playing scenarios, and problem-solving games. In addition, you may have some solo activities, including tests (yes, written exams at a job interview!), interviews, and brainteasers. Knowledge of the industry, economic news, or other technical skills (such as DCF modelling) are not always necessary for every role - but general awareness of the financial landscape is always appreciated.

NETWORKING When in Rome, do as the Romans do Though diverse, the industry of finance has its own culture, norms, and formalities that are important for you to acknowledge and respect if you wish to explore its opportunities down the road. Simple things like understanding lingo and practising etiquette may take you a long way.

Dress Code Clean, well-fitted clothing, and a hygienic presentation signals discipline and professionalism. It’s easier to trust a smile, suit and tie, compared to a deadpan hoodie and a pair of shorts. It may take some extra time and money, but you’ll be better off for the investment. Long story short, be easy on the eyes.

Quick fix to nervousness Directors and executives may be immortals in your eyes, but they are humans. Being natural can be a fluid concept, but in this context, it means to remain calm and composed. A simple, ‘How are you going’ is all it takes to start a conversation - after that, you can let your curiosity drive it. Nervousness comes from focusing too much on yourself, so placing all your focus on the other person can get you out of your head, and out of your own way.

Engage, manners maketh man Be humble, let them figure out what makes you brilliant rather than spewing your fiercely digested facts about recent market conditions. If you are truly interested in the industry, then you will no doubt have questions about it. Company representatives will feel appreciated when they can enlighten you, so don’t be afraid to ask. Equally as important as asking is sharing, whether that be an appropriately funny story or some concern for the state of finance - open up to them, and they might just open their doors for you.

Follow up If you made one good connection out of the hundred you spoke to at an event, try and follow up with them! Ask them to catch up for a coffee in the future, connect with them on LinkedIn if it’s appropriate, and if you’re applying for a job at their firm ask them for some more information on the position. A one-on-one personal connection is worth a lot more than vaguely knowing ten people you met once. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to ask questions that you might not be able to ask at a large event. If someone does meet with you for coffee, make sure to send them a thank you email afterwards (or it might be the last time they do meet with you).

CFA

The Chartered Financial Analysts Program is a 3-staged education curriculum which incorporates investment and portfolio management theory, ethical and professional standards.

Process

To earn the full Charter, you must first become a CFA candidate and enrol in the program. To be eligible for candidacy you must: Have a bachelor’s degree, or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree, or have four years of professional work experience, or have a combination of professional work and university experience that totals at least four years Be prepared to take the exam in English Have a valid international passport Meet the professional conduct admission criteria Secondly, you must pass all three exams (Level I, Level II and Level III) which generally take place in June and December. This stage is the most arduous, with candidates spending an average of 320 hours studying per exam which historically has a pass rate of 40-55%. Thirdly, to become a regular Charterholder, you must acquire four years of professional work experience in investment decision making before, during or after completion of the Program. Enrollment entails a one-off fee of US$450, and exam registration also entails a fee of US$650US$1380 per attempt depending on the lateness of registration. This exam fee covers the costs of curriculum materials and mock exams.

Benefits Advanced Knowledge: The Program’s curriculum covers a wide range of financial theory and skills such as valuation of equity, fixed-income and derivative instruments, financial report analysis and ethical standards which are applicable at all stages of your career as well as in your personal finance management. Employer Recognition: Given the notorious difficulty of the CFA exams and with employment in the financial industry becoming increasingly competitive, becoming a Charterholder provides an opportunity to gain credibility amongst peers, employers and clients. Global Network: Becoming a Charterholder means joining an international community and a network of over 135,000 global charterholders with whom you can develop relationships, find mentors and discover career opportunities. Career Paths: The majority of CFA Charterholders enter the investing community, becoming either research analysts or portfolio managers. However, the breadth of knowledge acquired upon completion of the Program opens up a vast range of career opportunities including a financial adviser, consultant, corporate finance analyst, risk manager and chief-level executive.

The Careers and Employability Office (CEO) is the University of Sydney’s Business School’s tailored careers service for students seeking advice on careers paths, job applications and general employability. The Careers and Student Experience Lounge is located in the basement of the Abercrombie Business School Building and is open to all business students. The CEO has both student careers leaders who can offer you advice on your resumé and the job application process, as well as experienced career consultants who can help you plan your career and make the best of your university experience.

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY OFFICE

The Lounge is open every teaching weekday from 1pm to 4pm for you to drop in for a chat, and gain access to free career resources including graduate guides and employer information. If you’re after more guidance and advice, you can also book a private appointment with one of CEO’s career consultants. Booking a private appointment may be particularly useful if you are struggling with something specific, like discovering which area you’d like to work in or learning more about different career prospects Furthermore, students are also able to undertake online resume reviews (after week 5) and interviews (throughout the semester) where they can receive feedback from the Careers team. In addition to the lounge, the CEO provides a series of workshops and activities on employability skills, mock interviews and mock assessment centres, as well as employer networking events, giving you the opportunity to meet with key corporates. Make sure to keep an eye out on your university email for the CEO Newsletter and event updates to ensure you don’t miss any of these events! For first years, look out for events specific to first years and pre-penultimate years in the events calendar, which often outline how to ensure that you are prepared for internship and graduate applications in the future. This year, the CEO will also be introducing a new series of PopUp Sessions down in the Lounge to help you practise and build your skills for your future career. If any finance specific events are run, it would be beneficial to go and network with the industry! Read more about the CEO's services on Canvas, where you can: Book an appointment with a Careers Consultant Get job application tips, including resumé and cover letter templates Browse job opportunities Kick start your career today with the CEO!

SECTION 3 OUR SPONSORS

SPONSORSHIP OVERVIEW PLATINUM SPONSOR

N.B. These sponsors are not representative of all of UNIT's sponsors, only those in this guide.

Akuna Capital Offices: Sydney: 1 Shelley Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Departments: Trading Development Quantitative Key Program Dates: Summer Internship Quantitative & Development Start: December 2022 End: February 2023 Trading Start: January 2023 End: February 2023 Graduate Program Start dates: August 2022 Febrary 2023

Proprietary Trading Firm About Us Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, datadriven solutions and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully we design and implement our own low-latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.

Work Perks Firm-wide classes through our Akuna U program, access to webinars, digital books, and case studies via Safari, opportunities to attend conferences, and tuition reimbursements to make sure you keep learning Access to complimentary fitness and mindfulness events both in-person and virtually Our in-house Barista will provide you free daily coffee + fully stocked kitchen with breakfast & snack options Friday Appy Cart & Office Happy Hour 180-degree views of Darling Harbour Open office plan with collaborative spaces

Application Process: We have an application located at the bottom of each career option on our website: https://akunacapital.com/ The hiring and interview process differ based upon which department you have applied for. To read more about each requirement, check out: https://akunacapital.com/careers# hiring Visit https://akunacapital.com/jobdetails?gh_jid=3906616 or https://akunacapital.com/careers for more information on internship positions and our other roles.

Skills Required Interns who excel in the Akunacademy program have the opportunity to convert their internship into a full-time role with Akuna after graduation. Trading Team - need quick mental math, pattern recognition, and an understanding of probability. We love bright, math-savvy, competitive and ambitious interns with a strong desire to learn. Development Team- need to be able to code, design solutions and solve problems. If you are interested in algorithms, performance engineering, data capture and analysis, trading infrastructure or exchange gateways, you’ll love Akunacademy. Quantitative Team - need a mixture of quantitative mathematical skills and some basic programing. You’ll gain experience on anything from identifying and defining significant algorithm improvements, our trading strategies, pricing models, execution logic and performance optimization.

Summer Internship Program Our Akunacademy Internship Program is offered during the summer across our three main teams: Trading Interns: learn about options market making, challenge your peers in mock trading games & participate in live trading. Development Interns: advance their technical skills through real projects, learning about our internal systems, code reviews, and mentoring. Quant Interns: will learn about data modelling, designing trading strategies and exploring new research topics through training, mentoring and real projects. Program Dates: Dec 2022 - Feb 2023 (Dev & Quant) & Jan 2023 - Feb 2023 (Trading)

Graduate Program Joining Akuna as a Graduate you will be part of a structured training program and assigned a manager and buddy. Your manager will work closely with you to set goals; ensure you're learning and set up to succeed. After your first year we offer opportunities to transfer to our international offices in Chicago, Shanghai and Europe. At Akuna we pride ourselves on being a young, fast-growing company and we are looking for ambitious people who want to make real impact, and progress quickly in their careers. Program Dates: August 2022 and February 2023

Bain & Company Offices: Sydney: Level 45, Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Melbourne: Level 37, 120 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Perth: Level 40, Exchange Tower, 2 The Esplanade, Perth, WA 6000 Departments: We work in an extensive list of industries and capabilities, from Private Equity to M&A. For a full list, see below: https://www.bain.com/industryexpertise/ Key Application Dates: Associate Consultant (graduate) roles: 9am AEDT, Friday 25 February 2022 Application Process: Include the following information with your online application before 09:00 AEDT on Friday 25 February: Cover letter (1 page), addressed to Avneet Dua CV/Resume (1-2 pages), including your ATAR and current GPA / WAM All current and previous tertiary academic ranscripts Relevant work experience Please submit all documents in PDF format or as a Word Document and ensure that your documents are not password protected, especially academic transcripts. To finalise your application, you will be required to complete our online psychometric assessment. You will receive an email within 4 days of applying with login details and full instructions on how to complete the assessment. bit.ly/applybain2023

Management Consulting Firm About Us Bain & Company is a leading global consultancy, serving clients across thirty-eight countries on issues of strategy, operations, technology, organisation and mergers and acquisitions. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our workplace. The company encourages applications from all backgrounds, including those of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander descent.

Work Perks Associate Consultants (ACs) work side by side with some of the best consultants in the world while also providing clients with strategic recommendations and extensive analyses. ACs will take charge of the holistic consultancy process, including data identification and interpretation, interview procedures and presentations, and once the appropriate experience has been accumulated, will then be able to take up more leadership responsibilities by supervising more junior ACs. ACs are generalists who will be able to apply and develop their analytical, interpersonal, creative thinking, business management and leadership skills from day one. This role ultimately gives graduates the opportunity to gain first-hand consulting experience in a fast-paced, challenging environment.

Skills Required Problem-solving: Management consulting is all about helping clients overcome their most complex business challenges. We look for candidates with the ability to analyse a situation and formulate an effective solution. Team experience and academic achievement may also indicate strong problem-solving skills Leadership skills: Do you have proven leadership experience? Whether through work, university or extracurricular activities, being a leader frames your application in a favourable light.

Passion: We look for candidates who show an enthusiasm for solving problems and delivering meaningful results. Strong applicants are focused on succeeding both as individuals and as part of a team.

Roles available Associate Consultant positions starting in 2023. How to best prepare: Practice, practice, practice! Our website has several cases for which you can use for practice: https://www.bain.com/careers/interviewprep/case-interview/ https://www.bain.com/careers/interviewprep/experience-interview/

BlackRock Offices: Sydney: Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square Sydney, Australia, NSW 2000 Melbourne: 477 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia, VIC 3000 Brisbane: Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street Brisbane, Australia, QLD 4000

Key Application Information: Candidates must have graduated or be graduating from an undergraduate or a master’s degree program between July 2021 and December 2022; with less than 18 months of relevant full-time work experience. We welcome applications from candidates studying any degree subject. Application deadlines: Sunday, 27 February 2022

Application Instructions: Apply for our APAC Analyst Program via: https://careers.blackrock.com/earl y-careers Once you’ve submitted your online application, you will be asked to complete a virtual cover letter. Think of this as an opportunity to give us your elevator pitch – it is not an interview but will be considered along with your resume. This must be completed within 72 hours of submitting the written part of your application.

Investment Management Firm About Us At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial wellbeing. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress. This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

The Analyst Program The full-time Analyst Program is a multi-year experiential journey designed to empower and support Analysts in connecting their personal passions and strengths to BlackRock’s mission, principles and purpose. The program begins with an orientation to learn about our purpose, business and strategic priorities – all while gaining insights into the day-to-day life of an Analyst at BlackRock. Following orientation, Analysts join their business area and stay connected with colleagues across the globe through ongoing training and professional development. Our Sydney program consists of 4 x 6 months rotation to gain a comprehensive overview of the following Australian business areas: Sales & Relationship Management, BlackRock Solutions & Investments Throughout the program Analysts will have an opportunity to do meaningful work with diverse colleagues across the globe, all with the support of a company that’s committed to their well-being and invested in their success. We hire curious, lifelong learners and support their growth through virtual and in-person training, certificate programs, company-wide hackathons, and analyst training programs. Additionally, we provide a breadth of benefits and programs to support your physical, financial and mental well-being. From virtual healthcare to money management support and free, confidential counseling, we continuously evaluate and update our benefits to make sure they meet our employees’ needs.

Offices: Level 26, 60 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 Level 52, 101 Collins StreetMelbourne, VIC 3000 Departments: Consulting Business Operations Legal & Risk Data Science & Analytics Key Application Dates: Graduate Recruitment Program 2022 Deadline: Friday 25th February 2022 Application Process: Submit an online application form by pressing the "Apply Now" button below. You may select up to three offices of your choice in order of your preference, but if you would like to be considered for BCG ANZ, please select either Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, or Auckland as your first office preference. As we only provide internships for overseas MBA students, you should select either the Consulting – FullTime application (for Associate, Scholarship, or Consultant roles) or the specific job advertisement you are interested in from our jobs posted below. We will be in touch with all candidates by Monday, 28 February to let you know the outcome. Visit: https://careers.bcg.com/australianew-zealand-associate-recruitment or scan the QR code:

Boston Consulting Group Global Management Consultancy About Us Boston Consulting Group is a global consulting firm that partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. Our success depends on a spirit of deep collaboration and a global community of diverse individuals determined to make the world and each other better every day. We work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders— empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams are passionate about unlocking potential and making change happen, delivering integrated solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures.

Work Perks When you work at BCG, you become part of a network of experts that stretches around the world and spans nearly every significant industry and function, from retail and technology to energy and insurance. Your talents are unlimited, and your opportunities should be too. Working at BCG, your role takes on a different shape with every project and every client, which means there are endless paths you can follow. You can even create your own path—and best of all, we’ll give you the tools and support that put you in the driver’s seat, empowering you to unlock your potential and accelerate your career in ways you never imagined. You’ll find an opportunity to work with the best, learn from the best, and contribute your best.

Skills Required Individuals will always have been the one who seeks the extra challenge, the extra credit, and the extraordinary opportunities. You should not be afraid to roll up your sleeves or speak your mind. At BCG, we hire recent graduates who are looking to bring their dedication and motivation to every challenge, big or small. We value accomplishment, curiosity, and unique backgrounds and perspectives.

Graduate Program Never underestimate your potential. As a BCG intern, you’ll work with and be mentored by BCGers as you design solutions and implement impactful change. You’ll have specific responsibilities that may put you front and center with a client or in one of our many business functions, all while gaining a 360-degree perspective on life at BCG. Internships are usually two to three months long but can vary from a few weeks to a year, depending on the role and the location. Like our full-time staff, you’ll work alongside some of the world’s top minds on cases that reshape business, government, and society. Consulting work is varied and rigorous, much of it performed at our client sites. Projects can vary in length, size, and location, depending on the client’s challenge. You’ll collaborate on challenging projects with team members from many backgrounds and disciplines, increasing your understanding of complex business problems from diverse perspectives and developing new skills and experience to help you in the future, be that at BCG or beyond. Consultancy - At BCG, you’ll start making an impact on day one. Teams are small. The learning curve is steep. The experience is unparalleled. We work both hard and smart as we cocreate with clients. You may find yourself on the road, or immersed in data. But either way, you’ll be welcomed, valued, and appreciated. Your role as a consultant may take you to graduate school. Or you may find your way from graduate school to BCG. No matter the path, your success will be well earned.

for more information on the graduate role.

CFA Institute Office Locations: CFA Insititute has offices in a wide range of countries including: United States of America China India Belgium United Kingdom United Arab Emirates CFA Exam Centres: CFA program exams are offered in over 170 cities in June and over 70 cities in December. Register here: www.cfainstitute.org

Global Association of Investment Professionals About Us CFA Institute is a global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for excellence in the industry. CFA Society Sydney is a member society of CFA Institute. CFAS is a member-focused organisation, run by a group of dedicated volunteers elected by the members. The society is an association of local investment professionals across different industries.

What We Do CFA Society Sydney is ultimately the conduit between local investment industry and CFA Institute. We manage the relationships between different stakeholders such as universities and regulatory bodies. We promote continuing education by organising educational seminars. We are in charge of prep courses that assist candidates in studying for the CFA exam. Last but not least, we endeavour to strengthen relationship within the investment management community by holding social events.

Research Challenge The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis. Each Research Challenge season leverages the efforts of over 140 CFA member societies, 3,500 member volunteers, and more than 5,000 students from over 1,000 universities. Local competitions (organised by societies) lead up to regional finals; regional champions then convene for the global final.

CFA Scholarships Program scholarships contribute to our mission of promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence. The CFA Program Access Scholarship is a needs-based opportunity for those unable to afford the full price of the enrollment and registration fees. The online application is available from 1 March - 15 September, for exams offered the following calendar year.

On-Campus Seminars CFA Society Sydney works in conjunction with various student societies (e.g. UNIT) to provide a glance to the investment management industry.

CFA Sydney Careers Day The CFA Society Sydney Careers Day is an annual event which provides an unique opportunity for students to hear from professionals in the finance and investment industry to learn how to break into this competitive field, understand key functions in this eco-system and know what prospective employers are looking for.

Eclipse Trading Offices: We have three major office locations based in: Hong Kong (HQ) Sydney Shanghai Departments: Trading Technology

Equity Derivatives Trading Firm About Us Eclipse Trading is one of Asia's leading proprietary derivatives trading firms. Founded in 2007, we have over a 100 staff across three office locations – Hong Kong (our HQ), Sydney, and Shanghai. Our trading expertise and strategies are deployed across several Asian markets and although we mainly specialise in equity derivatives, we also trade delta one, ETFs, commodity derivatives, and crypto currency products. Technology is inextricably linked to our trading strategies, creating an environment powered by intellectual curiosity, problem solving, and innovation.

Work Perks

Key Application Dates: Graduate Program(s) Application Deadline: 30th April, 2022 Application Process: Please submit your application by clicking on the link below. You will need to outline your availability, and attach a copy of your up to date resume, cover letter, and latest unofficial academic transcript. https://www.eclipsetrading.com/c areers/

A collaborative culture with motivated, intelligent, and respectful colleagues; Training and ongoing mentorship; A dynamic work environment focused on efficiency as opposed to working long hours; Flat management structure where everyone’s opinion is valued; An amazing new office with views of Sydney Harbour, complete with a fully stocked kitchen for breakfast and lunch; Casual dress code

Skills Requires Graduates who thrive on problem solving and working in a fast-paced and intellectually stimulating environment are strongly encouraged to apply. Graduate Trainee Trader: We are looking for recent university graduates to join our trading team. Ideal candidates will have a degree within disciplines such as Economics, Business, Actuarial, Mathematics/Statistics, Quantitative Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Econometrics, or any other related fields. Graduate Software Engineer: We are looking for Graduate Software Engineers to join our high performing technology division. This is a great opportunity for university students in their final year of study in Computer Science, Software Engineering or any other related disciplines with a strong emphasis on programming. Graduate DevOps Engineer: We are looking for a Graduate DevOps Engineer to join our talented DevOps team. Ideal candidates will have a degree within disciplines such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, or any other related disciplines with a strong emphasis on programming and systems administration.

Graduate Program Graduate Trainee Trader: The successful candidate will go through an intensive training program in Hong Kong or Sydney, which typically lasts for 3 months. The learning curve is continuous and your proactive approach is essential in succeeding. You will study options theory and different strategies, and your knowledge will be tested in a simulated trading environment. Once you pass the training program, you’ll join the trading desk and from day one you will be given responsibilities as a member of our trading team. Graduate Software Engineer: The successful candidate will take part in a comprehensive 8-week training program in our headquarters in Hong Kong, rotating through various teams across Software Development, Quant, and IT Operations. You will learn under the guidance of an experienced mentor, and your work will be used in actual production, having a direct impact on our trading and market activities. Graduate DevOps Engineer: The successful candidate will take part in a comprehensive training program, rotating through various teams across Software Development, Quant, and IT Operations. You will receive continuous onthe-job training with an experienced mentor and your work will have a direct impact on how technology is delivered and managed at Eclipse.

Offices: 85 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000 Level 31, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Departments: Asset and Wealth Management Investment Banking Markets Key Application Dates: Summer and Winter Internship Program Application Deadline: Friday 11th March, 11:59PM Application Process:

J.P. Morgan Financial Insititution About Us J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, providing strategic advice and products to the world’s most prominent corporations, governments, wealthy individuals and institutional investors. Our first-class business in a first-class way approach to serving clients drives everything we do. We strive to build trusted, long-term partnerships to help our clients achieve their business objectives. The Corporate & Investment Bank is a global leader across investment banking, wholesale payments, markets and securities services. The world’s most important corporations, governments and institutions entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. We provide strategic advice, raise capital, manage risk and extend liquidity in markets around the world.

Work Perks

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible so we are able to send through additional steps ahead of the deadline Please also make sure you indicate on your resume as well as on the online application form what is your preferred location (Sydney NSW or Melbourne VIC) Do not use an email address with “.edu” extension as doing so could result in delays receiving updates regarding your candidacy If successful, the program includes 2 internship opportunities (winter and summer) in the J.P. Morgan Investment Banking division

Our bankers are focused on long-term relationships and developing strategies that help our government, institutional and corporate clients grow and innovate. We do this by providing sound advice, helping them access funds and making connections, all while helping clients manage the many risks in today’s complex environment.

For more information visit: https://jpmc.fa.oraclecloud.com/h cmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sit es/CX_1001/job/210220060/? utm_medium=jobshare or https://careers.jpmorgan.com/glo bal/en/home

You’ll make an impact by: Analyzing market data, building detailed financial models and preparing client presentations for mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and capital markets advisory Managing client transactions from pitch to close under the guidance of our senior leaders. Demonstrating leadership by coming up with innovative and creative ways to solve complex, real-world business challenges Learning how we help clients and communities grow, no matter their needs Sharpening your technical skills Building your professional network with mentors, senior executives and others

Our industry and product teams work together to develop and execute strategies that help our clients grow and achieve their objectives in today’s global markets. Our industry and product teams include: Debt Capital Markets, Energy & Utilities, Equity Capital Markets, Financial Institutions, Financial Sponsors, General Industrials, Metals & Mining, Real Estate. Working here means joining a collaborative, supportive team. We want your diverse perspective to help us innovate the next wave of products and solutions for our clients. We’ll give you what you need to succeed from training to mentoring from senior leaders to projects that engage all your skills.

Skills Required Demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the community or extra-curricular achievements Keen to build networks, collaborate across teams and be inspired by others Display initiative and confidence to take on challenges Excellent analytical, quantitative and interpretative skills Being adaptable, flexible and resilient Knowing your way around Excel, PowerPoint and Word Must be in penultimate year of study, completing studies by 2023 Be available to complete two internships (winter and summer) with J.P. Morgan You must be an Australian citizen or already have been granted Permanent Residency at the time of application Fluency in English

Career Progression The J.P. Morgan Empowering Leaders Development Program is a pipeline for future graduate opportunities within the Investment Banking division. Based on individual achievements, those who successfully complete the programs may receive a full time position within the firm for 2024.

Macquarie Group

AU/NZ Offices Locations: Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Auckland Departments: Banking and Financial Services Commodities and Global Markets Corporate Operations Group Financial Management Group Macquarie Asset Management Macquarie Capital Risk Management Group Technology Key Application Dates: 2022 Winter Development Program Opens: 16 February 2022 Close: 15 March 2022 2022 Summer Internship Program Opens: 17 May 2022 Close: 19 July 2022 (Melbourne and Perth); 2 August 2022 (All other locations) 2023 Graduate Program Opens: 23 February 2022 Close: 29 March 2022

Asset management and finance, banking, advisory, risk and capital solutions About Us Macquarie is a global financial group providing clients with asset management, retail and business banking, wealth management, leasing and asset financing, market access, commodity trading, renewables development, specialist advisory, capital raising and principal investment. Our size and international presence means your work can take you anywhere—across business groups, disciplines, sectors and borders. With employees and offices in 33 markets around the world, we’re a truly global organisation.

Work Perks A career at Macquarie means you’ll have the opportunity to develop and utilise new skills, explore interesting fields and do challenging work that will impact the lives of people around the world—whether it’s accelerating the green energy transition, helping sustain global food supplies, financing social housing projects or investing in essential infrastructure. At Macquarie, we’re empowering people to innovate and invest for a better future.

Skills Required At Macquarie, we value diversity of thought from people with different backgrounds. Regardless of what you studied, we’re looking for individuals who share our drive for innovation, ideas and excellence.

Career Progression

Internship Program Our Summer Internship Program welcomes penultimate year students from all degree backgrounds for 10-12 weeks of hands-on experience. You’ll get to work on real projects from your first day, develop and utilise new skills, explore interesting fields and do challenging work. Put your learnings to work in a global business, build a professional network and learn from business leaders. Summer Interns are eligible to be fast-tracked for our Graduate Program. Applications open from May-August of each year and penultimate year students are eligible to apply. Our Summer Intern Program commences in November of each year.

Graduate Program

Application Process: Application opening and closing dates are listed on our website. Visit www.macquarie.com/graduat es and apply by submitting your resume, cover letter and academic transcripts during these dates.

Once you finish the Graduate Program, there are a range of learning and development opportunities available to you. From team development and manager capability training to individual skills development, our learning and development teams design programs to help you develop your knowledge and skills. At Macquarie, you’ll be encouraged to own your career. This means that it’s up to you to choose which direction you want to take – whether that’s taking on a new project; progressing within your division; exploring an opportunity in a different team; or relocating globally – and our learning and development programs can be tailored to help you get there.

Our Graduate Program offers a learning environment designed to create our future leaders. We’re looking for the best minds to help manage, develop, advise, finance and trade. You’ll make a genuine impact and, regardless of what you do, you’ll help us build a better future —whether it’s working on projects that accelerate the green energy transition, help sustain global food supplies, finance social housing projects or invest in essential infrastructure. You’ll embark on a structured 12–24-month program where you’ll be supported and mentored by your peers and leaders, as well as through the Graduate Development Program. Applications open from February-March of each year and final year students are eligible to apply. Our Graduate Program commences in February of each year.

Nomura Office locations: Local: Sydney, Australia Global: Hong Kong & Singapore Departments: Global Markets Investment Banking

Investment Bank About Us Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning over 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East &amp; West, we service the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through our three business divisions: Retail, Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking) and Investment Management.

Key Application Dates: 2023 Graduate Opportunities (Sydney) Opens: March 2022 Close: 29 March 2022, 12 pm 2022-23 Investment Banking Summer Internship Opens: May 2022 Close: 2 August 2022, 12 pm Application Process: Visit: https://www.nomura.com/asia/ca reers/students-and-graduates/. Select Apply Now to search open roles and register. Once registered you will need to upload your CV and answer some questions. We encourage you to apply sooner rather than later. Applications are viewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the deadline.

Skills Required First impressions are everything. Ensure you meet with representatives prior to applying so you get to know the team and what we look for. During the application and interview process, make sure your motivations for joining Nomura and your passion for the investment banking industry shines through. Take this opportunity to show us your entrepreneurial spirit and your appetite for personal and professional development.

Interview Preparation It is important for you to thoroughly research our firm and industry sector. Ensure you meet with representatives prior to applying so you get to know the team and what we look for. Ask questions and be honest in your answers. It is also beneficial to assess your own strengths and weaknesses. More importantly – Be yourself.

Career Progression Successfully completing a Summer Internship will see you return as a full time Graduate Analyst. At Nomura we take your career seriously and we are committed to helping you develop your personal and professional skills. Past graduates have progressed into senior positions (Vice President and beyond), as well as been given global opportunities working in our New York, Hong Kong, Japan and London offices. You truly can establish a long term career with Nomura.

Internship Program We aim to provide you with the same level of exposure as our full-time Analysts. You are expected to form effective working relationships and demonstrate your commitment to Nomura’s goals and values. Ee also ensure you gain exposure with Nomura professionals at all levels through training and informal networking events. Our Internship Programs are a key talent pipeline for our full-time graduate hires, and you will have the opportunity to be considered for our Graduate Programs..

Graduate Program We are looking for impressive graduates who we can support and develop within our fast moving market environment and are ready to take on responsibility and take control of their future. Our training program is designed to provide you with the technical proficiency and professional skills to help you thrive and build a successful career. Whether your interests lie in Investment Banking or Global Markets, our world-class graduate programs will give you all the challenges, opportunities and support for you to succeed.

SIG Trading Office locations Barangaroo, Sydney

Trading Firm About Us

Departments Trading Buy-side Research Quant Research (PhD only)

Key Application Dates Campus roles are open now Application Process Quantitative Assessments Phone Interviews Final Office Interview (in-person or via VC)

Committing our own capital, we trade financial products around the globe. We improve the financial markets by providing liquidity and ensuring competitive prices for buyers and sellers. Working collaboratively and leveraging each other's strengths, we build virtually all of our own trading technology from scratch to implement our quantitative trading strategies that make us leaders in high performance, low latency trading.

Work Perks We pride ourselves on a good work-life balance, competitive pay, breakfast and lunch (provided daily), onsite gym & the best office view in Sydney (seriously, we have 360 degrees of Sydney and the harbour). The most important assets of SIG are the people who work here – you’ll find smart people and a collaborative working environment. We play a lot of games and teach you poker to become better decision makers. Most of our graduates and interns will have the opportunity to complete part of their program and education in one of our US, European or APAC offices.

Skills Required We are looking for well-rounded grads and interns who love maths and have a passion for puzzles and problem-solving.

Career Progression Internship Programs SIG's internship program is an opportunity to get a taste of our graduate programs. Whether you join as one of our trading or research interns, you can expect education on options and game theories. You will have real world projects to work on under the guidance of a mentor, with the expectation that your work will have a direct impact on your team's trading strategies. Graduate Programs When you join SIG as a grad, we don’t teach you what to think, we teach you how to think. With our proven best-in-class education program, you’ll get a framework for problem solving in complex environments, hands-on training in game theory and decision science. You’ll play poker and other strategy games to practice making optimal decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Visit sig.com/campus to learn more!

Stanton Road Offices: Level 10/126 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000 Key Application Dates: 2022 Winter Internship Program Applications close: 23 March 2022 2022 Summer Internship Program Applications close: 26 July 2022 For further information on program closing dates and how to apply, please visit the Careers page on our website: www.stantonroad.com.au Application Process: To apply for the internship positions, please email your: Resume Cover letter to info@stantonroad.com.au Visit https://www.stantonroad.com.au/ contact#careers or email info@stantonroad.com.au for more information.

Independent Corporate Advisory Firm About Us Stanton Road Partners is a fast-growing, boutique corporate advisory firm, led by some of the most senior and experienced investment bankers in the market. We provide specialist, conflict-free financial and strategic advice across mergers, acquisitions, divestments, defence and capital markets. Since establishment in 2019, the firm has built a strong reputation within the industry for our execution excellence, hands-on senior leadership, and unparalleled traction with market-leading private equity, public market and corporate clients. We strive to be the most trusted advisor in the Australasian market.

Work Perks Stanton Road Partners provides a unique career development opportunity within the industry. We distinguish ourselves from our peers by providing the ability to: Work in a tight-knit, hands-on team environment operating across a flat structure. Develop a strong technical and commercial skillset through live experience across diverse sectors in private equity, public and corporate company transactions Gain valuable exposure working closely with senior team members and high-profile clients Take control of your future and form a longterm pathway with a team genuinely invested in your career development Stanton Road Partners is building the foundations of an inter-generational advisory platform. We offer Winter and Summer Internship programs to individuals who are interested in working in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. Our opportunities provide a clear path to graduate employment and a long term career with our firm.

Skills Required We consider any candidates in their penultimate or final year of study with a: Keen and genuine interest in corporate finance and M&A Problem-solving and analytical mindset Strong inter-personal and communication skillset Curiosity and enthusiasm to learn Strong academic record from any university degree Well-rounded background with extra-curricular interests

Westpac Offices Locations: Most of our graduate and intern positions are in Sydney, however, select programs have graduate positions available interstate and we have opportunities in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA. Departments: M&A ECM DCM Risk management Credit Treasury The Group's customer-facing divisions are: Consumer & Business Westpac International Bank (WIB) Westpac New Zealand Other Group divisions include: Treasury Core support Key Application Dates: Applications for the 2023 Graduate Program will open in 2022 - dates to be confirmed. Applications for the 2022 Summer Internship Program will open mid2022. Application Process: We know you’re busy with life and uni, so we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can. Please visit the 'How to Apply' page on our website to discover more about our application process. Visit: https://www.westpac.com.au /aboutwestpac/careers/pathways/g rad-program/how-to-apply/

Financial institution About Us Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and company, one of four major banking organisations in Australia and one of the largest banks in New Zealand. We provide a broad range of banking and financial services in these markets, including consumer, business and institutional banking and wealth management services. Westpac Group's portfolio of financial services brands and businesses is focused on our purpose which is Helping Australians and New Zealanders Succeed. It’s what we do, who we are and why we come to work every day. From ensuring customers can save and invest with confidence, to helping with the financial needs of small businesses, multi-national corporates, institutional and government clients, we put customers at the centre of everything we do. Our business comprises four key customer-facing divisions which operate a unique portfolio of brands including Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, BT and RAMS. Through these brands we serve over 13 million customers.

Work Perks

Internship Program

We believe our work environment and benefits are testament to our commitment to our employees. At Westpac Group we understand that wellbeing is individual, and look at employees’ wellbeing holistically focusing on five key pillars: Family & Community Finances Health Values Work We recognise the continued blurring of work and personal life, and the need to support our people as ‘whole-beings’. Below is a breakdown of some of our benefits and wellbeing highlights.

Our paid 10-week program is a great way to explore a career with Westpac Group and get a taste of what it’s like to work with us. Designed so that you get a real insight into the diverse opportunities at Westpac Group – the summer intern program gives you what you need to make an informed career decision.

Skills Required

We’re looking for uncommon minds who expect to contribute from day one and have an impact. Challenging and rewarding – our programs will get your career off to a flying start.

When you join Westpac Group, you’ll be empowered to make a difference, speak your truth, and discover what success means to you. But best of all you’ll be joining a whole organisation of people who love helping others find their success. We’re looking to fill our Graduate and Internship programs with original thinkers and innovators from all degrees of study. We embrace diversity, recognising the value people bring to us with their individual differences, qualities, ideas, and insights.

Career Progression If you want to work for an organisation that will nurture your talents and help you grow your career, you should be working with us. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce of amazing talent which means that when you work with us, you can be sure we'll commit ourselves to helping you take your career as far as possible. As a part of the Graduate Program, Grads will participate in an in depth, skills-based learning, and development journey in conjunction with a rotational program. This journey could consist of training sessions and self-paced learning and has been created to help build skills for the future and set up for professional success. All Graduates are supported as they transition into post graduate program roles, assisted by various support networks

The program typically runs from late November to February for 10 weeks and gives you the opportunity to be considered for the graduate program.

Graduate Program

When you start: You’ll start with us as a permanent employee in February each year. Your program will vary based on the business area where you choose to work. Explore the business area choices below to find out more. Throughout the program: We’ll provide loads of learning and support to help you make the most of the experience. The program is structured to help you identify your focus areas. Tailored training sessions build and strengthen your technical and soft skills - accelerating your personal and professional career development. TheThe day to day: You’ll complete a rotational program to help you to learn about different parts of your business area. It’s packed full of different roles, teams, and project experiences. At the end of your program, you’ll be supported to find a role that best suits your capabilities and interests. Expect to contribute from day one and have an impact on the business. Expect plenty of opportunities to get involved in grad life where you can build your networks and friendships with those you work with, including business leaders, project leads and program sponsors. Expect to be able to give back. Join numerous communities, volunteering and sustainability initiatives - rounding out your whole work life experience.

SECTION 4 STATE OF FINANCE

TECHNOLOGICAL DISRUPTIONS Innovation & Finance Of all the prospects that come with pioneering technology, artificial intelligence is without a doubt one of the most appealing. There is huge potential for financial institutions to cut costs and drive efficiency, with UBS’ strategists seeing a 3.4% revenue uplift coupled with cost savings of 3.9% over the next three years courtesy of incorporating artificial intelligence into operations.

Artificial Intelligence in Finance We live in an era where change is at the forefront of almost every facet of our lives; whether it is the way we live, the way we interact or the way we work. Technology is at forefront of this change. It is allowing us to reimagine how we do things in a manner that drives efficiency and optimum performance. Technology has been influencing the realm of finance for a considerable period of time. Long gone are the days where the brokerage houses and stock exchanges were full of telephone operators- placing a trade today is merely a matter of a click. But much more profound things are happening in finance where tools such as artificial intelligence, big data and algorithms are pushing boundaries and redefining how certain operations are conducted.

Big Data They say ‘knowledge is power’, however, we can modify this adage in the context of machines by saying that ‘data is power’. With increasing automation, more and more data is being produced than ever before. Every google search, every click on Facebook is being recorded and stored away. Access to data enables analysis of it, and derivation of valuable insights. This has huge potential in finance. Institutions are increasingly looking to formulate algorithms that have the ability to filter through large amounts of data. We have seen this take off in the realm of algorithmic trading where algorithms are fed with live streams of data to make optimal trading decisions. Another reason why machine analysis is preferred is that it eliminates the human vulnerability of incorporating emotions into decision-making. Pure, objective decisions based entirely on facts, enabled by machines are much more desirable. An example of how big data is being leveraged in finance to attain a competitive edge is that of the ‘Ant Financial’, Ali Baba’s digital payments arm. It is estimated that Ant Financial has a client base of more than 1 billion, which is almost 10 times the level of the world’s biggest banks. This enables Ant to make better credit decisions using ‘huge amounts of data.'

Algorithms

Algorithms are not, by any means, alien to finance. Today they are being utilized in almost every type of financial institution from brokerages to investment banks to power decision making and cut costs. Algorithmic trading is credited for eliminating arbitrage opportunities in financial markets, thereby making them more efficient than ever before. The ability of algorithms to process and filter large amounts of data live make them an incredible tool to be used in forecasting financial markets. Algorithms are used in valuation, forecasting (predictive models), trading and other generic types of decision making in finance. Recently we have seen algorithms move into areas such as compliance, regulation and even fraud prevention. The applications are seemingly endless. These are just a handful of examples of how technology and finance are intermingling to power innovation - a brief glimpse into the next steps of finance.

Effects One of the areas of finance most affected by artificial intelligence is investment advisory. We have seen the advent of amazing applications such as ‘Cleo’, which is an intelligent assistant that helps everyday users manage their finances and provides them with prudent investment advice according to their requirements. Similar applications include UBS’s ‘RoboAdvisor’, which is tailored towards a more sophisticated user base. Artificial intelligence is also taking its toll on money management, where self-learning machines are starting to take the front seat in investment decision-making. BI suggests that by 2020 around $1.4 trillion will be managed by ‘robo-advisors’ globally. JP Morgan’s latest LOXM platform is a pioneering example of this. Whether it is investment advice or money management, the trend, however, is clear. More and more institutions are starting to recognise the potential of artificial intelligence and have started pouring money into its development; UBS has spent in excess of $11 billion on artificial intelligence since 2010. Artificial intelligence certainly seems to be an exciting prospect in Fintech at this stage.

FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY IN AUSTRALIA Australia has been home to a range of fintech companies, ranging from payments platforms such as Tyro and Afterpay, to local challenger banks such as Judo Bank and 86400 that compete directly with the long established “Big 4” banks. From a private capital raising perspective, challenger banks and payments companies have attracted the highest level of venture and growth equity capital out of all local fintech sectors. This is likely attributable to the unrivalled product market fit and competitive advantage of these companies in comparison to traditional consumer finance companies and platforms.

On the international plane, countries are increasingly focused on incentivising the progression of fintech in response to the ever-changing financial services landscape. This is largely due to widespread technological disruption. As such, corporate entities are fiercely competing to remain at the forefront of these industries, deploying a multitude of growth strategies varying in scale, technology, products and geography. A prime example that comes to mind is the Visa US$5.3billion acquisition of Plaid, a leading provider of infrastructure APIs that focuses on account aggregation. The strategic acquisition, although with a hefty price tag (double of Plaid’s private valuation), empowers Visa with one of the most effective and widely used financial data sharing platform provider, creating an avenue to boost Plaid’s international expansion, while reinforcing Visa’s position in the payments ecosystem. Payments continue to remain as one of the largest fintech segments, functioning as a hive of new technologies for the global financial services industry. Homegrown powerhouses shall continue to thrive in both public and private markets, with the likes of Afterpay, Tyro and Klarna leading the pack in fintech advancement.

Payment Platforms and APIs The emergence of payment platforms has significantly benefited Australian consumers and businesses engaging in consumer retail. In particular, the transparency, convenience and security features had evolved rapidly across the B2B, B2C and C2C sub-segments through the innovation and development of advanced API platform integration technology, as well as the seismic shift in Australia’s position as an open data economy with the implementation of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) legislation that furthered the widespread effects of open banking.

Challenger Banks Challenger banks such as Judo Bank, Volt Bank, 86400 and Athena Home Loans have significantly accelerated growth in both personal and business lending. These companies are slicing an increasing portion of market share from well-established entities, including the “Big 4” Australian banks, partly due to the buoyant capital raising and M&A landscape in this segment. More importantly, the ability for challenger banks to provide a highly competitive lending structure and the convenience of online processing will continue to fortify their positions within the banking market. Growth of this segment is propelled by significant levels of private and public capital. As it embarks on a steep growth trajectory, consumers and businesses will benefit from the increasing accessibility of funding, contributing to further spending and growth of the local Australian economy.

MiFID II What is MiFID II

Impact on Sales & Trading:

Taking effect on January 3rd, MiFID II is a law which was designed to protect investors and restore the trust in the financial system that was lost during the GFC. Despite only currently affecting the EU, the global presence of many of the investment banks and fund managers makes it likely that these regulatory changes will have an impact on the local Australian market. What is MiFID II?

Despite the global markets divisions of investment banks having already been subjected to strict regulation following the GFC, primarily Basel III, MiFID II places a further compliance burden on these segments. Measures enacted include:

Impact on Equity Research The area in which MiFID is expected to have the largest impact is equity research and to understand why it is useful to understand the traditional broking model. Previously, investment banks and brokers provided equity research to fund managers essentially free of charge with the expectation that by providing these investment ideas, brokers would be compensated by the commission on the execution of the fund manager’s trades. Under this model, commissions flowed to banks that had the top analysts rather than those with the most competitive prices. Following MiFID II, investment banks will need to charge separately for research and brokerage services. Now what does that mean to you as an aspiring research analyst? Well, it is widely expected that fund managers will need to be more selective with the research they are willing to pay for. And as a result, MiFID II should benefit top-rated equity research analysts whose access banks can charge a premium on.

On the other hand, the industry is likely to shrink as analysts with a poor record are let go. In fact, McKinsey & Co. expects investment research to cut $1.2b in research spending. However, surveys conducted by Bloomberg indicate that headhunters expect banks to give their analysts one to two quarters to prove their ability to bring in revenue. Moreover, profitable research teams may decide to leave the investment bank structure and set up their own independent research shops, increasing the fragmentation of this industry. Despite the uncertain future of the equity research departments of investment banks, there is some potential upside as investment managers are expected to beef up their internal research departments. For example, Vanguard, one of the world’s largest asset managers, has indicated an increased reliance on internal analysis.

- Traders must now report and timestamp trades almost immediately - Bond traders must now report deals within 15min of the transaction - Brokers and investment managers must record conversations relating to a transaction This complicated mess of new regulation means that aspiring traders must have an intimate understanding of the new requirements and structures and be able to communicate and educate buy-side managers. The most desirable traders will be those that can provide advisory services as well as liquidity. On the downside, there is a chance that the increased compliance expense associated with operating trading desk makes them uneconomical and thus further consolidation in the sector should be expected.

RISE OF PASSIVE INVESTING

The active vs passive investing story is neither new nor unknown; these days it is unusual to go a few days without seeing a hedge fund manager vehemently warning of the dangers of ‘index-tracking’ or ‘lazy investing’ in the local papers. But it is hard to ignore the numbers with Bloomberg finding that more than a third of US assets now live in passive funds, up from a fifth a decade ago.

Reasons for change: Audit client accounts

Develop business strategies

Impact on employment prospects Now, why does this matter for you, a student about to enter the financial services industry? Naturally, the active management industry has been forced to become more efficient and cost effective in order to survive the ongoing assault on management fees and this could make finding employment in the sector increasingly challenging. On the other hand, the asset management industry as a whole faces significant tailwinds which could boost your employment prospects.

1 Firstly, Australia’s savings pool continues to grow at a blistering pace with superannuation assets now at a record high of $2.8 trillion. However, the Australian population also continues to age, and so the distribution phase of their pension/super funds becomes increasingly important. The management of this pension payout process is expected to be an ongoing struggle for the industry and presents strong employment prospects for those willing to tackle the issue.

2 Quant Funds also represent a significant growth opportunity, with Morgan Stanley finding that although they currently only represent 9% of the market’s assets under management, this is growing at a 15% CAGR. These active funds use mathematical models to pick stocks and with huge data sets becoming more available than ever, demand for roles like quantitative analysts can only grow.

WOMEN IN FINANCE

A change in environment

Turning ripple into a splash

Recently, the finance industry has been swept with tides of change, as businesses and financial institutions recognise the importance of gender diversity. Impressive statistics paint images of progress, with 83% of BFGEI (Bloomberg Fixed Gender-Equality Index) firms now sponsoring financial education programs for women, and female representation on top Australian financial boards growing to 34.1% in 2021.

In Australia and around the world, firms are rising to the occasion, introducing flexible hours, parental leave measures and mentorship schemes to support female employees. Resistance to reforms is evaporating in the face of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other financial incentives introduced to increase diversity. The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors has also vowed to vote against the re-election of incumbent directors on all male boards, while advocacy organisations such as Women in Finance and Banking, and Male Champions of Change have committed to the “significant and sustainable increase in the representation of women in leadership."

A drop in the ocean However, the reality is not so rosy. The great financial sea of opportunity remains dominated by men. Only 5% of ASX200 companies have female CEOs, and nine ASX200 boards remain all-male. Men are still promoted at materially higher rates, fuelling perceptions of a “glass ceiling” for women. Companies are plagued by poor female retention rates and a drought of talented women.

Making waves Improving female representation is crucial to broadening cognitive and experiential diversity, widely acknowledged to enhance decision making within firms. Female empowerment in financial services therefore has the potential to make waves in financial services by driving the diversity of thought, which ultimately breeds innovation.

Your paragraph text Very often as a little girl, then as a young woman, I have suffered my lot of discrimination. I was brought up with brothers; I grew up in a boys’ world. You have to elbow your way in. Every day, you have to prove yourself and convince - move forward and challenge yourself. And doubt all the time. It’s a question of not so much pushing the boys out of the picture, but making the whole frame bigger so that both men and women access the labour market, contribute to the economy, generate growth, have jobs, and so on. - Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF

Women bring unique skills, which have Neuroscience effects: tangible research has found that women are more likely to possess traits such as empathy, trust-building and listening to others - essential skills in the finance industry.

Female representation is improving: Women have comprised 41.8% of 2021 appointments to ASX 200 boards, up from 5% in 2009. There are now no boards in the ASX 200 without women

Financial institutions have thrived under the guidance of women: Under Shemara Wikramanayake’s leadership, Macquarie Asset Management has become Macquarie’s fastest growing and most successful operation. In a environment, male-dominated to “willingness Wikramanayake’s develop, grow and challenge herself” has ultimately triumphed over any underlying discrimination, cementing her reputation as one of the most successful executives in Australia. As many, among story one Wikramanayake’s narrative serves as a reminder that ambition, determination and passion will eventually prevail, illuminating the path for other women to follow.

SECTION 5 SUBJECT SELECTION

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE

At the University of Sydney, the finance major falls under a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After completing the requisite and core 2000 level units, students are allowed to begin studying finance elective subjects. Certain finance electives are geared towards specific financial services. To the right are financial sectors and the electives that will best prepare you for those sectors. Finance is a broad discipline, and its best to try a bit of everything to see what you are interested in. Note, you may choose to do more than 2 electives

Requisites BUSS1020 Quantitative Business Analysis BUSS1040 Microeconomics Core 2000level units: FINC2011 Corporate Finance 1 FINC2012 Corporate Finance 2 Core 3000 level units: FINC3017 Investments & Portfolio Management FINC3600 Finance in Practice

Investment Banking and Advisory 'FINC3015 Valuations: Case Study Approach FINC3013 Mergers and Acquisitions FINC3022 Alternative Investments

Investment Management FINC3020 Financial Risk Management FINC3021 Finance Theory FINC3024 Personal Finance and Superannuation FINC3301 Applied Portfolio Management A FINC3302 Applied Portfolio Management B

Markets FINC3014 Trading and Dealing FINC3019 Fixed Income Securities FINC3012 Derivatives FINC3023 Behavioural Finance

Commercial Banking BANK3011 Bank Financial Management FINC3011 International Financial Management FINC3025 Real Estate Finance

UNSW SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE At UNSW, students studying a Bachelor of Commerce degree can opt to major in Finance which consists of 48 units of credit. Meanwhile, a minor in Finance consists of 30 units of credits. There are four compulsory courses and various elective courses focused on various topics including Banking, Corporate Finance, Funds Management and International Finance. These guide explores some of the most popular courses

Compulsory FINS1612 Capital Markets and Institutions provides an overview of the functions of financial institutions and financial markets as well as an understanding about key financial terminology FINS1613 Business Finance Introduction to quantitative areas in finance such as financial mathematics, investment valuations, capital budgeting and costs of capital FINS2624 Portfolio Mgmt Introduction to investment theories and will teach students how to price different assets FINS3616 International Business Finance focuses on adopting a global mindset while managing risk and exploiting exchange rates

Wealth Management FINS2643 Wealth Management delves into the investment and financial issues arising from personal wealth management activities FINS3637 Wealth Management Advice focuses on developing key planning financial and skills required to become a financial planner FINS3640 Investment Management Modeling covers essential analytical and quantiative tools applied in the investment management industry FINS3639 Estate Plan and Asset Protection addresses the importance of estate planning issues when providing financial planning advice and covers key estate planning knowledge and skills. FINS3633 Real Estate Finance covers commercial and residential real estate

Investment Banking & Advisory FINS3625 Applied Corporate Finance builds on FINS1613 and provides a more in-depth understanding of corporate finance FINS3630 Banking Financial Management focuses on the theory of banking from a financial management perspective FINS3623 Venture Capital introduces the characteristics of venture capital and private equity investments

Markets FINS3635 Options, Futures & Risk Mgmt: Overview of derivatives pricing and covers areas of exchange traded options, futures contracts and fundamental pricing principles and hedging techniques in derivative markets FINS3641 Security Analysis & Evaluation: Primarily focuses on analysing the value of security and evaluating their potential performance FINS3636 Interest Rate Risk Mgmt explores interest rate risk and risk management techniques with an emphasis on problem solving

Financial Technology FIFINS3647 Bitcoin and Decentralised Finance provides students with an introduction to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency FINS3646 Toolkit for Finance FINS3645 Financial Design and Analysis

Market

Data

Both courses deal with implications of technological advances on current and future state of financial industry. It introduces computational finance and banking technology using the open source programming language of python in the context of finance theory and applications

UNIMELB SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE

Basics Unimelb only offers ~8 different degrees so most people (interested in investing/trading) will do BCom, but you could also do the other degrees and take some Commerce breadth subjects. They’re all three years long, four subjects per sem, so 24 subjects total. You can do Honours at the end of your degree as well.

Finance In third year, students must take Investments and Derivative Securities. They also have the choice of one finance elective. General recommendations have been for: Entrepreneurial Finance - really indepth valuation experience, exposure to CFA Equity Research Challenge. Algorithmic Trading - great for those people inclined towards trading or quantitative analysis. International Finance - learn forex trading, currency options, swaps and international portfolio management. Particularly valuable if you are interested in a career in investment management.

Economics You get to pick all three of your third year subjects now (and there are a lot to pick from). There is no general consensus or strong recommendations in Economics aside from Economics of Financial Markets. For those looking to get into quantitative trading, Econometrics 2 is recommended.

Bachelor of Structure

Commerce

Commerce has a range of compulsory subjects plus you choose up to two majors (if you’re doing Actuarial you can only do one). Major options: Actuarial Science, Management, Marketing, Economics, Finance, Accounting. Most people would choose Finance + one other (unless you’re doing Actuarial in which case you can only do that). Accounting/Economics seem similarly popular as second majors (I wouldn’t recommend Management/Marketing to anyone interested in investing/trading). Subjects in the third year are widely considered the most practical, but it is important to lay a strong foundation in your first and second years to excel in your third year subjects. But, for each major you have to do three third year subjects to complete it so you don't get much choice.

MONASH SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE Basics A finance major at Monash involves 4 compulsory units and 4 elective units: Compulsory units: BFC2140 Corporate Finance 1 Evaluate investment options and value of equity and debt instruments Analyse cost of capital, asset pricing and issues of risk and return BFC2751 Derivatives 1 Discuss derivatives markets Pricing options, futures and other derivatives Implement trading strategies BFC3241 Equities and investment analysis Manage asset classes and returns Analyse and select equities Fund management skills ETC2410 Introductory econometrics Understand regression modelling Understand issues around data modelling

Elective units ACX3150 Financial analysis and valuation Extract information from financial reports Calculation and use of financial ratios Apply different valuation methods BFC2340 Debt markets and fixed income securities Overview of debt markets and different debt instruments Factors affecting bond prices, yields and volatility Apply quantitative skills for pricing and risk management

BTC3200 Finance law Understand legal and regulatory requirements of the banking and finance sector Understand legal rights and obligations of those involved in banking and finance BFC3140 Corporate finance 2 Extension of BFC2140 including equity financing and asset pricing Evaluate investment and financing decisions including risk management Critical evaluation of finance theories, concepts and arguments BFC3170 Management of financial intermediaries Understand various risks to banking and regulation intended to manage these risks Evaluate mathematical models and techniques available to manage risk Distinguish sources of retail and commercial debt BFC3240 International finance Analyse exchange rate systems Examine theories of exchange rate determination Management of foreign exchange rate risk BFC3340 Derivatives 2 Understand concepts underpinning options pricing Analyse interest rate derivatives Quantifying risk and risk management using options BFC3440 Pension and financial planning Overview of financial planning and superannuation Financial planning regulations Understand investment environments

BFC3540 Modelling in finance Development and application of financial spreadsheets Implementation of robust financial models including asset allocation and portfolio analysis BFX3355 Property investment Analyse property valuations and investment characteristics Evaluate property investment vehicles and property management and development BFX3871 International study program in banking and finance Overseas visitation program Compare structure of international banking and finance markets Understand financial techniques used by multinationals ETC3460 Financial econometrics Application of asset pricing models Describe statistical characteristics of financial data

MACQUARIE SUBJECT SELECTION GUIDE

Basics A finance structure at Macquarie University involves 8 core level 100 units followed by, 2 level 200 units, and 4 level 300 units.:

Compulsory units 1st year core Commerce subjects: Accounting in Society - ACCG100 Finance 1A - ACST101 Principles of Management - BBA102 Microeconomic Principles - ECON111 Marketing Fundamentals - MKTG101 Business Statistics - STAT150 1st year core Applied Finance subjects: Accounting in Society - ACCG100 Finance 1A - ACST101 Finance 1B - AFIN102 Macroeconomic Principles - ECON110 Microeconomic Principles - ECON111 Business Statistics - STAT150

Core Subjects required for completion of Finance major in standalone Commerce degree: Finance 1A - ACST101 Finance 1B - AFIN102 Financial Modelling - ACST201 Investments - AFIN250 Issues in Corporate Finance - AFIN312 Financial Statement Analysis - ACCG350 Applied Portfolio Management - AFIN352 Advanced Corporate Finance - AFIN353 Subjects that best suit sub-industries in finance: Financial analyst: Financial Risk Management AFIN328 Investment banking: Derivative Instruments AFIN329, Finance and Financial Reporting - ACST252

STEM Subjects in Finance

You’ve probably heard the media condemn the lack of STEM skills in recent graduates, and there’s certainly good reason for it. The hard skills accrued in STEM are demanded by employers, and can be a differentiator when entering intership of graduate applications. Some of the advantages of learning STEM include:

Coding

The capacity to code would be helpful for any financial job – for example, you may know VBA and how to automate mundane daily tasks. Furthermore, understanding coding languages such as R & Python may be used by investment managers for analysing data, as these coding languages are more efficient at handling large data-sets.

Mathematical skills

Finance often involves analysing the relationships between variables, such as mining stocks and iron ore prices, or how the US stock market influences Australia’s returns. Studying STEM gives you the skills, beyond basic regressions, to adequately analyse these relationships. Understanding time-series modelling, non- linear modelling and how to handle large data sets leads to insights that individuals with less quantitative skills may miss.

Analytical skills

While relevant to many financial jobs, understanding probability, calculus & optimisation is needed for many quantitative financial and risk jobs. For example, many hedge-funds will have complicated strategies, such as those focused on arbitrage and volatility that require the knowledge gathered in a maths major. Another example would be of a quant researcher in the sales and trading division who would build a model to assist a trader understand the price or risk associated with a new financial product.

With the rise of big data, STEM skills aren’t only demanded by quant traders and in risk divisions. Knowing STEM skills gives you a framework to derive insights other graduates may miss, or simply not know how to do. Understanding coding languages may allow an investment analyst to more accurately visualise and collect data to derive alpha-generating insights or allow an analyst to sort data in minutes that might take hours.

UNIVERSITY NETWORK FOR INVESTING AND TRADING