Comunieco! THE INTERNATIONAL EDITION
F O E G RAURSHIP E V O C RENE L A I C SPE ENTREP CIE EK! WE ION T A C A MENT V A A IC ECRUIT UNCH R ING L K R ING R O O T W MEN NET Y R T US NCH! IND LAU M A R PROG
!
ORE AND M
COMUNIECO
THE INTERNATIONAL EDITION
PUBLICATIONS TEAM WRITERS CHRISTINA LU ERIC LIAO ALLINA YANG CAREERS CONTRIBUTORS JACKZENG COVER DESIGN LARISSA DAVIS OUR THANKS GOES TO THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS: AMJAD SAMAKEH SPORTS CORNER ROBERT CHAN - GRAPHICS PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORS LARISSA DAVIS l.davis@unswbsoc.com
ARTICLES & EXTRAS GENDER WARS GOODBYE SYDNEY COMMERCE CONUNDRUMS INDUSTRY MENTORING PROGRAM LAUNCH NIGHT ICAA VACATION RECRUITMENT NETWORKING LUNCH SPORTS CORNER
SPONSORS’ ARTICLES WHO WE ARE: THE FRANK TEAM
ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK WEEK 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS STUDENT PROGRAMS & EVENTS EVENTS CALENDAR
LESLIE WONG l.wong@unswbsoc.com
Committee officers sought for all portfolios! The Business Society is now recruiting for individuals dedicated to enriching the university life of fellow students to participate in a Portfolio of their interest. All undergraduate students enrolled at the Australian School of Business are encouraged to apply. http://www.unswbsoc.com/ portfolios/recruitment
COLUMNS ERIC LIAO GENDER WARS In recent times there seems to be an evolving gender debate. Well, to be cool and all, I decided to jump right onto the bandwagon, and guess which side I jumped onto...(no, not the pink and frilly side with plush toys, a fairy floss machine and a set of eye shimmer in all the shades of red indeterminable by the naked eye) It seems that either the male be devoid of emotion COMPLETELY or be labelled as a wuss with more self worth than the hobo living next door. May I remind you what century we live in, why the 18thcentury of course, men don’t have brains, all we care about is food, sex and sports (in that order) right. I mean seriously, god forbid males to hug each other! Holy moly!?! They use moisturiser too now - do they!? Believe it or not, male and female brains are remarkably similar and we do share HUMAN qualities, such as giving a crap about how we look. No one on earth wants a coarse, flaky, pimple riddened face now do they? But what would I know. Another thing my mother failed to teach me was that it is criminal for a male go shopping. And don’t even speak of the unspeakable, *GASP* the act of TWO males, shopping, TOGETHER, would bring the four horsemen upon us...Ok, I confess, I may have done it once or twice...but please don’t lay social treason charges on me as I have a good explanation. I was only out to get some shirts and pants, because I only had 2 shirts of the correct length (both very awesome shirts selected by my mum’s “keen” eye for “fashion” from Paddy’s markets). I felt very much like the hobo whom I pass every day to uni... Okay, so...we’re not allowed to show emotion; we’re not allowed to go shopping ahh, ok then, let’s go play some netball or gymnastics. WHAAAT, we aren’t allowed to do that? These days if you haven’t developed a brain haemorrhage by the end of the game or match then it is considered a female sport. I joke, but think for a moment here on how narrow-minded one must be to actually split sports or hobbies into male/female categories. I personally think it would be rather amusing to watch guys beat girls at their own sports, or girls beat guys at their own sports. Well given that I’m not allowed to do gymnastics that is EXACTLY what I’m going to be doing tomorrow. “OMG the guy next to me is crying! What a pansy!!” I wonder why he is crying though, oh yeah because obviously it is a blast to exercise your tear ducts every once in a while. The other day I stumbled upon this quote; “females needing males is likened to a fish needing a bicycle”. Now, what outrage is this you may ask!? (Or not...) It is the development of artificial sperm and ways to reproduce so that males are
no longer required. But don’t be too happy yet females, it has been later proven that fathers are vital for the development of babies and children. The absence of a father figure growing up has seen reduction in sociability, temperament and a multitude of other factors. So, what is the point of this article other than to provide some light entertainment? It is to try and open up your mind, or as many minds as possible to these silly little social norms. You know, it all eventually boils down to the enjoyment of life. The recipe is to put everything into a pot. Events to add flavour; hobbies to add pizazz ; relationships to add personality; and enough heat to combine it all together...and finally the chef (yourself, if you got lost in this metaphor) to enjoy it in the end. NB: I may have struck some sour chords here, if you have any comments/insults please feel free to spam the BSOC publications team! (Or if you are particularly keen on being heard, you can email me at oozewithoutshoes@hotmail.com)
CHRISTINA LU GOODBYE SYDNEY I must’ve seen this phrase like ten times already in the span of less than a month on my msn recently. As most of the students are in their penultimate year, the urge to study overseas seems to be steadily on the rise. A myopic survey shows that most are going for ‘cultural education’ such as entertainment and language or because it is necessary for the ‘international’ part of their degrees. Regardless of the reasons, from the photos pasted on Facebook and the rare greetings I received when they remembered they had friends back home, exchange meant away from parental supervision, individual freedom, many new intriguing places to visit and things to do other than hanging around City, going to Karaoke or taking Capitol photos (a common trait in fobs mainly). What’s better is that you only pay for your living expenses as your school fees are dealt with as per usual in Sydney. Of course, like every great deal, *conditions apply. Number 1, grades. Now, we all know this world is unfair and admittedly, it loves smart people – smarter the better, especially in studies. However, the bare minimum is credit average to be accepted by any universities overseas. Places like University of Hong Kong, although claims they accept people with the minimum requirement, in fact, mainly distinction averages and above make it, as many have found out the hard way. So start studying. Number2, enrolling. Make sure you enrol half
year early. Enrolling is a highly tedious process as you run around looking for people to sign your form, approve the subjects and in some cases, even do a language proficiency test in case you can’t understand your host country’s home language. On top of that, you’re not even promised a study position at your preferred university. Good thing is, you do have some back ups, but if you don’t get your first preference, too bad. Once you’re accepted, you’re on the roll. Just don’t forget your Sydney counterparts.
ALLINA YANG COMMERCE CONUNDRUMS What do you find confusing about your commerce degree? There are, in fact, many things which can be puzzling, frustrating and challenging about doing a Commerce degree at UNSW. Whilst we can certainly be proud of the fact that we are the best business school in Australia, this status doesn’t always solve the enigmas we face in class. Sometimes two jumbo-size cups of coffee is what it takes to pierce the hard-to-understand accents of lecturers (although once you do, you find a wealth of knowledge!) and to communicate with our fellow students in group work situations where disproportionate sharing of assignment responsibilities is rife. Even to grab that perfect seat in Keith Burrows that is the furthest distance away from the sewage stench (although the stench has alleviated somewhat in recent weeks)! So if you ever find yourself stuck in a rut during your time at the ASB, here’s what to do about it!
Conundrum: Why are there so many Asian students, both local and international, studying business at UNSW? The answer to this question lies in the roots of Asian culture which, for generations, has revolved around the principles of family and working your way up the social hierarchy in order to acquire a higher standard of living. Given the useful versatility of a Bachelor of Commerce in practically every domain of society, studying business is the most secure and guaranteed way of landing employment after graduation. This financial security is crucial especially to minority migrant groups who are finding true the adage that if you are in the minority; you need to be better in order to be equal. Of course, parental pressure is a ma jor contributing factor as in Asian culture, it is not so much about what the individual desires but what the family needs. Family comes first especially if they require you to support them financially. Many international students study Commerce for the above reasons but also because a Commerce degree is the shortest, most flexible and useful program on offer at university. If they’re looking to acquire citizenship in Australia afterwards, this is the quickest and easiest way to get there. So why UNSW? UNSW is widely renowned as the best Australian business school and a great university with a balance of academia/ research and social life, not to mention generally new room conditions and facilities. (continued on page 23)
INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AUSTRALIA VACATION RECRUITMENT NETWORKING LUNCH, UNSW The ICAA Vacation Networking Lunch went off with a blast! Eager students, whether penultimate or not, made registration lines bend around the corner for their little elevator speech with the top accounting firms’ HR recruitment teams. Those who were smart pre-registered and were the first to network with some of the Big 4 like Deloitte and Ernst & Young or other mid-tier firms like Grant Thornton, WHK Horwath and BDO Kendalls. Whatever your preference, representatives were present all-round with Deloitte Graduate Recruitment Manager, Samantha Walton, presenting tips on submitting a top application. All attendees were well fed (which I’m sure was an equally important reason for attending!) as people actively networked amongst their peers. Like others, this event was an invaluable opportunity for me to discover the small nuances about different firms’ unique work culture and their differing views on the elusive work-life balance, or the opportunities available down the line (for you non-penultimate year students). Whether you were a hardcore accounting student, or a finance student trying to pass off as an accounting student, this was the event to be at!
Even if you’re not eligible for the programs on offer, an accounting student, or one considering an accounting ma jor, these events are still useful to get your tongue rolling for when you are eligible for such programs. Remember, HR recruitment teams are omnipresent in the world of business; take every opportunity as a learning experience to be ready for the business world that lies before you! Nicholas Leung ARW Chartered Accountants BDO Kendalls Deloitte Ernst & Young Grant Thornton KordaMentha KPMG McGrathNicol PricewaterhouseCoopers RSM Bird Cameron Spry Roughley WHK Horwath
ENTREPRENEUR'S WEEK 1. A Business Plan competition to help students prepare for the Peter Farrell Cup with cash prizes and special guest judges! Check www.unswbsoc.com for details! Competition opens in one week time (24/08) with finalists announced during Entrepreneur's week.
2. Special UNSW BSOC Meet The Entrepreneur speaker during the week.
3. Special guest speaker at Ernst & Young offices during the week.
COMING SOON WEEK 8 Keep an eye out. www.unswbsoc.com
SPORTS CORNER UPCOMING EVENTS PAINTBALL
activities off the slopes I for one had an unforgettable time!
The trip started Monday evening from Central Station Bus Bay 9, where we started our long bus trip to the resort. Arriving after midnight, we collected our gear and after a while sorted our rooms and settled down for the night. Although some of us stayed awake early into the morning, with SO unpack and reload your weapons and others forgoing sleep all together!! prepare for WAR!! See you there if you are game. Over the next 3 days we set down the slopes of Thredbo in all manners. The Note: Friends from other universities and slopes open accommodated our green faculties are also welcome for the same starters, our cocky intermediates and crazy price. advanced skiers and boarders. We saw students make unbelievable jumps (and INTERVARSITY SPORTS more so spectacular crashes), zigzag down black runs (I observed from the safety of The time for revenge is ripe! After narthe chair lift!!) and fall stunningly as they rowly losing the finals in the soccer com- all attempted to master their skills. petition, we’re out for blood, and eager to maintain our dominance by winning However, after the slopes the fun continthe basketball competition again. ued. On night 2 the resort held a trivia night, and I am proud to say our group So come join us for a fun-filled sports came first! After the slopes on day 3, we day, compete against your friends in made a stop at Schnapps factory where other universities, and UPHOLD UNSW we were treated with continuous free shots PRIDE. The competition this time round during the ‘tour’ (after an initial entry fee of will be fiercer, the prizes bigger and $2!). Night 3 the drinking continued at the glory everlasting! dance party. The highly anticipated BSOC Paintball Challenge is now completely back on track, and is locked in for this semester. Full details will be posted on Facebook and our BSOC website soon.
This event will be held later in the semester, with the dates still being finalised, but keep a look out on Facebook and our BSOC website.
PAST EVENTS FEEDBACK PAST EVENTS FEEDBACK SKI TRIP The ski trip we are proud to announce was a great success. From great snow and weather at the slopes and fun social
Finally, day 4 evening saw us set back to Sydney a tired, battered but content bunch. In addition I would like to remark that throughout the 4 days, I am proud to say that no one had to use the bus funnel, a feat our tour guide assured us has never been achieved! I would like to thank all those who attended for coming along and hope they had as much fun as I did. Amjad Samakeh Sports Director
Raise your value with one of the largest companies on the ASX. When starting your career, you want to know there’ll be space to move up the ladder. The Commonwealth Bank employs over 38,000 people in thirteen different countries and has over 9 million customers. This makes us Australia’s largest bank, so with us you know there’s plenty of room to make it big. You’ll work closely with senior management and enjoy ongoing mentoring. And that’s just the beginning. So start your success story today. Visit commbank.com.au/graduate
Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. CBAB0084_B
Student Programs & Events Update
1
Previously He spent 15 years with AT&T, Telstra and Motorola in line-level operations including management of acquisitions, distribution networks, marketing & sales, and strategic relationships.
As a Founding Partner with Kalori Group Investments, Chris works with & invests in companies in the ICT, communications & healthcare technology sectors.
Chris is the inaugural Director for the UNSW Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and works closely with the Academic Director Prof Peter Murmann of the School of Strategy & Entrepreneurship.
Executive Director – Christopher Witt
2
6. Raises funds for and selects Scholarships
5. Supervises the Peter Farrell Challenge Cup business plan competition with the ICE Club as Organisers
4. Hosts fun events to link students, faculty, alumni & public, like Meet the Entrepreneur (Next MTE Sept 16th in the City @ Ernst & Young)
3. Runs a summer Entrepreneurship Interns Program from November to March 2009
2. Supervises the Social Endeavour Prize (SEP) in Term 1
1. Creates new courses like “Introduction to the Principles of Innovation & Entrepreneurship� (STRE 2010)
Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship does:
3
More info: www.cie.unsw.edu.au
! Final Pitch Competition – 21 May @ K-Power offices in the City
! Launch Party – 1 April @ ASB Level 6 Lounge
& 2nd place teams
! $8,000 in prize money, plus 1 week experience working in charity for 1st
with business model, ROI, and resources/outputs expected
! Competition is a PitchFest – 10 minutes to outline a fund raising idea,
paired up with a Charity
! Open to any UNSW student, in teams up to 4 members; Teams to be
Social Endeavour Prize Competition
4
! Opportunity to mix with talented students across all UNSW Schools
in October, to compete for $25,000 in prizes
! Can develop a business plan and enter the Peter Farrell Challenge Cup
! Focus on creating new business ventures
! Taught in Terms 1 & 2
! Exciting General Education course open to all UNSW Undergraduates
STRE 2010: Introduction to Principles of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
5
www.cie.unsw.edu.au (Click “Internship” tab)
! Applications Closed on – July 31st
growing Entrepreneur led company
! Earn Paid Role over Summer 09-10, with Learning Objectives within fast
established Entrepreneur, with projects in Sales and New Opportunities
! Specific roles will be posted shortly, but all related to mentoring by an
and Final Year Students
! Any School or Major Can Apply; Emphasis on Extra Curricular Record
Summer Entrepreneur Interns Program
6
$25,000+ in cash, consulting & scholarship prizes
–
http://ice.agsm.com.au/peter-farrell-cup/
Attend Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
–
! Prizes:
! 8 Finalists Chosen – Present at a Gala Finals Night Event Nov 19th
a possible business based on real technology or science concept
! Can be based a real business (less than 2 years old & $500k in revenue); or
or idea, register to get connected to others
! Open to any UNSW enrolled student - If you’re interested but have no team,
! Student Teams enter
7
Peter Farrell Challenge Cup – Business Plan Comp
October TBC
! Business Planning Seminar – Christopher Witt
Oct 2nd Oct 30th Nov 6th
• 1 Page Synopsis Due
• Submissions Due
• Finalists Announced
! PF Cup Finals Competition & Awards Dinner
Sept 18th
• Team Registration Due
Nov 19th
Sept 16th
! Meet the Entrepreneur – Resources Industry
! Competition Timeline:
August 26th
! PitchFest – Launch of PF Cup Season
PF Cup Timeline - 2009
8
! Deadline: Nov 20th http://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/undergraduate/local_secondyear/faculty/c ommerce/OtherFCEUndergraduateLocalSecondYear.html
– Applicants must be Australian Citizens.
– academic merit, the reasons for the proposed overseas study, demonstrated ability and leadership qualities and potential to contribute to the wider life of the University and to positively promote UNSW overseas as a student ambassador.
– applicant must be either undertaking the second or later year of an undergraduate program (including all combined programs) in the Australian School of Business
! To be eligible for a Scholarship:
! $10,000 to Go to USA Babson College for a Term
Farrell Family Scholarship
9
www.cie.unsw.edu.au
Email:
christopher.witt@unsw.edu.au
Mobile: 04.2844.2844
Phone: 02.9385.5654 or
UNSW Kensington Campus, NSW 2052
ASB Building Room 564
Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Executive Director
Christopher Witt
Web:
Contact
10
Key Events Calendar for Semester 2
August 10
CIE Advisory Board Meeting #2 – E&Y Offices
City Aug 26 PitchFest – Peter Farrell Cup Launch – ASB Lounge August 31 Dr
Innovation Lecture –Chris Roberts, Prof Peter Doherty, Paul Kelly - Scientia
Sept 16 Offices
Meet the Entrepreneur – Resources Debate - E&Y
Oct TBC
CIE Mgmt Board Meeting #3 – EIS Science Bldg
Nov 10
Health Care & Intellectual Policy Strategies Seminar – ASB Lounge
Nov 19
PF Cup Finals & Award Dinner - Scientia Hall
City
Stage 1 - Youth 2 Youth In January 2001, Jessica Kiely was working as a volunteer on her local youth team - HYPE - for Baulkham Hills Shire Council. The new team was asked to run a youth event for National Youth Week with a big budget. While their event attracted lots of support and attendance (there were DJ and skating comps, dancing mascots, chill out tents and hundreds of local young people) they received no event training. "I realised there were lots of young people in the same position - running events without event management or promotions experience - so I wrote the training program!" said Jessica. Because of Jessica's experience and interest in the area of running youth events, in March 2001 she piloted two youth skills workshops - one on youth event management (called 'A Youth Event By You') and another on youth PR skills ('Be A PR Star') at the Youth Action & Policy Association (YAPA) state conference for their youth delegates. Running both workshops confirmed Jessica's suspicion that no one was running youth specific training for active young Australians. She also realised that the youth-to-youth training approach based on first hand experience and a peer formula was the key to her success. As a business owner from the age of 19, Jessica also knew that there were gaps in the youth business services market. Youth-friendly support and networking for young entrepreneurs didn't exist! (Her first ever visit to a business support centre ended with the advice "that's nice dear, now go get a real job!") Undeterred, in July 2001 Jessica registered the business name 'Youth 2 Youth' with fellow HYPE team member Ainsley, and Youth 2 Youth was born to connect, educate and encourage young entrepreneurs and enterprising young people. Jessica's new business partner, Karen Miles, who started her first business at 23 and is now the bestselling author of 'Career Advice you wish your mum had told you', joined Jessica in 2003 to continue Y2Y's journey.
Stage 2 – The FRANK Team Up until 2005, Youth 2 Youth worked solely with young people 15 to 35 yrs old. But then "older" grown ups starting asking for our training and they understandably, didn't think the name 'Youth 2 Youth' really applied to them! You spoke, we listened. We needed a name that reflected the enterprising training and services we provided, but for people of all ages. So we got to thinking, what makes our training hit the mark with so many people? It's our delivery. We're straight talkers, we speak from experience not from textbooks, we're genuine. We're frank. We're also a team - it's no longer just Jessica and Karen in our business. We've added full time staff (Anna and Mandy) and over 25 facilitators in states around Australia. We're The Frank Team. We filed the papers with ASIC! In June 2007, Karen left to pursue other opportunities and passions. And now Jessica remains Founder and Director - pushing The FRANK Team towards its goals!  
Industry Mentoring Program Launch Night As the end of the third academic week in the semester drew to a close, Level 6 of the Australian School of Business (ASB) held the Industry Mentoring Program launch. Panoramic views of the University, a beautiful sunset, selected canapés and free flowing drinks – these became the core ingredients for an eventful start to the program. The selected mentees for the program were gathered to be finally introduced to their mentors as well as network with selected members from the ASB faculty. A round of Trivia provided an ice-breaker and Table 5 (mine) made a solid attempt with a possible 12/20 correct (A high… Pass?). The winners were each tied at 18/20 from Tables 1 and 6 who were then forced into a mahepic playoff with a best-of-three question game. After uncovering that Table 6 was exploiting the system with underhanded tactics involving iPhones and Blackberries, Table 1 were declared the final victors! With the much more light-hearted atmosphere, Trivia mentees and mentors paired off to exchange details and the Industry Mentoring Program was off to a start. Overall, the night was a success and the Career’s team from the UNSW Business Society should be applauded for organizing such a memorable night – after all what is a BSOC event without a touch of controversy?
COMMERCE CONUMDRUMS (CON’T) Conundrum: Where can I find a microwave on campus without queuing for 20-30 minutes for the microwave in the Law Building at lunchtime peak hours? I have been advocating for many years now for the ASB to provide us with a public microwave for student use in the ASB building. Whilst there are tearooms especially on the student-use levels 1 and 2, they are frequently locked and out of bounds. If you’re up for a trek across the Village Green, there is a microwave in the Rupert Myers Common Room. If you’re ready to conquer the steps up to the Scientia, there is a microwave in the level 1 Tea Room of the Civil Engineering building. If you’re a female, you can always venture to the Arc Office in the Blockhouse next to Coffee Republic and ask for free access to the Women’s Room. There is a microwave, toaster, hot water container, fridge and even a sofa for you to collapse on for your afternoon nap.
If you’re a postgraduate student, I am fairly certain there are microwaves in the ASB Postgraduate Lounge on ground floor of the ASB building as well as the Postgraduate Lounge in the Blockhouse (for Arc members only) and the CSE Postgraduate Common Room on level 1 of the CSE building. Conundrum: I pulled an all-nighter for a Commerce assignment. Where can I go to take an afternoon nap? There are many places all around uni. Obvious ones include grass areas, study tables and any specific spaces classified as a ‘Lounge’. However, more comfortable bed-subsitutes include the lengthy recliner beanbags in the Main Library (with multicultural newspapers such as The New York Times, The Australian Chinese Daily and the Greek Herald available), and there are many comfy spaces in the ASB building, particularly on levels 1 and 2 where there are often quiet, soft sofas to relax on before your next tutorial test. That’s all the conundrums for this edition of Communieco! Feel free to email your conundrums through or post them in the forums at unswbsoc.com and questions will be answered via email, on the forums and in the next edition of Communieco! Happy Conundrumming!
CAREERS CORNER
Congratulations to the everyone who has been chosen for the Industry Mentoring Program! Adnin Pasha Rayan Alex Chun Yiu Sin Andrew Pak Angelina Yang Benjamin Lee Beverley Ho Martin Ma Liang Charlie Chen Nicholas Leung Ramlah Fakhri* Felix Wong Su Xin Jessica Sun Brett James Constantine
Kelly McNeill Harry Kong Kenny Liu Jason Chew Kevin Mak Timothy Leung Kris Mcullough Jeffery Park Lillian Luu Vivian Wu Martin Ho Jeremy Cheng Ronald Yao William Ta Mina Huynh Thomas Mak Eukit Toh Juliet Kwang Farzad Murshed Wing On Sun Scott Dennet Jessica Thiyavutikan Damon Christopher Callaghan
THE BUSINESS SOCIETY WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS:
MAJOR SPONSORS
AFFLIATES
SUPPORTERS