FSA x ESSA Corporate Cocktails Recap

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On Thursday, the Finance Student Association (FSA), in collaboration with the Economics Student Society of Australia (ESSA), hosted its annual Corporate Cocktails event. This event brought together eager students and seasoned industry professionals for a night of conversation and connections. 

Keynote speaker Thomas Tam from Unisuper, emphasised the importance of exploring every opportunity early in your career to discover your passion. And what better opportunity to get  started on this than during the event!

Eager students gathered at the Savoy Hotel on Little Collins to meet with representatives from major firms from across the financial services industry, such as Macquarie Bank and KordaMentha. Attendees enjoyed flowing drinks and conversation, providing a great opportunity for students to develop soft skills and gain insights into life in the industry.

Navigating networking events can feel very overwhelming, especially when you are new to the experience. Here are some handy tips to help you tackle your next networking event with ease: 

1. Be Prepared: Before attending any networking event, research the companies or professionals you want to connect with. Being informed will help you engage in meaningful conversations.

2. Elevator Pitch: Be ready to talk about yourself too! Practice introducing who you are, your background, and what you’re passionate about. 

3. Active Listening: When networking, focus on listening more than talking. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in others.

4. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on quality and meaningful interactions rather than trying to meet everyone in the room.

5. Soft Skills Matter: Beyond technical knowledge, soft skills are crucial. Continue to seek out opportunities to practise engaging with representatives confidently and engagingly.

Remember, everyone feels nervous before these events and completely normal, so don't let your nerves hold you back!

Sign up now to become an FSA member to be notified about future events and opportunities.