UNSW Girls in business camp in the holidays

Over the holidays, a few MLC School girls and I had the opportunity to attend the 7th Annual UNSW Girls in Business Camp; a three-day program designed to inspire and educate young women in Year 10 to Year 12 about the diverse and dynamic world of business.

The camp combined university-level workshops, industry visits, and panel sessions that gave us a deeper understanding of areas such as finance, marketing, actuarial studies, economics, and information systems. We heard from UNSW academics, alumni, and industry leaders who shared insights into both the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the workforce. One standout session was a workshop on AI and digital confidence by Yasi Hassan, which encouraged us to think critically and creatively about how technology is shaping the future of business.

On the second day, we visited industry partners including TAL Australia, UBS, Citibank, EY, NDIS, and an entrepreneurial organisation called Business Chicks. At TAL, I took part in an engaging actuarial simulation where we calculated insurance for clients and heard from a panel of actuarial directors. It gave me a clearer picture of what a career in actuarial science could look like and the chance to network with professionals in the field. At Business Chicks, we heard from inspiring entrepreneurs Azure Antoinette and Emma Isaacs, who shared their journeys and spoke about empowering women in business.

The camp also included a case competition, where we worked in teams to develop solutions to the prompt: “How can we empower young women to negotiate confidently for what they deserve?” It was a great opportunity to collaborate, think critically, and present our ideas to a panel of judges—offering a glimpse into what university-level case competitions might be like.

This experience was not only incredibly insightful but also deeply empowering. It broadened my understanding of the many pathways within business and helped me build practical skills in leadership, communication, and problem solving.

The camp is open to Year 10 to Year 12 students, and I would highly encourage anyone I highly encourage any Year 10 to Year 12 student with an interest in business to consider applying—it’s a unique and rewarding experience that offers valuable insights and real-world exposure.

– Kimberly Chou
Year 11

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