FINSIA was proud to collaborate with the Western Sydney University (WSU) this past May on a unique student initiative that brought academic learning into a real-world professional environment.

Led by Mark Thomas, Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Western Sydney University (WSU), the initiative gave final-year economics students the opportunity to present their final unit of economics at FINSIA’s offices.

This rare opportunity allowed students to experience the dynamics of a corporate setting and receive valuable, direct feedback from industry professionals.

“Opportunities like this are rare for university students. This FINSIA initiative opens their eyes to the working environment of a financial services firm,” Mr Thomas noted.

“I can see that my students benefitted more than they expected.”

“Afterwards, my students were very appreciative. Word gets around—and already students are asking if they too can present at FINSIA’s offices in the future.”

WSU students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism and were excited by the opportunity and pushed hard to rise to the occasion.

The experience resonated strongly, with students expressing their appreciation and interest in similar opportunities in the future.

Beyond the academic benefit, initiatives like this create meaningful connections between the financial services industry and the next generation of professionals. 

“This is a win-win for both FINSIA and the university. By engaging with students, FINSIA can attract new members while showing the career benefits of joining a professional body," Mr Thomas said.

FINSIA is grateful to Mark and WSU for extending the invitation and is committed to continuing its engagement with universities to foster the future of financial services.