Student: Josephine Bong
Degree: B. in Commerce/Economics at UNSW
Mentor: Christy Kwong, Senior Associate, E&P Financial Group
Stream: Investment Advice
I’m interested in investment advice as it’s valuable to gather insights into the market through industry professionals beyond just googling what is happening within markets.
Coming from an economics background, the implication of tariffs on the market is quite interesting, as its impact on investment has not quite materialised in the long-term. Countries such as Australia cannot quantify the effect of such notorious taxes on trade quite just yet, and it will be interesting on its long-term impact on domestic and international markets.
To prepare for this conversation with Christy, I read through her Linkedin for her experiences within accounting and finance. Paying close attention to her bio on Career Connect to gauge what she wanted from me as a mentee. For myself, I was still in the process of deciding my major, either accounting or business analytics, and as Christy had completed a degree in accounting. It was quite useful to brainstorm questions about the diverse opportunities accounting can offer.
The conversation was quite insightful into Christy’s perspective of investments within private wealth. My biggest takeaway was the power of mentoring, and having a mentor that I can ask any question related to career aspirations and equally academics.
It was inspiring to see Josephine’s growth and clarity develop through our mentoring sessions. Watching her gain direction and confidence reinforced the power of mentoring, helping others find their path also reignites your own purpose. - Christy Kwong, Career Connect mentor
Definitely research your mentor’s Linkedin, especially if you want to pursue a similar career path, and carefully read through their bios on Career Connect. Then note down anything that you find interesting or even something important you want to talk about. For Christy, her experience at Mecca in her role as a makeup artist was interesting, as you would expect for a pure finance or accounting career. As she related her experiences at Mecca and her role as a private wealth senior associate as advancing her network within both client facing roles.
Yes I will continue using Career Connect to learn from other mentors, as I found it to be extremely eye opening to the investment space, and generally university guidance. I’m quite interested in investments in the aviation space, such as the major Australian airlines, but I’m quite open to anything!
Honestly right now, I don’t have a dream job but I am interested in pursuing a role within the taxation sector. In terms of impact, I want to deliver sustainable processes for businesses that are realised in real time.
From the flash mentoring, Christy was an inspiration, as initially I felt lost in what I wanted to pursue currently and after uni. Through the two conversations and much needed advice I was able to clarify my intended career aspirations and even get interviewing skills for future internships or positions.
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I will continue using Career Connect to learn from other mentors as I found it to be extremely eye opening to the investment space, and generally university guidance.