Business School’s best recognised at Awards
More than 150 students, their teachers, prize donors and industry partners came together for the 2021 Dean’s Excellence Awards ceremony.
The annual event celebrates the highest achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students in the areas of accounting, actuarial studies, applied finance, corporate governance, economics, marketing and management.
In his opening address, Executive Dean Professor Eric Knight, told the students they should be extremely proud of their achievements.
“Tonight we acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our students who have excelled during a year of unprecedented change unseen by previous cohorts whose footsteps they follow in. Their achievements speak to their commitment and dedication,” said Professor Knight.
Guest speaker for the evening, Ms Preeti Bajaj, shared her career journey which saw her arrive in Australia from India at the age of 21 with $700 to her name. Working hard and seizing opportunities, Preeti undertook her Master of Applied Finance with Macquarie Business School and is now the CEO of Adecco Group in Australia.
“Take some chances, enjoy the new breadth of careers that are coming your way,” said Preeti, as she stressed the importance for students to build on their networks and stay connected with their classmates and the alumni community at Macquarie.
She encouraged students to apply ‘design thinking’ for their careers. “Don’t wait for an invitation. If there’s something that you want to do, design what you want in your life, take control of it and develop yourself continuously through it.”
Following the presentation of certificates, Ben Hurwood who was the 2021 Alf & Pearl Pollard Award recipient, spoke of his time at Macquarie and what the award meant to him. “Grades will get you to an interview,” said Ben. “But ultimately employers are looking for people. People with passions, with interests. People with skills and personalities.”
Professor Knight expressed his thanks to the generosity of the many individuals and organisational supporters who make the awards possible, with students enjoying the opportunity to meet the prize donors and network with industry partners, fellow award recipients and other guests.