James Cook University has brought the Heroes in Business program back for the second year in a row to give local high school students the chance to explore careers in business, law and finance.
30 students in Year 11 and Year 12 from Townsville, Ingham, Ayr, and Charters Towers went behind the scenes at Queensland Country Bank to learn the ins and outs of the business world from industry experts.
The one-day program gave students the opportunity to partake in exercises created by Australia’s Best Entrepreneurial Educator, Dr Marcus Powe, and delivered by JCU Professor in Management, Damian Morgan.
Professor Morgan said the program gives students unique insights into marketing, communications, ethics, management, finance, and business law.
“The students learn about the different aspects, functions, and responsibilities of business and other related areas through mock activities based on real-world scenarios that come into play when developing a business,” Professor Morgan said.
JCU Bachelor of Commerce student Georgina Mallon participated in the program last year and said the experience helped her to decide what her career aspirations were.
“The program is a fun way of exploring the many options and routes that can be taken with a business or commerce degree,” she said.
“Before I participated in the program I intended to study financial advisory. However, with the insight from the program I found my passion for taxation and accounting.”
Ms Mallon said she was grateful for the opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals and JCU academics during Heroes in Business.
“Getting to hear from lecturers about their individual career journeys and interact with alumni was great; some of the people I met are my lecturers now.”
Professor Morgan said the program encourages students to be innovative and creative in order to come up with solution-based business strategies.
“I’m looking forward to hearing the students’ fresh ideas, and seeing where these aspirations will take them into the future.”
Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Officer Aaron Newman praised the initiative and said they were delighted to participate and offer students an insight into the banking industry.
“We were pleased to welcome the students to the Queensland Country Centre and provide a tour through our branch and head office,” Mr Newman said.
“I think the students were surprised by just how many career opportunities exist in the banking and finance sectors, and it is a unique experience to see behind the scenes of one of Queensland’s largest member-owned bank with 28 branches throughout the state.
“As a member-owned bank we value providing career opportunities in regional Queensland, so this is a fantastic opportunity for our passionate and knowledgeable staff to share their experience to inspire these young people and help determine their career path.”
For more information about Heroes in Business visit study.jcu.edu.au/BusinessHeroes