¹ú²ú¾«Æ·

Established in 2022, the ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society is dedicated to empowering First Nations students to thrive at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School, contributing to the growth of the Indigenous Business sector in collaboration with industry and government partners, and the wider community.

¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society is pioneering community-led initiatives within business. With over 50 members (and growing) our students range in experience from first-year undergraduate students, to working professionals with decades of experience to successful entrepreneurs. The society works with more than 10 industry partners to build on the many different pathways for its members to become the future business leaders they aspire to be.

The society offers employment pathways, mentor programs, skills building through masterclasses, personal brand building, and community events. The society isÌýopen to all ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Indigenous Business school students across all degree pathways and alumni.

The ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School EDI is honoured to introduce you to one of our 2024 ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society's Executive Leadership Team Members:ÌýCharlotte Bridge, a proud Gidja woman, ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management, Secretary of ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society.

Dream career or industry to work at: to work in a creative and innovative space such as marketing or Indigenous strategy development, where the work is ever-changing.

Ìý

Why did you choose to a Business Degree? And what led you to study at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ·?

I chose toÌýstudy at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· afterÌýcompleting the National Indigenous Business Summer School (NIBSS) in 2019. NIBSS is where I was first exposed to business and what studying commerce at university looks like. After that experience, I found a passion for business and set a goal ofÌýstudying at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ·.Ìý

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career and/or community?

My experience has pushed me to go for opportunities like holding anÌýexecutive role on the First Nation’s businessÌýsociety and participate in camps like the First Nation’sÌýresidential business competition, as IÌýknow how beneficial taking everyÌýopportunity as it comes can be.Ìý

How has ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· prepared you to lead in the workplace and community once you graduate?

¹ú²ú¾«Æ· has a strong Indigenous community and support network for students studying in various faculties,Ìýbut in particular, the ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· BusinessÌýSchoolÌýhas a high level of support for students with staff members like RebeccaÌýHarcourt, Indigenous Business Program Manager, and structures like the First Nation’sÌýBusiness Society. Staff and communities at ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· go the extra mile toÌýensure First Nation’s students feel supported andÌýprepared for entering the workforce afterÌýuniversity.Ìý

What inspired you to join the ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society? Tell us a bit about your Executive role.

I was inspired by the purpose of the society which aligned with my personal values, as I thought itÌýwould be extremelyÌýfulfillingÌýto help achieve the society’s missionÌýand give back to theÌýcommunity.

Our vision is to empower First Nations business students and contribute to the growth of the Indigenous business sector in collaboration with our partners and the wider community.

What initiatives or activities do you run? How is this making a positive impact on Business School Indigenous Students?

An upcomingÌýinitiative which I will help lead is creating taxation clinics for First Nation’s business women, whoÌýordinarily don’t haveÌýaccess to financial taxation advice without aÌýsignificant cost, partnering with the .

How is ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School helping to improve Indigenous representation within the business sector? And how is the society helping to improve this?

The ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· BusinessÌýSchool fosters Indigenous business students, helping students to gain work experience during their degree, providing students with mentors and tutors as well as well-being support to ensure they enjoyÌýstudying business and are well prepared to enter the workforce as a ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School graduate.

The society also has a network of corporate sponsors and business connections where society members can be introduced to, to either talk about differentÌýbusiness sectors or discuss workÌýopportunities ifÌýavailable.Ìý

¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School strives to cultivate a welcoming environment that supports all Indigenous business students - from their first enquiry to graduation and beyond.

Ìý

We provide ongoing advocacy and support for Indigenous business students and graduates. We support students to achieve their best throughout their studies and academic, career mentoring and industry opportunities in Australia and overseas.

Find out more about the ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· First Nations Business Society.Ìý

Find out more about ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Business School'sÌýIndigenous Engagement.