Each year, the UNSW Business School Career Mentoring Program connects our students with experienced business professionals eager to share their expertise and insights.

This opportunity enables both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to enrich their academic journey as they learn from and be guided by an experienced professionals to gain real-world insights and perspectives for when they graduate.

The 2024 Career Mentoring Program began in late June and ran for 15 weeks, with 135 student matches made with prominent UNSW Business School Alumni. This opportunity is open to both domestic and international students

Throughout this program participants receive training in professional behaviour, business etiquette, and networking to ensure they are well-prepared for their future careers. These efforts are designed to strengthen our alumni network, empower future leaders, and align with our commitment to transformative education and inclusive business practices.

In 2024, the program featured a significant focus on Women in Business, with 69 students participating in this dedicated stream. Designed to foster meaningful connections, enhance professional development, and support female students, the stream helped participants prepare for careers in fields such as Information Systems, Economics, Actuarial Studies, and Banking and Finance.

Ragini Tyagi, Master of Commerce (Business Analytics & Risk Management), was one such student who undertook this mentorship opportunity. 


When I stepped into the Women in Business Mentoring Program, I brought with me a humble checklist: improve my resume, sharpen my networking skills, and maybe gain a few professional tips along the way.

Little did I know that this program would turn out to be far more than a series of workshops and advice. It became a journey of discovery—a powerful reminder to embrace my individuality, find confidence in my voice, and lean into the opportunities waiting on the other side of fear.

From our very first meeting, my mentor Alexandra Bosnjak, Executive Consultant at Argon & Co, was super friendly and had a calming assurance that made me know I was in the hands of someone not only accomplished but deeply invested in my growth. Alexandra’s wisdom went beyond career strategy and interview preparation.

She created an environment of trust and encouragement that allowed me to truly open up about my aspirations and uncertainties. During the mentorship sessions, Alexandra gave me very practical and unique tips about how to stand out at my future workplaces.

For example, one of the ways I was able to distinguish myself was requesting my work colleagues, when I have free time, if they had anything low priority which I could take off their workload. All Alexandra’s amazing tips have been put into practice during my current role as a Digital Analyst at CA ANZ, earning me excellent feedback.

Whether it was learning how to confidently pitch myself in interviews, navigating workplace politics, negotiating salary, standing up for my truth in the face of adversity or expanding my professional network, Alexandra's guidance was very comprehensive and transformative.

She taught me the art of navigating workplace challenges, building meaningful connections, and believing in myself. I walked away not only with strategies but with the motivation to aim higher than I initially believed possible

Another transformative moment arrived unexpectedly during a workshop led by Anthony Matis from CAANZ. As an international student navigating unfamiliar territory and having faced several rejections —Anthony’s words were the spark I needed. His message on gratitude, professionalism, and taking ownership of one’s career struck a deep chord with me personally.

“It’s not who you know, it’s who they know” he said, and suddenly, my perspective on networking shifted. His seminar was the wake-up call I needed to reframe my perspective and seize opportunities with resilience and an open mind.

This program was not just about professional development; it showed me the importance of human connection and playing to my strengths, rather than imitate what was “popular” in the career market.

Anthony had strongly emphasized on not viewing peers as competition, which after I followed, resulted in me discovering peers whose stories mirrored mine.

They supported me by doing things like sharing their own experiences, their resumes, which they had worked hard on to improve by consulting industry experts and tips on how to clear interviews.

As a true testament of the success of the Women in Business Mentoring Program and its facilitators, the most thrilling moment came when I secured an internship as a Digital Analyst with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. Receiving this opportunity, one that once felt so far beyond my reach, became possible through the very skills, connections, and courage I gained from this program.

I owe a special thanks to Anna Dosler, Senior Career Education Officer, Career Accelerator, whose constant support and encouragement ensured I stayed engaged and motivated every step of the way.

It is in the stories we carry, the setbacks we overcome, and the strengths we often don’t recognize until someone holds up a mirror and says, “Look—this is who you are. You are capable, you are strong, and you CAN actually do it!”  

To anyone considering the Women in Business Mentoring Program, I offer this: come as you are.

Bring your questions, your doubts, your fears and then, allow yourself to grow. Stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there can be scary initially but embracing a growth mindset can really be a gamechanger, where instead of focusing on perception at all costs in the first try, you allow yourself permission to grow and learn, with kindness. 

Today, I stand not just with professional skills, but with a deeper understanding of who I am and the confidence to forge my own unique path ahead. 


Whether you're figuring out your career path or already have a dream job in mind, having a mentor who challenges, motivates, and inspires you is the key to achieving professional success.

The Career Mentoring Program connects you with experienced business professionals eager to share their expertise and insights. Our UNSW Business School mentors provide guidance and support to help you navigate the complexities of the business world. This opportunity will enrich your academic journey and prepares you for future success.

Click here to learn more about the UNSW Business School Career Mentoring Program.