The Future of Business Has a Human Side
Published on the 27 October 2026 by UNSW Business School EDI Team
What does a career in business actually look like, and how is the industry adapting to artificial intelligence? These questions framed the 2026 UNSW Girls in Business Camp themed Future-Ready Skills in an AI-Driven World.
For Year 11 student Diya Pattamana, the camp brought those questions to life. Across four days, she worked with students from across NSW on a real-world challenge for Chartered Accountants ANZ, explored business disciplines and visited Deloitte and NAB.
One school term on, Diya reflects on how the experience broadened her view of business, challenged assumptions about AI and career pathways, and showed her the human skills that will matter as the industry changes.
Business has always seemed like a world of infinite possibilities but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Over four days during the winter school holidays, I met countless like-minded peers, collaborated on a real-world case challenge and experienced exclusive industry visits.
With over 175 students attending the largest GIB Camp to date, the experience offered a glimpse into an industry undergoing rapid change. Between workshops, collaboration and touring offices, I discovered the depth of the business world, and perhaps where I could fit in.
Beyond the Algorithm:
Over the first day I was struck by the sheer scale of the UNSW campus. My group included students from across Sydney and beyond, all united by a shared interest in business. Working alongside people from different backgrounds exposed me to perspectives I might not otherwise have encountered, highlighting the value of collaboration when approaching unfamiliar challenges.
We heard from current students, the Women in Business Ambassadors and UNSW staff who provided insights into the possible pathways of study within the UNSW Business School.
Later, we were introduced to the real Case Challenge we would work on over the course of the camp. Each group was tasked with creating an engaging way to help the next generation of professionals become AI-ready while preserving the human skills that make accountants trusted advisors.
Our clients were Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ), with the winning teams given an opportunity to collaborate with the organisation to implement their solutions.
This challenge was particularly relevant in an AI driven world, where technological efficiency must be balanced with human judgment that underpins professional relationships. The Challenge encouraged us to consider not only what technology can do, but also the uniquely human skills that will remain essential as the industry evolves.
Skills behind Spreadsheets:
Day 2 began with a workshop addressing a pressing concern for the future workplace: the rise of AI.
We explored how soft skills such as critical thinking and emotional intelligence will become increasingly important as technology transforms professional roles. The interactive session allowed us to ask questions about the changing nature of employment and consider how we could prepare ourselves to stand out in an evolving job market.
Next, we attended a workshop on effective presentation and communication. One piece of advice that has stayed with me was to “be interested, not impressive”. Rather than focusing on giving the perfect speech, genuine curiosity allows conversations to develop naturally, creating space for meaningful connections. It was a simple reminder that effective communication is not just about how well we speak, but also about how well we listen.
We then participated in university-style classes across two business disciplines: Mine were Banking & Finance and Accounting, Auditing & Taxation. I chose these areas to gain a better understanding of the different pathways available within business.
Learning about taxation and smart saving offered an introduction to concepts that extend beyond the classroom, while helping me explore the breadth of opportunities available before the next day’s industry visits.
From Campus to the Corporate World:
Day 3, and the industry visits to Deloitte and NAB were the highlight of my time at the Girls in Business camp.
The transition from university classrooms to offices of major businesses brought the camp’s lessons into a real world context. Rather than simply hearing about potential careers, we had the opportunity to observe how business professionals approach problems, advise clients and adapt to technological change.
We worked in groups at Deloitte, learning how to provide advice on how to expand clients’ businesses. Taking a consultant’s approach, we identified each client’s specific values, objectives and business practices before recommending how each individual could expand their enterprise.
The activity demonstrated that effective advice requires more than identifying a profitable opportunity, rather it involves understanding the client and tailoring recommendations to individual needs.
At NAB, we understood the influence of AI and its evolving role within the banking sector. We heard from interns and employees who shared their experiences at NAB and how they found their way into finance. I was particularly surprised to discover that some professionals had studied degrees outside traditional business disciplines, including engineering and agriculture.
Their experiences challenged the assumption that there is only one pathway into a particular industry, highlighting the diverse skills and perspectives that people can bring to a career in business.
Ideas put to the test:
On the final day, each group brought its ideas to life by pitching its solution to the case competition.
Drawing on what we had learnt throughout the camp, my group worked to present our proposal confidently, combining our understanding of AI with the importance of communication and collaboration.
Although the competition marked the culmination of our four days together, it also demonstrated how differently people can approach the same challenge.
I was impressed by the creativity and ingenuity displayed by my peers, whose ideas offered alternative perspectives on preparing future professionals for an AI-driven workplace. Seeing these solutions reinforced the value of approaching problems with an open mind and considering possibilities beyond one's initial assumptions.
Redefining Business:
The Girls in Business Camp offered more than a glimpse into university life and potential career pathways; it challenged me to reconsider what a future in business might involve.
From exploring the changing role of AI to discovering the diverse backgrounds of industry professionals, I came away with a broader understanding of an evolving industry. I also gained a greater appreciation for the importance of communication, adaptability and human judgement alongside technical knowledge.
I may not have every detail of my future mapped out, but I have a better idea of the possibilities ahead, and after four days, I can now confidently navigate my way around the UNSW campus!
