BoWTalks

What does it really take to break into consulting, especially without a business background?

In this episode of BoWTalks, we sit down with William Hua, a consultant at Deloitte, to explore his unconventional journey from psychology to consulting. From navigating career transitions to uncovering the human side of consulting, William shares insights on leadership, the realities of the industry, and advice for students looking to forge their own paths.

What actually makes a good intern? In Day Zero, Lucy and Vanessa unpack the lessons they wish they knew before their first internships: from asking questions and navigating workplace relationships to making mistakes, standing out, and turning an internship into something more.

Ever wondered what it takes to build products that people love? In this episode, Gabriela, a Product Manager at Kaluza, uncovers everything about product management — from navigating the wide range of responsibilities to breaking into the industry. Gabriela shares her journey being a product manager in the energy sector and the skills that make a great PM, giving insights into how she developed her product management skills from the ground up by recreating product features.Don’t miss out on building on skills needed for product management using tools such as:- Miro for design thinking- AI-powered website builders like Lovable to- Sample product requirement documents available onlineThank you for tuning in!

This week on BoWTalks, we explore what venture capital actually looks like beyond the headlines. Joined by Thea Ngo - investor at Archangel Ventures and host of Founders in Motion - we unpack how early-stage investing really works and what investors are looking for from day one.Drawing on her experience across consulting, operating, and VC, Thea shares how she evaluates opportunities, what makes a startup stand out at the pre-seed and seed stage, and the realities of working closely with founders as they build. The conversation also touches on her career journey and how she navigated the transition into venture.We also break down some of the biggest misconceptions around VC, alongside practical insights for anyone interested in startups, investing, or exploring less traditional career paths.If you’re curious about how capital gets deployed and what it takes to build something investors will back, this is one to listen to.Show your support for BoWTalks by leaving us a review and following us on Spotify.Looking to collaborate on a BoWTalks episode? Say hi at [email protected]

This week on BoWTalks, we explore the many directions a commerce degree can lead and the uncertainty that often comes with navigating those choices during university. The conversation features Cori and Penelope, two recent graduates, who join the hosts to reflect on their experiences across consulting, public policy, investment banking, marketing, and economic research, and how their interests and career paths gradually took shape.Through their own experiences, our panel debunks the misconception that you should enter university knowing what you want to do, sharing the moments that helped them gain clarity, from internships, university subjects and extracurricular activities that offered a more practical understanding of different industries.The episode also reflects on the gap between studying commerce and working in the field, as well as the lessons and advice our panel wish they had understood earlier. For students (especially if you study a non-commerce degree!) trying to make sense of the many pathways within commerce, this is a conversation worth listening to.Links and resources mentioned throughout the episode have been included in the description.Looking to collaborate on a BoWTalks episode? Say hi at [email protected]'s LinkedIns:Penelope: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelope-lukes-607335285/Cori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cori-rushdi/Resources:https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-accountinghttps://www.coursera.org/specializations/finance-quantitative-modeling-analystshttps://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-financial-accounting

Join Melissa Zhang as she dives deep into one of the most rapidly changing areas of finance - sustainable investing and private equity.

In this episode of BoWTalks, we are joined by Melissa Zhang, a Principal at Azimuth Capital Management, a private equity investment firm and project developer specialising in energy and AI supply chains. Previously a portfolio manager at BlackRock, cofounder of carbon mineralisation startup, RockFix, and strategist at Google X, Melissa brings a wealth of unique insight into investing in the age of climate, AI, and intersecting careers in finance with sustainability. 

In this episode, we explore:

1.   Forging careers in investments and private equity, and beginning a sustainable career 

2.   Key trends and challenges in the investment and sustainability space 

3.   How Azimuth Capital Management balances sustainable investing with financial gain

4.   The impact of geopolitics and energy on investing

Whether you're curious about investing, understanding how to incorporate climate and sustainability into your career, or curious to hear how a leading investor thinks about energy, geopolitics and other key trends, this episode is for you.

This week on BoWTalks, we’re delighted to welcome Cara Davies, Head of Product at Slice and former co-founder of Steppen.

In this episode, Cara shares her journey from university student to startup founder, from raising capital, scaling a business, to successfully exiting her first venture. She offers practical insights for students and early-career professionals interested in startups, from raising venture capital as a student to securing internships and beginning as a founder with no prior experience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a career in startups.

This new epidose is all about exchange application and experience. Our host Joelle has recently returned from University of California - Berkeley and is interviewing Khushi who will be going to University of Manchester for their business school. Join Joelle and Khushi as they explore the ups and downs of exchange as well as their motivations and experiences!

How can your career align with climate action, social good, and smart investing? 

Happy Monday and welcome to our final episode of BoWTalks for the semester: From Values to Valuation: How Sustainable Finance is Changing Career Paths

We’re wrapping up the semester with an episode that dives deep into one of the most powerful forces shaping the future of finance - sustainable finance. 

Joining us is Nayanisha Samarakoon, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), a leading industry body championing responsible investment across Australasia, representing over 500 members. With over 13 years at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), a background in law and psychological science, and her current work driving sustainable finance policy across Australia and New Zealand, Nayanisha brings unmatched insight into how finance, regulation, and purpose collide to create real change.

In this episode, we explore:

💼 What sustainable finance really means (beyond the buzzwords)

🌱 How students can spot real impact vs greenwashing

📈 Why this space is booming—and what skills matter most

🧭 How your career can become a force for good

Whether you're curious about ESG, looking to future-proof your career, or just want to understand how your money choices can shape the world - this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to turn your values into valuation.

#BoWTalks #SustainableFinance #FutureOfFinance #ImpactCareers  #CareersWithPurpose 

In this episode, Charles Li, Senior Manager of Data Modelling at Westpac, explores the world of credit risk modeling and data management in finance. He shares his career journey, explaining how he specialised in this field and the importance of credit risk modeling for banks. Charles breaks down how these models influence everyday banking decisions and discusses the tools and programming languages he uses. He also provides a glimpse into his typical workday and how his role has evolved over the years. Offering advice for aspiring students, Charles highlights essential skills for success in analytics and how to leave a good impression as an intern.