“I had always intended to study finance at university – it was one of my interests in high school,” says Alysha. “It appealed to me because it blends problem-solving and analysis with a bigger-picture understanding of how financial decisions shape businesses and the world they operate in.” This interest led Alysha to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Business Information Systems — a combination that was a natural extension of her curiosity.
Throughout her studies, Alysha was awarded several scholarships, including the prestigious Eric Campbell Scott Scholarship and the Victoria Hope Geary Scholarship, in recognition of her academic merit. “The scholarships I received were very meaningful to me, particularly as some were awarded in recognition of my interest in commerce and finance,” adds Alysha.
From the moment she first stepped onto campus, Alysha was drawn to the University of Sydney Business School’s culture. “I was attracted to the supportive and inclusive environment – it seemed really collaborative,” she says. This sense of belonging would prove fundamental to shaping Alysha’s undergraduate experience. “I really tried to make the most of the university experience – I joined clubs and societies, including the University Network for Investing and Trading (UNIT), a student-led finance society that provides practical education and industry insights into finance.”
This involvement led to Alysha ultimately becoming a core executive within UNIT. “I wanted to meet like-minded people, particularly in finance given I knew this was the area I wanted to pursue post-university,” she adds. “I met many inspiring people and I feel it made for a diverse university experience beyond just studying.”
Take the time to explore your interests and think about what you’d like to pursue post-university. What matters most is discovering what feels right for you.
Alysha Airey, Bachelor of Commerce graduate
It was her six-month semester exchange to the University of Tokyo in her second year, however, that was one of the most memorable experiences of Alysha's degree. “I always thought it'd be interesting to go on exchange to Japan since I’m half Japanese, and the Tokyo University is highly regarded, so it was a great opportunity,” she says. Travelling alongside one other student from the University of Sydney, Alysha made new friends from Japan as well as other countries around the world. “Studying abroad gave me a chance to see things from a different perspective, become more open-minded, and was especially meaningful given my background,” she adds. “Whether studying at university or travelling solo and with friends to different cities, each day felt quite surreal – it helped me appreciate the variety of life’s experiences and how every person we meet carries their own story.”
While back on home soil, Alysha’s commitment to academic excellence earned her recognition through the Beta Gamma Sigma business school society, which honours the top 10% of students in each cohort. Another significant accomplishment came through her involvement in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Research Challenge – an international report and presentation competition. Representing the University of Sydney, the selected team submitted their equity research report – a 20,000 word effort and a subsequent presentation of their detailed analysis about that year’s subject company, Origin Energy. Following local, national and Asia-Pacific competition rounds, this nine-month process ultimately saw Alysha and her team compete in Chicago, where they placed second globally out of 1,150+ universities. “It was amazing, it was definitely a highlight of my university experience.”
For students navigating university and beyond, Alysha recommends staying open to new experiences, making the most of opportunities as they come, and finding a balance that works for you. “Take the time to explore your interests and think about what you’d like to pursue post-university,” she says. “What matters most is discovering what feels right for you.”